1

Paleontology Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Paleontology Intern information

See salary details

$8

$17

$24

How much do paleontology intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for paleontology intern in the United States is $17.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a paleontology intern do?

A Paleontology Intern assists professional paleontologists in researching, collecting, and analyzing fossils to learn about prehistoric life. Typical duties include cataloging specimens, helping with fieldwork and excavations, preparing fossils in laboratories, and maintaining databases. Interns also participate in educational outreach and may help with museum exhibits. This position provides hands-on experience and helps interns develop important skills for a career in paleontology.

What are some typical responsibilities and learning opportunities for a paleontology intern during a field season?

As a Paleontology Intern, you'll often assist with excavating fossils, cataloging specimens, and maintaining field equipment while working closely with experienced paleontologists. You may also participate in preparing fossils for study, recording field data, and helping with public outreach or educational programs. This role provides hands-on experience in both field and laboratory settings, allowing you to develop practical skills and gain insight into current research methods. Interns frequently collaborate with team members from a range of scientific backgrounds, offering a valuable opportunity to build professional connections and learn about different career paths within paleontology.

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

To thrive as a Paleontology Intern, you need a background in geology or biology, basic laboratory and fieldwork skills, and enrollment in or completion of relevant coursework. Familiarity with tools such as GIS software, fossil preparation equipment, and database management systems is often expected. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills help interns collaborate effectively and accurately document findings. These abilities are crucial for supporting research, ensuring data integrity, and contributing to successful field and lab projects.

What cities are hiring for Paleontology Intern jobs?

Cities with the most Paleontology Intern job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Paleontology jobs?

The most popular types of Paleontology jobs are:

What states have the most Paleontology Intern jobs?

States with the most job openings for Paleontology Intern jobs include:

Infographic showing various Paleontology Intern job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,436 per year, or $17 per hour.

Individual Placement - Interpretation Participant

Career Site

Alamogordo, NM

$1.1K/wk

Temporary

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

The primary focus of this position within the Division of Interpretation, Visitor Services, and Outreach at White Sands National Park is to provide exceptional interpretive and front-line visitor services. You will provide orientation, information, and informal interpretation at the visitor center desk, provide interpretive programming, and represent the park at outreach events. Your internship project will be developing interpretive programs and products about the ice age era human and mammal fossilized footprints found in the park that date back between 21,000 - 23,000 years ago. We are seeking an individual who is looking to grow their interpretive skillset, learn more about operations at a busy national park site, and gain knowledge on a variety of topics including geology, biology, paleontology, archeology, indigenous history, and military history. Park staff will provide formal and informal training and mentorship for the intern participating in the SCA project throughout the year.

Location

White Sands National Park, NM

Schedule

November 2, 2026 - January 22, 2027

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The intern will staff the visitor center front desk where they will provide orientation, safety information, and informal interpretation. They will research, craft, and present formal and informal interpretive programs. The intern will also research and develop interpretive programs and products about the park's fossilized footprints.

Marginal Duties

The intern will also provide roving interpretation on topic ranging from safety to sand to wildlife to paleo-archeology. They will also assist with special events and represent the park at community outreach events.

Required Qualifications

  • Customer service experience
  • Willingness to speak in front of large groups of people
  • Ability to work as a part of a team
  • Ability to communicate effectively
  • Willingness to learn
  • A valid driver's license and a personal vehicle are required
  • The selectee will be required to pass a National Park Service background check.

Preferred Qualifications

N/A

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Park housing is not available for this position. The selectee will be provided with a housing allowance. Affordable housing can be found in the nearby communities of Alamogordo (20 minutes from the park) and Las Cruces (45 minutes to an hour from the park).

Compensation

  • $1,100 for round-trip travel allowance
  • $450 weekly living allowance
  • $1,000 monthly housing allowance (intern responsible for identifying their own housing)

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Additional Benefits

  • First Aid/CPR
  • Interpretive Skills
  • AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.