Department: Paleontology Department

Supervisor: Carolyn Levitt-Bussian, Paleontology Collection Manager

With training in collections care and record-keeping protocols, they assist our curatorial staff in making sure our collections are available to scientists, researchers, and the public, both within our walls and around the globe.

Paleontology Collection Assistant volunteers are responsible for a variety of tasks that include: inventory, curation, photography, storage and preparation of fossil specimens in the collection area. All volunteers will participate in data entry into the NHMU collections database. Volunteers are trained on collections projects, and then are expected to work independently. Using their training and attention to detail, volunteers safely preserve and record fossil specimens, and support ongoing research of the natural world. 

Training Required: 

• All new Paleontology Collection Assistant volunteers are required to attend a 3-hour hands-on orientation in fossil handling, curation, and conservation.

Shift times: 

• Tuesdays, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

• Wednesdays, between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

• Thursdays, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

• Fridays, between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Time Commitment: One 2-hour shift (or more) per week, for a minimum of 3 months. More is always appreciated!

Age Requirement: 18 years or older