ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Fossil Preparator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

All JobsFossil Preparator Jobs

Fossil Preparator information

See salary details

$8

$25

$57

How much do fossil preparator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for fossil preparator in the United States is $25.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a preparator?

To become a fossil preparator, typically one needs a background in geology, paleontology, or related sciences, along with skills in delicate cleaning and preservation techniques. Gaining experience through internships or apprenticeships at museums or research institutions is common, and familiarity with tools like air scribes and brushes is essential. Some positions may require specialized training or certifications in fossil preparation methods.

How to become a fossil preparator?

To become a fossil preparator, individuals typically need a background in geology, paleontology, or related sciences, along with skills in fossil handling and preparation techniques. Gaining experience through internships or apprenticeships and learning to use tools like air scribes and micro sandblasters is important; some positions may require a bachelor's degree or specialized training. Certification is not mandatory but can enhance job prospects in museums or research institutions.

How much does a fossil preparator make?

Fossil preparators typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced preparators with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in research or museum settings.

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

To thrive as a Fossil Preparator, you need a solid background in paleontology, geology, or a related field, often accompanied by specialized training or a relevant degree. Proficiency with preparation tools such as pneumatic scribes, microscopes, and consolidants, as well as experience with digital imaging and cataloging systems, is typically required. Attention to detail, patience, and excellent manual dexterity are vital soft skills for handling delicate fossils and collaborating with researchers. These skills are crucial to preserving valuable specimens for scientific study and public education while ensuring accuracy and safety in the preparation process.

What are fossil preparators?

Fossil preparators are specialized technicians who clean, conserve, and restore fossil specimens for research, display, and educational purposes. They use a variety of tools and techniques to carefully remove rock and debris from fossils without damaging them. Fossil preparators often work in museums, universities, or research institutions, and collaborate closely with paleontologists. Their work is crucial for making fossils accessible for scientific study and public exhibits.

How much do paleontologists get paid?

Paleontologists, including fossil preparators who often work in museums or research institutions, typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may pay less, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn higher salaries.

What are the main challenges a Fossil Preparator faces when working with delicate specimens?

Fossil Preparators often handle extremely fragile and rare specimens, which can present significant challenges. Working with delicate fossils requires patience, steady hands, and deep knowledge of materials and tools to avoid causing damage. Additionally, preparators must carefully document their processes and collaborate closely with paleontologists and curators to ensure proper preservation. Balancing thorough cleaning and preservation without compromising scientific value is a critical part of the role.

What is the difference between Fossil Preparator vs Paleontologist?

AspectFossil PreparatorPaleontologist
CredentialsTraining in fossil preservation, often technical certificationsAdvanced degrees (BSc, MSc, PhD) in paleontology or related fields
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, museums, excavation sitesFieldwork, research institutions, museums
Industry UsagePrimarily in museums, labs, and excavation projectsResearch, academia, museums, field excavations

Fossil Preparators focus on cleaning, restoring, and preserving fossils, often working in labs and museums. Paleontologists conduct research, excavations, and study fossils to understand prehistoric life. While both roles involve fossils, preparators handle the preservation process, whereas paleontologists analyze and interpret fossil data.

More about Fossil Preparator jobs
What cities are hiring for Fossil Preparator jobs? Cities with the most Fossil Preparator job openings:
What states have the most Fossil Preparator jobs? States with the most job openings for Fossil Preparator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Fossil Preparator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Fossil Preparator jobs are:
Fossil Preparator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fossil Preparator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,250 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Field Paleontologist - Project Geologist

Utah Division of Human Resource Management

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

$36.04 - $46/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

FIELD PALEONTOLOGIST (PROJECT GEOLOGIST)This position may be filled at the geologist or project geologist level depending on experience and qualifications.
FT / PT Status - Full-Time
Salary - $36.04 - $46.00 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office - HybridRecruiter - Karen Weir kweir@utah.gov 8015387425
Application Deadline - 8/6/2026
Job DescriptionThe GeologicMapping and Paleontology Program of the Utah Geological Survey (UGS) is seekinga full time permanent Preparator - Field Paleontologist. This is a unique opportunity to build a career focused on FieldPaleontology in Utah. This position will be focused on fulfilling Utahpaleontology regulation regarding the documentation, preservation, andpromotion of Utah's vast paleontological resource. Funded by UGS base fundingsupplemented by Federal projects at multiple scales including projects for NPS,BLM, USFS, and Statemap. Theincumbent will be responsible for overseeing paleontological field work and thepreparation lab for a variety of paleontological projects with a focus on resourceinventory, salvage, and research in support of understanding Utah's geologicalhistory and stratigraphic framework. Maintenance of Utah's ever growingPaleontological Locality Database is a critical part of the program and with25,000 records it is unrivaled anywhere.
Key Responsibilities
Key responsibilities and day to day responsibilities of this position:
  • Oversee fossil preparation in UGS preparation lab by insuring equipment is operational, preparing significant fossils, overseeing volunteers, organizing the transfer of prepared specimens into appropriate repositories.
    Supervise paleontological field work by overseeing base camp operations, excavations, volunteers, collecting field data, and creating digital paleontological locality files.
  • Perform geologic field work that includes putting paleontological field data into geological context stratigraphically and geographically.
  • Prepare paleontological permit applications, supporting materials, and final reports for federal and state agencies as needed working with State Paleontologist.
  • Review paleontological reports and publications for UGS, external scientists, and students.
    Address review comments and complete reports on time for contract deliverables, provide timely reviews of geologic publications in collaboration with other UGS staff and outside geoscientists.
  • Work closely with the State Paleontologist to address issues related to paleontological resource management on public lands.
  • Develop paleontological and geologic expertise for Utah and share this expertise via conferences, publishing, and public interaction.
  • Collaborate with other Utah Geological Survey staff and external scientists investigating the geological heritage of Utah.

