Department: Paleontology Department

Supervisor: Tylor Birthisel, Paleontology Lab and Field Manager

With training in fossil preparation, 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 Fossil Preparator volunteers work with vertebrate fossils collected in the field, which often require much cleaning and stabilization prior to being able to be handled for research or used for public exhibition. Fossil preparators prepare fossil material using techniques learned through the mandatory training class. This includes matrix removal using manual and mechanical means, fossil consolidation, and fossil repair. Fossil preparation involves considerable detail work using fine tools, often under a magnifying lens or microscope. Some tools used are vibration based and are very noisy. Specimens are often broken into many small fragments which need to be carefully pieced back together.

Paleontology Fossil Preparator volunteers are a hugely important factor in recording, protecting, and preserving the fossil record of Utah at NHMU.

Training Required: 

• Volunteers must attend 12 hours of training on basic fossil preparation techniques (held as individual 3-hour classes over four consecutive weeks). 

• Following the training course, new fossil preparators will complete a 20 hour practicum. For the practicum, preparators will complete an independent fossil preparation project under close supervision. 

  • • Because these skills are picked up more easily by some people than others, it is not guaranteed that trainees will be asked to continue working as preparators following the practicum.

Fee: There is a $50.00 fee for fossil preparator training and practicum. Fee is waived for students will valid ID.

Shift times: Volunteer time following training and practicum is flexible and may be done at any time the Museum is open.

Time Commitment: A minimum of 15 hours per month is required, for a minimum duration of six months.

Age Requirement: 18 years or older