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Curator Paleontology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Mesa

Museum Curator

Mesa, AZ

$75K - $102K/yr

... paleontology, geology, biology); conducting original and secondary research; ensuring compliance ... The Museum Curator also supervises full-time, part-time, contractual, and volunteer personnel. This ...

City of Mesa, AZ

Museum Curator

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

The Museum Curator develops, interprets, evaluates, communicates, and curates the collections of ... Museum Studies, Anthropology, Biology, Geology, Paleontology, or a closely related area and ...

Stantec

Senior Paleontologist

Monrovia, CA · On-site

$80K - $121K/yr

Field experience in sedimentary geology and paleontology. Fossil preparation and museum curation experience. Project management experience. Must have good driving record and a valid driver's license.

Stantec

Senior Paleontologist

Paramount, CA · On-site

Field experience in sedimentary geology and paleontology. Fossil preparation and museum curation experience. Project management experience. Must have good driving record and a valid driver's license.

Stantec

Senior Paleontologist

Ventura, CA · On-site

Field experience in sedimentary geology and paleontology. Fossil preparation and museum curation experience. Project management experience. Must have good driving record and a valid driver's license.

Stantec

Senior Paleontologist

San Diego, CA · On-site

Field experience in sedimentary geology and paleontology. Fossil preparation and museum curation experience. Project management experience. Must have good driving record and a valid driver's license.

Stantec

Senior Paleontologist

Irvine, CA · On-site

Field experience in sedimentary geology and paleontology. Fossil preparation and museum curation experience. Project management experience. Must have good driving record and a valid driver's license.

Stantec

Senior Paleontologist

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

Field experience in sedimentary geology and paleontology. Fossil preparation and museum curation experience. Project management experience. Must have good driving record and a valid driver's license.

Stantec

Senior Paleontologist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Field experience in sedimentary geology and paleontology. Fossil preparation and museum curation experience. Project management experience. Must have good driving record and a valid driver's license.

Stantec

Senior Paleontologist

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

Field experience in sedimentary geology and paleontology. Fossil preparation and museum curation experience. Project management experience. Must have good driving record and a valid driver's license.

Stantec

Senior Paleontologist

Pasadena, CA · On-site

Field experience in sedimentary geology and paleontology. Fossil preparation and museum curation experience. Project management experience. Must have good driving record and a valid driver's license.

Stantec

Senior Paleontologist

Monrovia, CA · On-site

Field experience in sedimentary geology and paleontology. Fossil preparation and museum curation experience. Project management experience. Must have good driving record and a valid driver's license.

Stantec

Senior Paleontologist

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

Field experience in sedimentary geology and paleontology. Fossil preparation and museum curation experience. Project management experience. Must have good driving record and a valid driver's license.

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Curator Paleontology information

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$25.5K

$72.6K

$119.5K

How much do curator paleontology jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for curator paleontology in the United States is $72,627.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a curator of paleontology do?

A Curator of Paleontology is responsible for managing and researching fossil collections in museums or academic institutions. Their duties include acquiring, cataloging, and preserving paleontological specimens, as well as conducting scientific research on fossils. They also develop educational exhibits and programs to share knowledge with the public and collaborate with other researchers. Additionally, curators may publish their findings in scientific journals and ensure the proper care and documentation of collections for future study.

What are some common challenges faced by a curator of paleontology in managing and preserving fossil collections?

Curators of Paleontology often encounter challenges related to the long-term preservation and accurate documentation of fossil specimens. These can include managing environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light exposure that may degrade fossils over time. Curators must also ensure that collections are well-organized and accessible for research, which involves meticulous cataloguing and sometimes digitizing records. Balancing the demands of public exhibitions with the needs of scientific research can also be complex, requiring strong organizational and communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a curator of paleontology, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Curator of Paleontology, you need a strong background in paleontology or related earth sciences, usually with a PhD and experience in research and collections management. Familiarity with fossil preparation tools, collection database systems, and relevant software for research and cataloging is essential. Excellent organizational, communication, and public engagement skills help curators effectively manage collections and promote scientific knowledge. These skills ensure accurate preservation, research, and educational outreach, which are vital for advancing the institution's mission and public understanding of paleontology.

