Department: Paleontology Department

Supervisor: Tylor Birthisel, Paleontology Lab and Field Manager

Paleontology Field Assistants aid paleontologists in the discovery and excavation of fossil finds. This includes prospecting the sides of rugged mountains, often requiring miles of hiking; manual excavation of overburden rock, requiring hours to days of picking, shoveling and jack hammering; and detailed excavation of the fossil specimens, requiring use of sledge hammers, chisels, smaller needles and brushes. Days tend to be long and physically demanding often times in adverse weather conditions ranging from cold snaps to heat waves.

Paleontology Field Assistant volunteers are a hugely important factor in recording, protecting, and preserving the fossil record of Utah at NHMU. With training in fossil discovery and excavation, collections care, and record-keeping protocols, they assist our curatorial staff in making sure the fossil record of Utah is available to scientists, researchers, and the public, both within our walls and around the globe.

Training Required: 

Paleontology Field volunteers must attend two mandatory courses: 

• • The first of these courses is a four-hour course held at the museum going over field basics. This includes GPS use, recording fossil finds andcollection techniques. 

  • The second course is a five-day (40 total hours) course held in the field. This class includes prospecting for fossils and working in a quarry. 

  • In addition, if you plan on driving out in your own vehicle, Defensive Driver Training is mandatory.

Fee: A $135.00 fee is due at the attendance of the Part 1 Training Class:

• • $35 for class training

  • $100 for food cost during 5-day field class (All meals included)

Shift times: Field days are typically 8 hours long.

Time Commitment: A commitment of 14 days of volunteer work in the field is required during the Field Season. Your 5 day field class counts toward this total minimum requirement. On average the Natural History Museum of Utah is out for 12-15 weeks during the spring through fall.

Age Requirement: 18 years or older