PALEONTOLOGY APPRENTICE
About the position 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. 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. 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 apprentice will present to SDNHM staff and volunteers on their work at the end of their tenure. Responsibilities • 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 Requirements • Interest in natural history, paleontology, and/or geology • Technology skills • Communication skills • Reside in San Diego County and attend a community college or university in San Diego County (or recent graduate) Nice-to-haves • Membership in groups underrepresented in STEM careers Benefits • Free admission into all of Balboa Park's museums • Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park Apply tot his job