What is the difference between Curator Paleontology vs Paleontology Researcher?

AspectCurator PaleontologyPaleontology Researcher
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Paleontology, Museum Studies, or related field; often requires experience in curationMaster's or Ph.D. in Paleontology or Geology; focus on research and fieldwork
Work EnvironmentMuseums, natural history institutions, or universities; involves managing collectionsResearch labs, universities, or field sites; involves conducting studies and fieldwork
Employer & Industry UsageMuseums, educational institutions, research centersUniversities, research institutes, government agencies

While both roles require a background in paleontology, a Curator Paleontology primarily manages collections and educates the public, whereas a Paleontology Researcher focuses on conducting scientific research and fieldwork. The choice depends on whether you prefer curation and education or research and exploration.

Do I need a PhD to be a curator paleontology?

A PhD is typically required to become a paleontology curator, as it demonstrates advanced expertise in the field and is often necessary for research, curation, and leadership roles. However, some positions may accept a master's degree with relevant experience, especially in museum work or collections management, but a doctorate is generally preferred for senior or research-focused roles.

Is there a high demand for museum curators?

Museum curators, including those specializing in paleontology, generally face moderate demand, with job growth driven by cultural and educational funding. Opportunities may be limited by budget constraints and the specialized nature of the field, but positions are available in institutions with active collections and research programs.
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Curator Paleontology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Curator Paleontology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 17% Temporary. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,627 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Museum Curator

City of Mesa

Mesa, AZ

$75K - $102K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

City Of Mesa rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

222nd of 849 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Description/Duties The current vacancy is in the Arizona Museum of Natural History; however, this recruitment will also be used to establish an eligible list for possible future vacancies in other assignment areas. The first review of all applications will be on Monday, July 6, 2026. The Museum Curator develops, interprets, evaluates, communicates, and curates the collections of the Arizona Museum for Natural History for the fields of natural and social sciences.

Responsibilities include: developing and implementing procedures of a general curatorial nature relating to the fields of Social Sciences (history, ethnology, archaeology, anthropology) or Natural Sciences (paleontology, geology, biology); conducting original and secondary research; ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws in the acquisition and collection of objects; writing policies, plans, grant proposals, reports, etc., regarding museum collections, general curatorial information, or a designated subject area; and providing curatorial expertise on certain changing and permanent exhibits. The Museum Curator also supervises full-time, part-time, contractual, and volunteer personnel. This class is also responsible for performing related duties as required

Anthropology Assignment: Conducts primary and/or secondary research in anthropology or related disciplines; oversee the disciplines of ethnology, and archaeology; coordinates the permanent gallery rotations, changes and updates exhibits, public engagement, and educational programming. General supervision is received from the Chief Curator, who reviews work through conferences, meetings, reports, and overall results achieved. This class is FLSA exempt professional.

Please refer to the link below for the full job description and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions. Qualifications & Requirements Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity. Minimum Qualifications Required.

Any combination of training, education, or experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in a Social Science, Natural Science, or related field such as Museum Studies, Anthropology, Biology, Geology, Paleontology, or a closely related area. Considerable (3 - 5 years) collections experience in museums, cultural centers, institutes, academics, or equivalent. Preferred/Desirable Qualifications.

A Master's Degree or Ph.D. in Social Science, Natural Science, or related field such as: Museum Studies, Anthropology, Biology, Geology, Paleontology, or a closely related area and experience in responsible positions in a museum is preferred. Experience in Triassic paleobiology field collection and publication desirable

Experience in application and administration of grants, permits, and federal and state repositories. Experience in large museum projects. Link to Job Description http://apps.mesaaz.gov/jobdescriptions/Documents/JobDescriptions/cs4225.pdf

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