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Fossil Preparation Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Prepares and maintains operational and maintenance records, charts, logs and reports. * Provides ... Extensive understanding of fossil combustion principles and combustion safety principles. * Ability ...

Steam Plant Operator

Knightstown, IN · On-site

$22 - $24.27/hr

Prepares and maintains operational and maintenance records, charts, logs and reports; * Provides ... Extensive understanding of fossil combustion principles and combustion safety principles; * Ability ...

... • Prepares and maintains operational and maintenance records, charts, logs and reports; • ... fossil combustion principles and combustion safety principles; • Ability to work without close ...

... • Prepares and maintains operational and maintenance records, charts, logs and reports; • ... fossil combustion principles and combustion safety principles; • Ability to work without close ...

Fossil Preparation information

See Indiana salary details

$7

$23

$77

How much do fossil preparation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for fossil preparation in Indiana is $23.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.49 and $22.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is fossil preparation?

A Fossil Preparation job involves cleaning, repairing, and preserving fossils for research, display, or education. Technicians use specialized tools to remove rock or sediment from fossils while ensuring their structural integrity. They may work in museums, universities, or private labs, collaborating with paleontologists to prepare specimens for study. Attention to detail and patience are essential, as fossil preparation can be a delicate and time-consuming process.

What does a fossil preparator do?

A typical day for a Fossil Preparator involves carefully cleaning, stabilizing, and sometimes reconstructing fossil specimens in a laboratory setting, using a variety of hand tools and specialized equipment. You might also document your work, label samples, and collaborate with paleontologists or exhibit teams to prepare fossils for research or public display. Tasks often require patience and focus, as preparing delicate fossils can be a slow and painstaking process. Additionally, you may participate in fieldwork or assist with educational outreach, depending on your employer’s needs. Working as part of a small, detail-oriented team is common in museums, universities, and research institutions.

What skills and qualifications are needed for fossil preparation?

To thrive as a Fossil Preparator, you need a meticulous attention to detail, steady hand coordination, and foundational knowledge in paleontology or earth sciences, often supported by a bachelor’s degree or technical training. Experience using specialized tools such as air scribes, microscopes, consolidants, and various manual instruments is typically expected, and some positions value certifications in lab safety or conservation methods. Strong problem-solving abilities, patience, and effective communication help preparators excel, especially when collaborating with researchers or presenting findings. These skills ensure the delicate handling and accurate preservation of fossils, crucial for scientific study and public display.

How do you become a fossil preparation specialist?

To become a fossil preparation specialist, individuals typically gain experience through formal education in geology, paleontology, or related fields, and develop skills in using tools like air scribes and micro sandblasters. Many professionals learn on the job or through apprenticeships, and certification in fossil handling or conservation can enhance job prospects.

What are popular job titles related to Fossil Preparation jobs in Indiana?

For Fossil Preparation jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Fossil Preparation jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Fossil Preparation job openings:

Infographic showing various Fossil Preparation job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 85% In-person, 9% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,285 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Steam Plant Operator 1

Knowledge Services

Knightstown, IN • On-site

$67.50/hr

Other

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Overview

Knowledge Services is currently seeking a skilled Steam Plant Operator for a 12-month contract (potential for extension) with the State of Indiana National Guard in Knightstown, IN.

Work Hours: Multiple shifts available

Pay Rate: $24.27/hour

Responsibilities
  • Responsible for the steam plant shift operation at the Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy.
  • Inspects entire plant, boiler rooms, auxiliary equipment and related areas to ensure conditions are normal, operating within appropriate safety standards, and ensuring maximum efficiency.
  • Operates, monitors, troubleshoots and makes minor repairs to high pressure boilers, combustion controls, emissions monitoring equipment, auxiliary equipment, and compressed air system and equipment.
  • Conducts and interprets chemical test analysis to determine corrective action and make necessary adjustment for treatment and control of water chemistry.
  • Recognizes operational problems and reports them to proper authority, takes corrective measure to limit and control equipment damage and personnel injury in case of boiler or equipment emergency.
  • Prepares and maintains operational and maintenance records, charts, logs and reports.
  • Provides training, direction and assistance to lower level employees.
  • Performs preventive maintenance and assists in periodic overhauls, cleaning, major repairs; and installation and repair of steam lines.
  • Cleans boilers, equipment and areas of plant as assigned.
  • Performs grounds maintenance of the training site to include mowing and snow removal.
  • Assists in building maintenance throughout the training site to include minor and emergency repairs of plumbing, electrical, etc.
  • Complies with all appropriate protective and safety requirements in the performance of duties including, but not limited to: use of personal protective equipment (PPE); handling, storage & mixing of hazardous materials according to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS); confined spaces; and complying with safety requirements in the use of tools, equipment, etc.
  • Performs related duties as required.
Physical Effort
  • Work involves climbing and moderately heavy lifting of tools and equipment (25-50 lbs).
  • Workers spend much of their time on their feet; they also crawl inside boilers and work in crouching or kneeling positions to inspect, clean or repair equipment.
  • Duties are performed in a variety of different positions which require flexibility and stamina.
  • Such effort is regularly exerted and strain may be intense.
Working Conditions
  • Work is generally performed within the steam plant.
  • Work is performed around boiler as well as electrical and mechanical equipment, they must be alert to avoid burns, electric shock and injury from moving parts.
  • Exposure to high temperatures, dust, dirt and high noise levels from equipment is common.
  • General maintenance duties may cause contact with oil and grease, as well as fumes or smoke. Safety goggles, safety shoes, ear protection, gloves, welding helmet/gloves, face mask and cold weather clothes are required to perform some duties due to possible injury from hazardous conditions.
Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent with two-years experience in general industry or industrial process, a portion must include boiler operations.
  • Three (3) years of full-time paid experience in a large institutional or industrial steam plant.
  • Must hold at least one of the following certifications or must obtain within twelve (12) months, the “Power Engineer Certification” as issued by the Indiana Association of the National Association of Power Engineers.
  • Accepted Certifications include:
  • US Navy Boiler Technician or Machinist Mate Rating.
  • US Coast Guard Marine Engineer License with Steam Endorsement.
  • US Merchant Seaman Certificate with Qualified Member of Engineering Department Endorsement.
  • A local or county government Stationary Engineer License.
  • A valid Stationary Steam License issued from another U.S. state.
  • National Institute for the Uniform Licensing of Power Engineers License.
  • A Journeyman Stationary Engineer Certificate from the Union of Operating Engineers.
  • A Company issued certificate from an in-house apprenticeship or training program, reviewed and approved by the State Personnel Department.
  • Substitution: Possession of the Power Engineer Certification at the time of application may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
  • An Associate Degree in Power Plant Technology from an accredited college or university may substitute for the required certification plus one year of the required work experience.
  • Extensive knowledge of and ability to perform all phases of steam plant operation, maintenance and repair.
  • Extensive understanding of fossil combustion principles and combustion safety principles.
  • Ability to work without close supervision and to supervise, train, and direct the work of subordinate personnel.
  • Extensive knowledge of all health, safety and sanitary procedures for the safety of personnel and equipment.
  • Ability to respond effectively and quickly to emergency situations.
  • Must have and maintain a valid Indiana Driver’s License.
  • Incumbent may be required on occasion to work irregular shifts, days, nights, weekends and/or holidays, or a rotating schedule and may be put on-call.

Knowledge Services is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact TalentHR@knowledgeservices.com.

Knowledge Services is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. Knowledge Services does not discriminate on the basis of disability, veteran status or any other basis protected under federal, state or local laws. People with disabilities, veterans, and military families are encouraged to apply.

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