Qualifications
Minimum or "day-one" qualifications:
  • B.S. in Geology or Biology (Paleontology) required;M.S. or Ph.D. in Geology or Biology (Paleontology) is preferred.
  • May underfill based on candidates experiencelevel.
    • Project Geologist - must be licensed as a geologist in the state of Utah.
    • Geologist - doesn't require licensure, but the incumbent is generally working toward becoming licensed.
  • Must have experience in vertebrate fossilpreparation and field excavation.
  • Need to be able to assure personal safety in avariety of remote wilderness and urban settings.

Preferred or trainable/on-the-job qualifications:
  • A track record of fossil preparation at both the micro and macro scale documented by portfolio of past fossil preparations.
  • Experience in both paleontological inventory investigations and overseeing large scale vertebrate fossil excavations.
  • Creating high quality digital quarry maps using ArcGIS (ArcPro), and other map related software.
    Experience conducting paleontological field work including fossil prospecting, site evaluation and documentation, excavation, quarry mapping, and stratigraphy.
  • Experience developing 3-D paleontological data through photogrammetry and other means.
  • Experience with field work that involves safe travel through various remote wilderness and urban settings, and remote four-wheel driving.
  • Experience preparing reports, papers, and presentations including supporting figures, tables, and summary materials.
  • Experience reviewing reports and providing constructive feedback to collaborators and coworkers.
  • Experience with Utah paleontology and geology.

About the Role
Location -
1594 West North Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84116
United States
Background Check Required - No
Drug Test Required - No
Schedule Code - B - Competitive Career Service
Work Schedule - Monday - Friday, 40 hours a week
Special Working Conditions or Physical Requirements -
  • The work requires considerable and strenuous physical exertion such as frequent climbing, lifting heavy objects over 50 pounds, crouching or crawling in restricted areas, defending oneself and/or others against physical attack.
  • Participate in remote fieldwork that involves cross-country hiking and travel on and off trails onfoot with a pack and equipment.
  • Current valid drivers license
  • Position will require frequent travel; occasionally overnight for up to several weeks at a time. Overnights often require camping.
  • Risks which require the use of special safety precautions and/or equipment, e.g., working around operating machines, working with contagious diseases or hazardous chemicals, etc.

Project Geologist - (Salary Range $36.04 - $54.12) This is a lead level job. Incumbents require limited direction and provide functional supervision to staff. Incumbents exercise independent judgement and utilize advanced expertise in geology to perform professional geologic duties. Conduct assigned research-oriented geological projects, implementing and monitoring plans and budgets on assigned projects. Must be Licensed as a Professional Geologist in the State of Utah.
Geologist - (Salary Range $32.32 - $48.56) This is a working level job. Under general supervision, incumbents exercise independent judgement and utilize training in geology to perform professional geologic duties. Conduct assigned research-oriented geological projects, implementing and monitoring plans and budgets on assigned projects.
Why You Should Join Our TeamIn Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:
  • Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
  • Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
  • Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
  • Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The AgencyUtahpreserves the most complete fossil record of the entire history of life ofnearly any place on Earth and is particularly known for its spectaculardinosaur record. Utah is a geological wonderland from its well-known red rockcanyon country to its complicated basin and range geology, upland plateaus andmountains. This position is a uniquechance to build a career studying and documenting the unique paleontologicalrecord of Utah. The applicant will be joining one of the most successful StateGeological Survey programs in the U.S. with a long track record of publishingstandard setting geologic andpaleontological reports and peer reviewed journal articles. The Utah Geological Survey is a diverse earth science organization that includes groups working on Energy and Mineral Resources, Geologic Hazards, Information and Outreach, and Hydrologyand Wetlands. The Utah GeologicalSurvey believes that an ethical, motivated, and experienced work force arecornerstones of institutional,scientific, and creative excellence and are inextricably linked with ourmission, vision, and values.
Utah Geological Survey
Utah Department of Natural Resources
Paleontology Program
EEO StatementThe State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.

Apply