Paleontology Apprentice

STEM APPRENTICESHIPS: The San Diego Natural History Museum science research apprenticeship program provides training and mentoring in curation, imaging, databasing protocols, and collections- based research to students, to prepare them for continued advancement in the natural sciences, which can translate to career pathways in academia and research, as well as environmental consulting. About the Department of Paleontology: Within the Museum, the Department of Paleontology specializes in the growth, management, and research use of the fossil collection and its supporting documentation. The department also provides information about the paleontology and geology of the southern California and Baja California region to all interested parties, including Museum members, citizen scientists, members of the media, and the general public. For more information about the Department of Paleontology, please visit www.sdnhm.org/science/paleontology. POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Stem Apprentice will work with the Curator of Paleontology and other departmental staff to learn methods of fossil preparation, fossil curation, fossil identification, and fossil interpretation. The intern will present to SDNHM staff and volunteers on their work at the end of their tenure. RESPONSIBILITIES Primary responsibilities may include: microscopic “picking” of sediment samples for micro-vertebrate fossils; general sorting and taxonomic identification of fossils; arranging identified fossils into archival specimen unit trays and/or cradles; entering collection locality and specimen identification information into the SDNHM Paleontology Collection Database; writing locality and specimen tracking numbers on catalogued fossils; placing curated fossils into steel drawers and storage cabinets in the SDNHM Paleontology Center. QUALIFICATIONS Interest in natural history, paleontology, and/or geology Technology skills Communication skills ELIGIBILITY: Applicants must: Reside in San Diego County and attend a community college or university in San Diego County (or recent graduate). A special emphasis is placed on recruiting students in San Diego County who are members of groups underrepresented in STEM careers. HOURS: Up to 250 hours total. Flexible schedule. Some remote work may be possible. COMPENSATION: College and university students will be paid at $18/hr. LOCATION: On-Site in the San Diego Natural History Museum, Balboa Park. Employees enjoy free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums, as well as the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. HOW TO APPLY: Please submit a CV or resume with three references and a Cover Letter. No phone calls or drop-ins, please. https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=bcbb9ce4-57cc-4ff4-a205-06931d165308&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=583031&lang=en_US