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Assistant Fossil Preparation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Field Museum

Research Assistant I - Geology

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19/hr

Linton fossils are uniquely preserved in cannel coal and are studied through mechanical and acid preparation. 2) Assist the curator in archival and collections work related to fossil fish and early ...

Field Museum

Research Assistant I - Geology

Chicago, IL

$19/hr

Linton fossils are uniquely preserved in cannel coal and are studied through mechanical and acid preparation. 2) Assist the curator in archival and collections work related to fossil fish and early ...

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Fossil Group

Senior Treasury Analyst

Richardson, TX · On-site

Prepare and support the monthly borrowing base certificate for the ABL Revolver. * Assist with the ... At Fossil Group , we embrace purpose and take every opportunity to work together to make the world ...

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

Café Associate

Glen Rose, TX · On-site

$13.25 - $16.25/hr

When applicable, assist in the preparation of breakfasts, lunches and dinners for camps and other visitors of Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. * Ability to use a Point of Sale system to take orders.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

Café Associate

Glen Rose, TX · On-site

$13.25 - $16.25/hr

When applicable, assist in the preparation of breakfasts, lunches and dinners for camps and other visitors of Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. * Ability to use a Point of Sale system to take orders.

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Assistant Fossil Preparation information

What are some common challenges faced by Assistant Fossil Preparation professionals, and how can they be addressed?

Assistant Fossil Preparation professionals often encounter challenges such as handling delicate specimens without causing damage, learning specialized preparation techniques, and working with limited information about the fossils' original context. Addressing these challenges requires patience, meticulous attention to detail, and a willingness to learn from experienced preparators. Collaborating closely with paleontologists and senior technicians is essential for developing skills, while following strict lab safety protocols ensures both personal and specimen safety. Continuous training and staying updated on new preparation methods can also help assistants overcome these hurdles and grow in their roles.

What are Assistant Fossil Preparators?

Assistant Fossil Preparators are professionals who help clean, repair, and preserve fossils for scientific study and public display. They typically work in museums, universities, or research institutions under the direction of senior preparators or paleontologists. Their tasks may include using specialized tools to remove rock from around fossils, stabilizing fragile specimens, and documenting their work. Strong attention to detail and patience are important in this role, as fossil preparation can be delicate and time-consuming.

What is the difference between Assistant Fossil Preparation vs Paleontological Technician?

AspectAssistant Fossil PreparationPaleontological Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer technical trainingHigh school diploma; technical or college courses in geology or paleontology
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, fossil sites, museumsField sites, laboratories, museums
Job FocusAssisting in cleaning, preparing fossils, and maintaining equipmentAssisting in fieldwork, data collection, and fossil documentation

Assistant Fossil Preparation roles primarily focus on cleaning and preparing fossils in labs, while Paleontological Technicians often assist with fieldwork and data collection. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, but their specific duties differ based on whether they are more lab- or field-oriented.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Fossil Preparator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Fossil Preparator, you need a background in geology, paleontology, or a related field, with experience in fossil handling and preparation techniques. Familiarity with laboratory tools such as air scribes, consolidants, and microscopes, as well as safety protocols, is typically required. Attention to detail, patience, and strong organizational skills help ensure careful extraction, cleaning, and preservation of delicate specimens. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining fossil integrity and supporting valuable scientific research.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Fossil Preparation jobs? The most popular types of Fossil Preparation jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Fossil Preparation jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Fossil Preparation jobs include:
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Assistant Fossil Preparation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Fossil Preparation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.
Research Assistant I - Geology

Research Assistant I - Geology

Field Museum

Chicago, IL • On-site

$19/hr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Position: Research Assistant I - Geology
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Department: Negaunee Integrative Research
Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.
The Field Museum's Mann Lab (Early Tetrapod Evolution) seeks a candidate to assist the curator in both research and technical aspects of vertebrate paleontology.
The position will include four major responsibilities:
1) Participate in fieldwork (candidate must be willing to work outside in a variety of environmental conditions), fossil preparation, and curation of a large new collection of fossil fish and tetrapods from the historic fossil site, Linton, Ohio. Linton fossils are uniquely preserved in cannel coal and are studied through mechanical and acid preparation.
2) Assist the curator in archival and collections work related to fossil fish and early tetrapod paleontological research at the museum.
3) Assist in making scientific illustrations of new and existing fossil material. Illustrations will be used for outreach and scientific publication. The candidate will also assist in generating publication ready figures using Adobe Creative suite where applicable.
4) Participate and help lead Lab outreach endeavors including community engagement events with local stakeholders (e.g., ESCONI), and regular museum programming (e.g., members nights, Womens Board Gala etc.).
While conducting original research is not a major objective of this position, there may be opportunities to participate in ongoing research projects including the possibility of authorship.
Preferred candidates will have completed a bachelor's degree, have prior experience working in a museum setting, and already have had experience with illustration, preparation and/or one of the other four objectives. This position is designed to provide candidates with hands-on training of a paleobiological toolkit of methods and best museum practices commonly found in our field and broadly in natural history sciences. The Research Assistant will have the opportunity to network and learn from lab members of diverse backgrounds, not only exposing them to higher-level critical science skills and navigating collaborations, but instill in them the importance of diversity and communication in science.
Supervision Received:
Receives general supervision by the Assistant Curator
Supervision Exercised:
The position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.
Work Hours and Shift:
19 hours per week
Hybrid Eligibility:
Not eligible
Location:
1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60605
Union Representation: This position is represented by Field Museum Workers' United, AFSCME Council 31, AFL-CIO.
Pay Range: $19.00/Hourly
PLEASE READ: *When you apply for multiple positions, please make sure to delete your previous resume and cover letter and upload the latest version of your resume and cover letter that is relevant to the job you are applying for, every time you apply. This will help our hiring managers access the correct documents. Please note that removing the resume and cover letter will not delete any previously submitted resumes and cover letters.
The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.
At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at recruitment@fieldmuseum.org.

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