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Full Time Paleontology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Mesa, AZ

Museum Curator

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

PO Box 1466, Mesa, AZ Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 17463 Department: (H400)Arts and Culture ... Museum Studies, Anthropology, Biology, Geology, Paleontology, or a closely related area and ...

City of Waco, TX

Historic Site Manager

Waco, TX · On-site

$58K/yr

Waco, TX Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 2026-01212 Department: PARKS & RECREATION Division: PARKS ... Bachelor's degree in history, Museum Management, Archeology, Paleontology, Business, Public ...

State of Virginia

Earth Science Teacher

Chesterfield, VA · On-site

$72K - $76K/yr

Earth Science Teacher Apply now Job no: 5107515 Work type: Full-Time (Salaried) Location ... paleontology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy/space science; or (3) Earned an endorsement ...

University of Utah

Administration Management

Campus, IL · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

No Standard Hours per Week 40 Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary M-F ... in Paleontology, Archaeology, Ethnography, and Biology of the west. NHMU also manages the Range ...

University of Utah

Administration Management

Campus, IL · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

No Standard Hours per Week 40 Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary M-F ... in Paleontology, Archaeology, Ethnography, and Biology of the west. NHMU also manages the Range ...

University of Utah

Administration Management

Campus, IL

$100K - $130K/yr

No Standard Hours per Week 40 Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary M-F ... in Paleontology, Archaeology, Ethnography, and Biology of the west. NHMU also manages the Range ...

Rutgers University

Post-Doc Nakamura Lab

Piscataway, NJ · On-site

$63K/yr

Position Status Full Time Posting Number 26FA0484 Posting Open Date 05/14/2026 Posting Close Date ... Experience in genomics (RNA-seq, genome-seq. etc.), paleontology, or comparative anatomy will be a ...

All JobsPaleontology JobsFull Time Paleontology Jobs

Full Time Paleontology information

See salary details

$12

$17

$25

How much do full time paleontology jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time paleontology in the United States is $17.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Full Time Paleontology vs Full Time Archaeology?

AspectFull Time PaleontologyFull Time Archaeology
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Paleontology, Geology, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Archaeology, Anthropology, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, fossil sites, museumsExcavation sites, museums, research institutions
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, museums, government agenciesUniversities, cultural heritage organizations, museums
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Full Time Paleontology and Full Time Archaeology share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, often involving research, excavation, and museum work. The main difference lies in their focus: paleontology studies ancient life fossils, while archaeology examines human history through artifacts. Both careers require relevant degrees and offer opportunities in research institutions and museums.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full-time paleontologist?

To thrive as a full-time paleontologist, you typically need a strong background in geology, biology, and earth sciences, often with an advanced degree such as a master's or PhD in paleontology or a related field. Familiarity with fossil preparation tools, GIS mapping software, stratigraphic analysis, and laboratory techniques is essential, along with fieldwork experience. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication skills help you analyze findings, solve complex problems, and share discoveries with both scientific and public audiences. These skills and qualities are crucial for conducting rigorous research, making significant scientific contributions, and collaborating within multidisciplinary teams.

What does a full-time paleontologist do?

A full-time paleontologist studies the history of life on Earth through the examination of fossils, such as bones, plants, and footprints. Their work often involves conducting fieldwork to find and excavate fossils, analyzing specimens in laboratories, and publishing research findings. Full-time paleontologists may also teach at universities, work in museums, or assist in environmental and geological surveys. Their research helps us understand evolution, ancient environments, and past climates.

Is it hard to get a job in full time paleontology?

Full-time paleontology jobs are competitive due to limited positions and high educational requirements, often including a master's or Ph.D. in geology or related fields. Gaining experience through internships, research, and networking can improve employment prospects, but job availability is generally limited and may require patience and persistence.

Is there a high demand for full time paleontologists?

Full-time paleontologists typically face limited job opportunities due to the specialized and competitive nature of the field, which is often dependent on research grants, museum funding, and fossil excavation projects. Employment is more common in academic, museum, or government research institutions, and job growth is generally slow, with many positions requiring advanced degrees and fieldwork experience.

