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Paleontology Museum Collections Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Mesa

Museum Curator

Mesa, AZ

$75K - $102K/yr

The Museum Curator develops, interprets, evaluates, communicates, and curates the collections of ... Paleontology, or a closely related area. Considerable (3 - 5 years) collections experience in ...

City of Mesa, AZ

Museum Curator

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

... Paleontology, or a closely related area. Considerable (3 - 5 years) collections experience in ... Museum Studies, Anthropology, Biology, Geology, Paleontology, or a closely related area and ...

Idaho State University

$60 - $80/hr

The Idaho Museum of Natural History and the Department of Biological Sciences at Idaho State ... in vertebrate paleontology and collections management. Postdoctoral experience is preferred.

University of Utah

Administration Management

Campus, IL · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

... in Paleontology, Archaeology, Ethnography, and Biology of the west. NHMU also manages the Range ... for the Museum's collections and research enterprise and provides managerial and mentoring ...

University of Utah

Administration Management

Campus, IL · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

... in Paleontology, Archaeology, Ethnography, and Biology of the west. NHMU also manages the Range ... for the Museum's collections and research enterprise and provides managerial and mentoring ...

University of Utah

Administration Management

Campus, IL

$100K - $130K/yr

... in Paleontology, Archaeology, Ethnography, and Biology of the west. NHMU also manages the Range ... for the Museum's collections and research enterprise and provides managerial and mentoring ...

University of Utah

$100 - $125/hr

... in Paleontology, Archaeology, Ethnography, and Biology of the west. NHMU also manages the Range ... for the Museum's collections and research enterprise and provides managerial and mentoring ...

Socket.dev

Manager of Camps and Collections

Morrison, CO · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Working under the advisement of the Director of Paleontology, leads the day-to-day management of all aspects of Collections care, following and implementing accepted museum professional standards and ...

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How much do paleontology museum collections jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for paleontology museum collections in the United States is $21.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are paleontology museum collections?

Paleontology museum collections are organized repositories of fossils and related specimens that have been collected, cataloged, and preserved for scientific research, education, and public display. These collections include bones, shells, imprints, and other remains of ancient organisms, often accompanied by data about where and when the fossils were found. Museum staff maintain these collections to ensure their preservation, facilitate scientific study, and support exhibits that educate visitors about Earth's prehistoric life.

What are the typical responsibilities of someone working in paleontology museum collections?

Professionals in a paleontology museum collections department are responsible for cataloging, preserving, and organizing fossil specimens. Their daily tasks often include maintaining detailed records, preparing fossils for storage or display, monitoring environmental conditions to prevent deterioration, and facilitating research access. Collaboration with curators, researchers, and sometimes the public is common, as is participating in collection-based research or educational programs. This role requires attention to detail and a strong commitment to conservation standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in paleontology museum collections?

To thrive in Paleontology Museum Collections, you need a background in paleontology, geology, or museum studies, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with collection management software, fossil preparation tools, and cataloging systems is typically required. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication help professionals maintain, document, and share collections accurately. These skills ensure the preservation, accessibility, and educational value of paleontological specimens for research and public engagement.

What are popular job titles related to Paleontology Museum Collections jobs?

For Paleontology Museum Collections jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Paleontology Museum Collections job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,646 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Paleontology Collection Manager

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE • On-site

$51K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Organize, manage, preserve, conserve, and supervise the use of paleontological specimens in the collections.

  • Maintain archives, databases, and digitize collection records including photographs, data, and metadata.

  • Assist with exhibit curation, educational programs, and contribute content for the museum's digital presence.

Job description

Position Information
Position Information
EEO Statement
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.
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. 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