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Entry Level Paleontology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Technicians

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

  • Retirement

This requires a deep dive into our legacy records and working side by side with our Paleontology ... This is an entry level position and on-the-job training is provided. The ability to understand and ...

Research Technicians

Campus, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $24.25/hr

  • Retirement

This requires a deep dive into our legacy records and working side by side with our Paleontology ... This is an entry level position and on-the-job training is provided. The ability to understand and ...

Research Technicians

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$15.60/hr

  • Retirement

This requires a deep dive into our legacy records and working side by side with our Paleontology ... This is an entry level position and on-the-job training is provided. The ability to understand and ...

Research Technicians

Campus, IL

$17.50 - $24.25/hr

  • Retirement

This requires a deep dive into our legacy records and working side by side with our Paleontology ... This is an entry level position and on-the-job training is provided. The ability to understand and ...

Research Technicians

Campus, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $24.25/hr

  • Retirement

This requires a deep dive into our legacy records and working side by side with our Paleontology ... This is an entry level position and on-the-job training is provided. The ability to understand and ...

Entry Level Paleontology information

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$12

$16

$22

How much do entry level paleontology jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level paleontology in the United States is $16.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level paleontologist do?

An entry level paleontologist typically assists with fieldwork, such as excavating fossils, collecting samples, and recording data at dig sites. They may also help in laboratories by cleaning, cataloging, and analyzing fossil specimens. Additionally, entry level paleontologists often support senior researchers with data entry, research tasks, and preparing materials for reports or presentations. This role provides hands-on experience and foundational knowledge in paleontology, often serving as a stepping stone to more advanced positions in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level paleontologist?

To thrive as an Entry Level Paleontologist, you generally need a bachelor's degree in geology, biology, or a related field, along with foundational knowledge of earth sciences and fossil identification. Familiarity with fieldwork equipment, GIS software, and lab analysis tools is typically required, and skills in data collection and documentation are advantageous. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are important soft skills for collaborating with teams and presenting research findings. These skills and qualifications are crucial for accurate fossil analysis, successful field studies, and contributing valuable data to the scientific community.

What are some typical responsibilities and team dynamics for an entry level paleontologist?

As an entry-level paleontologist, you can expect to assist in fieldwork, such as excavating fossils, recording data, and preparing specimens in the lab. You’ll often work under the supervision of senior researchers and collaborate with a team that may include geologists, biologists, and technicians. Regular tasks may also involve cataloging finds, maintaining field equipment, and contributing to research publications. This role requires adaptability, attention to detail, and strong communication skills to effectively support the team’s scientific objectives.

What is the difference between Entry Level Paleontology vs Entry Level Geology?

AspectEntry Level PaleontologyEntry Level Geology
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Paleontology, Geology, or related fieldBachelor's in Geology or Earth Sciences
Work EnvironmentMuseums, research labs, field excavationsField sites, labs, environmental consulting
Industry UsageResearch institutions, museums, academiaMining, environmental consulting, resource exploration
Common Search/ComparisonEntry Level Paleontology vs Entry Level Geology

Entry Level Paleontology and Entry Level Geology share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, often involving fieldwork and research. However, paleontology focuses specifically on ancient life and fossils, while geology covers broader Earth processes and materials. Both roles are essential in scientific research and resource industries, but they cater to different specialized interests within Earth sciences.

Can I get into entry level paleontology without a degree?

Entry level paleontology positions typically require at least a bachelor's degree in geology, paleontology, or a related field. While some internships or volunteer opportunities may be available without a degree, most entry-level roles prefer candidates with formal education and relevant skills such as fossil identification and fieldwork experience.

How to start a career in entry level paleontology?

To start a career in entry-level paleontology, gaining a bachelor's degree in geology, biology, or earth sciences is essential. Developing skills in fieldwork, fossil identification, and laboratory techniques, along with gaining experience through internships or volunteering at museums or research projects, can improve job prospects. Building a strong foundation in scientific methods and data analysis is also beneficial.

Is it hard to get a job as an entry level paleontology?

Entry level paleontology positions are competitive due to limited openings and high demand for specialized skills such as fossil identification and excavation techniques. Gaining relevant experience through internships, volunteering, or fieldwork can improve job prospects, but entry-level roles often require a strong educational background in geology or related fields. Job availability may vary based on geographic location and funding for research projects.

What are 5 potential jobs that students of entry level paleontology can obtain?

Entry level paleontology students can pursue roles such as paleontological assistant, museum technician, field technician, laboratory assistant, or fossil preparator. These positions often involve supporting research, specimen handling, and fieldwork, and may require basic knowledge of geology and fossil identification. Gaining skills in data recording, fossil preparation, and field safety can improve job prospects.
More about Entry Level Paleontology jobs

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Paleontology jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Paleontology job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Paleontology jobs?

The most popular types of Paleontology jobs are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Paleontology jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Paleontology jobs are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Paleontology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 26% Full Time, 60% Part Time, and 10% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,227 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Research Technicians

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 19 days ago


University Of Utah rating

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Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Job description

Details
Open Date 08/12/2026 Requisition Number PRN17328N Job Title Research Technicians Working Title Paleo/Registration Assistant Career Progression Track S00 Track Level S1 - Entry Level Support FLSA Code Nonexempt Patient Sensitive Job Code? No Type Non Benefited Staff / Student Temporary? Yes Standard Hours per Week 10 Full Time or Part Time? Part Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary
This person will be expected to work during the work week days Monday - Friday between 9:00am-5:00pm.
Is this a work study job? No VP Area Academic Affairs Department 00018 - Utah Museum of Natl Hist Oper Location Campus City Salt Lake City, UT Type of Recruitment External Posting Pay Rate Range 15.60 Close Date 08/27/2026 Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) Job Summary
We seek a motivated student to work in the Paleontology Collections and Registration at the Natural History Museum of Utah. Tasks will include data entry and data clean-up in Excel and in our Collections Management Database System, EMu. Tasks will also include scanning physical records and making them digital records. As part of our Digitization Initiative, our goal is to link all digital fossil records to their digital accession record i.e. the date they were collected, acquired, etc. This requires a deep dive into our legacy records and working side by side with our Paleontology Collections Manager, Head Registrar, and our Collections Digitization Coordinator.
Responsibilities
Tasks will include data entry, data cleaning, record entry, scanning records, etc. This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job. This is an entry level position and on-the-job training is provided. The ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions; the ability to keep accurate records; and effective communication skills required. Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:

Research Technician, I: Requires little to no related experience.
Preferences
A background in geology, biology, history, or museum studies is preferred but not required. Knowledge of Excel is preferred but not required. Knowledge of GPS locality data; coordinates, datums, Zones, UTMS, Lat/Long preferred but not required. Knowledge of ArcGIS preferred but not required.
We seek a fast learner, someone able to learn new software products, and a problem solver. Someone who is able to think logically and able to self-regulate tasks. The successful candidate will be subject to a basic background check.
Special Instructions Summary Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah NonDiscrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu

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About University of Utah

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The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 38,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. The U is advancing a new national model for higher education that delivers societal impact through education, research, health care, and community service, while making social, economic, and cultural contributions that improve lives across Utah and around the world.

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