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Fossils Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ERM

Survey pre-defined study areas or project alignments for potential paleontological resources or fossils, following protocols defined in survey plans * Identify, document, and evaluate paleontological ...

Environmental Resources Management (ERM)

$65 - $90/hr

Experience salvaging fossils and high-level taxonomic and morphologic identification of findings * Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record * Ability to work safely in outdoor field ...

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Seeds Renewables

$65 - $95/hr

Survey pre-defined study areas or project alignments for potential paleontological resources or fossils, following protocols defined in survey plans * Identify, document, and evaluate paleontological ...

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How much do fossils jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for fossils in the United States is $15.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $15.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fossil?

A Fossils job typically involves the study, collection, and preservation of fossils to understand ancient life forms and Earth's history. Professionals in this field, such as paleontologists or fossil preparators, work in museums, research institutions, or fossil excavation sites. Responsibilities can include excavating fossil specimens, analyzing their characteristics, and contributing to scientific research or public education. Some roles also focus on fossil restoration, identification, and classification.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the fossils position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a paleontologist specializing in fossils, you need a solid background in geology, biology, and earth sciences, typically supported by at least a bachelor's degree in a related field. Experience with laboratory equipment, GIS mapping software, and fossil preparation tools is often required, along with specialized training or certification in field research methods. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills are highly valued in this field. These competencies are critical for accurately uncovering, analyzing, and interpreting fossil evidence within collaborative research settings.

What does a typical workday look like for someone working with fossils?

A typical day for a fossil specialist can vary depending on the area of focus but often includes a combination of laboratory analysis, fossil preparation, fieldwork, and data documentation. In the lab, you might clean, catalog, and study specimens using microscopes and specialized tools, while fieldwork could involve excavating and collecting fossils at dig sites, sometimes in remote locations. Collaboration with geologists, archaeologists, and museum staff is common, as findings need to be shared and discussed within interdisciplinary teams. Many positions also involve creating reports or presenting research at conferences, providing opportunities for professional networking and growth. The balance between lab and fieldwork offers a dynamic and engaging work environment for those passionate about ancient life and earth history.

What degree do you need to work with fossils?

A career working with fossils typically requires at least a bachelor's degree in geology, paleontology, archaeology, or a related earth science field. Advanced positions or research roles often require a master's degree or Ph.D., along with skills in fieldwork, fossil identification, and laboratory analysis.

What jobs involve fossils?

Jobs involving fossils include paleontologists, who study ancient life through fossil remains, and fossil preparators, who clean and preserve fossils in laboratories or museums. These roles often require knowledge of geology, biology, and the use of specialized tools and techniques for excavation and analysis.
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Infographic showing various Fossils job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 9% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,337 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Paleontology Intern | San Diego Natural History Museum

e-Active B.V.

San Diego, CA • On-site

$20/hr

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Paleontology Intern | San Diego Natural History Museum

Love nature?Then you're going to love The Nat.

The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) was founded by local naturalists in 1874 and has played a major role over the years in regional conversation efforts. The Museum recently celebrated its 150th anniversary and completed a strategicplan focused on encouraging a love for nature, leveraging science and collections for conservation, and using our own voice to behere for nature.

Jacobs Center for Science and Conservation Internship Program:

The Nat's Jacobs Center for Science and Conservation offers several externally funded internships that provide training and mentoring in curation, imaging, databasing protocols, and collections- based research to students, to prepare them for continued advancement in the natural sciences, which can translate to career pathways in academia and research, as well as environmental consulting. Within the Center, the Paleontology Department has an opening for a part-time, temporaryPaleontology Intern.

About the Department of Paleontology:

The Department of Paleontology specializes in the growth, management, and research use of the Museum's fossil collection and its supporting documentation. The department also provides information about the paleontology and geology of the southern California and Baja California region to all interested parties, including Museum members, citizen scientists, members of the media, and the general public. For more information about the Department of Paleontology, please visitwww.sdnhm.org/science/paleontology .

Paleontology Internship Opportunity:

Applications are invited for several paid undergraduate student internship positions in the Department of Paleontology. This is the sixth year of this immersive internship program aimed at providing undergraduate students with Museum-based experience in fossil identification, curation, and collection management.

Examples of curation tasks to be taught as part of the internship include: microscopic "picking" of wet-screened sediment concentrate for micro-invertebrate and micro-vertebrate fossils; general sorting and taxonomic identification of invertebrate and vertebrate fossils; organizing sorted fossils into individual species lots and placing in archival specimen unit trays, plastic vials, glass vials, and/or gel capsules; entering or updating collection locality and specimen identification information into the SDNHM Paleontology Collection Database; writing locality and specimen tracking numbers on catalogued fossils; placing organized, trayed, catalogued, and numbered fossils into steel drawers and storage cabinets; photographing specimens for curation and research purposes; and participating in a general inventory and reorganization of the SDNHM Paleontology Collection.

Examples of fossil specimen projects to be worked on as part of the internship include: late Pleistocene terrestrial and marine microvertebrate fossils from coastal southern California; early Pleistocene terrestrial macrovertebrate fossils from inland southern California; late Pliocene and late Miocene marine invertebrate and vertebrate fossils from coastal and inland southern California; middle Eocene terrestrial vertebrate fossils from coastal southern California; late Cretaceous marine invertebrate fossils from coastal and inland southern California.

Qualifications:

  • Interest in natural history, paleontology, and/or geology
  • Technology skills

Eligibility:Applicants must…

  • Be a student in the final 2 (two) years of an earth science and/or evolutionary biology undergraduate degree program or a very recent graduate of such a program.
  • Live in San Diego County or be willing to commute.
  • A special emphasis is placed on recruiting students in San Diego County who are members of groups underrepresented in STEM careers.

Time Commitment:

  • The internship program will involve up to 14 hours of work per weekover a period of approximately 24 (twenty-four) weeks

Pay: $20/hour.

Employees enjoy free admission into all of Balboa Park's museums as well as free admission to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. Learn more about the Museum's benefitshere .

Deadline to apply is September 30, 2026.

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