What are some common challenges faced by full-time paleontologists in the field and how can they be addressed?

Full-time paleontologists often encounter challenges such as difficult working conditions during fieldwork, including extreme weather, remote locations, and physically demanding tasks like excavating fossils. Additionally, securing funding for research and balancing time between fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and publishing findings can be demanding. Addressing these challenges often involves thorough preparation, developing strong teamwork skills, and seeking collaboration with other researchers and institutions. Building a diverse skill set in both field and analytical techniques, as well as pursuing professional networking opportunities, can also help paleontologists succeed and advance in their careers.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Paleontology jobs?

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Full Time Paleontology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Paleontology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 28% Full Time, 60% Part Time, and 10% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,392 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Paleontology Collection Manager

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE • On-site

$51K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Position Information
Position Information
Working Title
Paleontology Collection Manager
Department
University Museum-0932
Requisition Number
S_260369
Posting Open Date
05/19/2026
Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)
06/12/2026
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Description of Work
Principal responsibilities are organization, management, preservation, conservation, and supervision of use of paleontological specimens in the collections of the UNSM Paleontology Department, including the Invertebrate Paleontology and Vertebrate Paleontology Divisions. This position also maintains archives related to the collections and other important documents. Responsibilities include maintenance of the Paleontology databases and collection digitization - photography, data records, archived catalogues, field notebooks, and additional metadata (provenance, identifications, etc.). Duties include monitoring the storage environment and security, monitoring for pests and taking appropriate pest management actions, conducting object condition reports, coordinating incoming and outgoing loans, and processing new acquisitions.
This position assists and supervises visiting researchers, trains and supervises collection volunteers, UNL student interns, student employees, nonstudent employees and other users of the collections in collaboration with paleontology staff and curators to ensure proper maintenance of collections. An additional set of responsibilities centers on supporting the museum's public education mission by assisting with exhibit curation (selection of objects, drafting text, installing/de-installing exhibit objects), assisting with educational programs as a content expert and speaker, and contributing to the museum's digital presence by providing content for social media posts and website.
As an EO employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/
Minimum Required Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Paleontology, geology, earth sciences, museum studies or related field and 3 years' experience in managing museum collections, including knowledge of professional practices in object care, documentation, loans, exhibitions, packing and shipping; additional years of completed relevant education may substitute on a year-for-year basis.
  • Working knowledge of databases and standard MS office software proficiency (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Supervisory experience.
  • Knowledge of and past experience in securing federal or state permits to comply with federal Paleontological Resources Preservation Act (PRPA) and relevant state laws.
  • Museum collections management skills.
  • Knowledge of professional practices in object care, object reports, archives and other documentation, loans, exhibitions, packing and shipping.
  • Knowledge of taxonomic principles.
  • Ability to follow policies and procedures regarding sensitive data and maintain confidentiality.
  • Must have a valid driver's license and meet University driver eligibility requirements.

Preferred Qualifications
  • PHD in Paleontology, geology, earth sciences, museum studies or related field
  • Working knowledge of Specify and Filemaker Pro databases.
  • Experience working with paleontology field crews and communities.
  • Knowledge of Native American Graves and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and its relevance to archaeological and adjoining paleontological sites.
  • Demonstrated experience writing exhibit text, exhibit curation; or experience collaborating with educators as a content expert and providing appropriate text or references for curriculum
  • Experience working with undergraduate students or graduate students.
  • Experience supporting faculty and curator research needs.

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required
Yes
Physical Required
No
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.
No
Criminal History Background Check Required
Yes
Posted Salary
$51,000/yr. minimum
How to Apply
Click on "Apply for this Job". You will then either create an application or edit your current application that is on file. You will be required to attach your resume, cover letter, and list of references as three (3) separate documents in MS Word or PDF format.
For questions or accommodations related to this position contact
Ember Welsch, Human Resources Specialist Lead
Office of Research and Innovation
ewelsch2@unl.edu
Job Category (old)
Managerial/Professional
Job Type
Full-Time
Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5)
Work Location (City, State)
Lincoln, NE
Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?
No
If Temporary, indicate end date
Planned Hire Date:
Appointment End Date

Apply