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Fossils Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Fossils information

See Indiana salary details

$11

$14

$15

How much do fossils jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for fossils in Indiana is $14.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $15.10 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 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.

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 are popular job titles related to Fossils jobs in Indiana? For Fossils jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fossils jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Fossils jobs in Indiana are:
Fossils jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fossils job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% As Needed, 86% Full Time, and 7% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $29,819 per year, or $14.3 per hour.

Seasonal Natural Resources Worker - Brookville Lake

State of Indiana

Brookville, IN • On-site

$12.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

State Of Indiana rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 50 rated states

Job description

 Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package, and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About Brookville Lake:
A part of the Brookville Lake -Whitewater Memorial State Park Complex, Brookville Reservoir lies in the historic east fork of the Whitewater River Valley. Traces of prehistoric Native American mounds are still found throughout this valley. The area is known worldwide for its significant deposit of Ordovician fossils. These 450-million-year-old fossils, reminders of a primeval inland sea, can still be seen.  The lake property has more than 25 miles of hiking trails, boating opportunities, and nationally known recreational and sport fishing. Two beaches and more than 400 campsites make this an ideal family vacation spot. Brookville Lake is home to two State Recreation Areas: Mounds SRA and Quakertown SRA.


Salary Statement: 

The hourly wage for seasonal positions varies, starting at $12.25/hour. 

A Day in the Life:

The Seasonal Natural Resources Workers provide customer service and education to visitors about park features while maintaining the properties natural resources. Seasonal Natural Resources Worker positions and their essential functions are as follows:

  • Interpretive Specialists: Educate the public on property-specific nature, history, culture, and park services through memorable experiences. 
  • Naturalists Aides: Assists with education of the nature center programming, local/common flora and fauna, and local/common animal species. This position may also assist in the care of animals (feeding, watering, and bedding changes) and the general maintenance of the nature center.
  • Village Workers (Spring Mill State Park Only): Assists with education of period appropriate trades, techniques and crafts while presenting cultural history. Trades include woodworking, leatherwork, broom making, blacksmith, weaving, and milling. 
  • Cave Tour Guides (O’Bannon Woods State Park Only): Educate the general public on the natural history of caves. Tour Guides assist with scheduling reservations and collecting tour fees. Further, research may be required on the identification and care of relevant flora and fauna.  Tour Guides are expected to maintain boats, equipment, and the registration shed.
  • Resource Management Techs: Assists with the control of invasive plant species natural area restoration trail maintenance, brush and tree removal, signage, timber marking and/or timber stand improvement based on the property.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilitiesthat are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at anytime with or without notice.

What You'll Need for Success:

You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:

  • High school diploma, GED, or one (1) year of work experience
  • May be expected to work afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays
  • May be required to wear a DNR-provided uniform
  • May be required to travel to different properties
  • May experience working in potentially inclement weather
  • May experience working with DOC work release crews
  • May be required to have a valid driver’s license. 
  • May perform duties in a variety of different environments, including an office environment, field environment, rugged terrain, and various adverse weather conditions (extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, sleet, etc.). 
  • May work around potentially dangerous heavy equipment (e.g. tractors, disks, mowers, planters, etc.).
  • Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

This seasonal position does not offer benefits and is limited to 180 working days in an eleven (11) month continuous period  

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role.

 If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.

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