Earth Sciences Fossil Preparation Lab Internship Spring 2025
Earth Sciences: Fossil Preparation Lab Internship: Spring 2025
Start date: mid-March/early-April 2025
Duration: 16 weeks
Schedule: Monday – Friday, some weekend work required; 40 hours/week
Housing: Interns are responsible for finding and securing their housing
Stipend: $752.40 per week; $12,038.40 total
Number of positions: 2 full-time positions
Description
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science hosts a rigorous field paleontology program that supports national and international curatorial research. Dinosaurs comprise nearly 80% of the fossils collected and prepared in the Earth Sciences Preparation Labs, however, crocodylians, turtles, mammals, and paleobotanical specimens are also integrated into the workflow. The Department of Earth Sciences (DES) oversees four preparation labs; two behind-the-scenes, one visible to museum guests as part of the Museum’s permanent Prehistoric Journey exhibit, and another front-facing lab as part of the Teen Rex Experience. Additionally, the Dept of Earth Sciences is home to the Digital Research Lab (DRL) that facilitates the imaging, modeling, virtual reconstruction, and animation of both zoological and paleontological specimens.
The intern in this role will work in the Fossil Preparation Labs throughout DMNS to clean, stabilize, surface scan, and re-house vertebrate and leaf fossils collected from Mesozoic and Paleocene rocks across the American West.
Internship Activities:
The FOSSIL PREPARATION INTERN will participate in the following activities:
- Prepare, stabilize, repair, and re-house vertebrate fossils using specialized equipment, tools, consolidants, and adhesives
- Build archival cradles for oversize specimens (e.g., sauropod limbs, mammoth sacra, etc.) for long-term storage in collections
- Surface scan vertebrate fossils and use software to generate 3D models
- Assist with management of supplies and equipment for the Dept of Earth Sciences
- Collaborate with other interns, lab volunteers, and Museum staff on preparation, 3D surface scanning, and field projects
- Support field work logistics; participate in regional field efforts—prospecting for new fossil localities, quarry and excavate vertebrate and plant fossils, assist with camp dynamics and camp management
- Provide direct assistance to DES collections staff, curators, and preparators as necessary
- Participate in public outreach programs such as Science on the Spot, summer camp experiences, Behind-the-Scenes special events, etc.
Qualifications
- Must have a passion for the natural sciences and an interest in pursuing a career in museums.
- Completed or enrolled at a 2- or 4-year institution in the Earth or Life Sciences preferred
- Strong attention to detail, patience, and fine motor skills; excellent hand-eye coordination.
- Positive attitude and flexibility.
- Ability to work collaboratively with museum staff and volunteers.
- Organized; ability to self-start and maintain a balance between several projects.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to lift 50 lbs.
Applicants representing groups typically underrepresented in paleontology are encouraged to apply.
Mentors
Natalie Toth
Chief Fossil Preparator
Salvador Bastien
Fossil Preparator
Sadie Sherman
K-Pg Boundary Project Preparator
Evan Tamez-Galvan
Jurassic Giants Preparator
Alex Polich
Teen Rex Fossil Preparator
Schedule
16 weeks, 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, some weekend work required
Stipend
$752.40 per week x 16 weeks = $12,038.40
Application Deadline
The application will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, December 20, 2024
Click Here to learn more about the labs at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Application Instructions
If you have not previously applied to, interned at, or volunteered at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, click on the blue box below titled Internship Application to create an account and complete the steps below.
- Create an account
- Update Your Profile
- Select the Internship Earth Sciences Fossil Preparation Lab Internship Spring 2025
- Review the position description
- Navigate to the Prerequisites section at the bottom of the form
- Within the Prerequisites section, click on Internship Earth Sciences Fossil Preparation Lab Internship Spring 2025
- Upload your cover letter and resume/CV specifically for this internship
- Last Step! Apply for the internship by selecting the position once more using the bottom Apply Now blue button located on the bottom of the form
Questions?
Contact Internships@dmns.org.