Oversee fossil preparation in UGS preparation lab by insuring equipment is operational, preparing significant fossils, overseeing volunteers, organizing the transfer of prepared specimens into ...
Oversee fossil preparation in UGS preparation lab by insuring equipment is operational, preparing significant fossils, overseeing volunteers, organizing the transfer of prepared specimens into ...
Vernal is also dinosaur country, with the Dinosaur National Monument boasting one of the largest collections of Jurassic-period bones and fossils. If this opportunity sounds interesting to you ...
Vernal is also dinosaur country, with the Dinosaur National Monument boasting one of the largest collections of Jurassic-period bones and fossils. If this opportunity sounds interesting to you ...
Field Paleontologist - Project Geologist
Salt Lake City, UT · On-site
$36.04 - $46/hr
Oversee fossil preparation in UGS preparation lab by insuring equipment is operational, preparing significant fossils, overseeing volunteers, organizing the transfer of prepared specimens into ...
Field Paleontologist - Project Geologist
Salt Lake City, UT · On-site
$36.04 - $46/hr
Oversee fossil preparation in UGS preparation lab by insuring equipment is operational, preparing significant fossils, overseeing volunteers, organizing the transfer of prepared specimens into ...
Fossils information
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$11.38 - $11.72
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$13.08 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
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The median wage is $13.42 / hr.
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How much do fossils jobs pay per hour?
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What is a Fossils job?
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?
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.

Field Paleontologist - Project Geologist
Salt Lake City, UT
Other
Posted 16 days ago
Job description
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.