Raymond Vodden
Ohio
Summary
Experienced professional geologist and vertebrate paleontologist with a long history of geological sampling and specimen preparation and interpretation.
Proven track record in both the public and private sectors, specializing in fossil conservation and geological sampling.
Skilled in tool operation and construction of museum quality structures. Committed to advancing the field of natural history through meticulous research and display.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
2000
2000
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Paleontologist and exhibits technician
Dayton society of natural history
Dayton, OH
12.2019 - 02.2026
- Maintained and repaired museum exhibits and displays for public engagement.
- Assisted in managing daily operations of the natural history center.
- Prepared and catalogued specimens for the collection.
- Construction of museum quality armatures out of steel for taxidermy mounts and fossils.
- Performed repairs to taxidermy mounts where necessary.
- Worked with a myriad of tools ranging from air scribes to welders to hand tools
Collections technician and head preparator
Virginia museum of natural history
Martinsville, Virginia
04.2012 - 12.2019
- Operated equipment for exhibit setup and maintenance in natural history displays.
- Conducted routine inspections of museum artifacts for preservation and care.
- Assisted in the installation of educational programs and interactive exhibits.
- Identified archaeological artifacts, prepared biological specimens as study skins and skeletons and prepared fossils. Furthermore I built skeletons for exhibit and outreach purpose.
- Used a myriad of lab tools to perform my lab tasks.
Deli and fresh foods associate
Walmart
Rome, NY
12.2010 - 04.2012
- Assisted customers with product inquiries and service requests.
- Maintained inventory accuracy through regular stock checks and organization.
- Collaborated with team members to optimize store layout and product placement.
- Trained new associates on store policies and customer service techniques.
- Processed transactions efficiently at checkout, ensuring customer satisfaction.
Paleontologist
Triebold paleontology inc
Woodland Park, Colorado
10.2006 - 12.2008
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Field paleontologist and fossil preparator.
- Used many pneumatic, electrical and hand tools to recover, restore, identify and prepare fossil skeletons.
National Geographic fossil preparator
University of chicago
Chicago, Illinois
10.2004 - 10.2006
- Prepared materials for african dinosaur exhibit installations and exhibitions in and around the university, the city of Chicago and around the world.
- Field paleontologist for Montana and Wyoming dinosaur expeditions.
- Fossil preparator and conservator.
- Used many laboratory tools to prepare the fossils.
Fossil preparator
The field museum
Chicago, IL
10.2000 - 10.2004
Field Geologist
SECOR International
Chicago, IL
08.2000 - 10.2002
- Conducted geological surveys to assess land and mineral resources.
- Analyzed soil and water samples using advanced testing methods and equipment.
- Collaborated with engineering teams on-site development projects.
- Soil and groundwater cleanup procedures at factory and gas stations sites.
Rig geologist and groundwater sampler
Bjaam environment inc.
Canal Fulton, Ohio
01.1998 - 08.2000
- Conducted geological surveys to assess environmental conditions.
- Analyzed soil and rock samples for contamination and composition.
- Collaborated with teams to develop environmental protection plans.
- Worked on a CME hollow stem drill rig to sample soil , install groundwater monitoring wells. Sampled water and soil. Free product removal. Created well logs of our site’s subsoil.
Education
Studied in - Paleobiology
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL 08.2003 - 05.2004
Bachelor of Science - Geology
Kent State University
Kent, OH 08.1993 - 12.1998
Pawling Jr./sr. High School
Pawling, NYSkills
- Exhibit maintenance and creation of-over two dozen pieces
- Specimen preparation for mega and microscopic analysis
- Geologic survey sampling and interpretation
- Geotechnical boring
- Written many technical hazwoper reports and conference papers
- Been mentioned in many, peer reviewed scientific posters
- Collaboration in team settings
- Installation of educational components
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Elementary
Timeline
Paleontologist and exhibits technician
Dayton society of natural history
12.2019 - 02.2026
Collections technician and head preparator
Virginia museum of natural history
04.2012 - 12.2019
Deli and fresh foods associate
Walmart
12.2010 - 04.2012
Paleontologist
Triebold paleontology inc
10.2006 - 12.2008
National Geographic fossil preparator
University of chicago
10.2004 - 10.2006
Studied in - Paleobiology
University of Chicago
08.2003 - 05.2004
Fossil preparator
The field museum
10.2000 - 10.2004
Field Geologist
SECOR International
08.2000 - 10.2002
Rig geologist and groundwater sampler
Bjaam environment inc.
01.1998 - 08.2000
Bachelor of Science - Geology
Kent State University
08.1993 - 12.1998
Pawling Jr./sr. High School