Paleontology Fossil Preparator

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The Natural History Museum of Utah is the state repository for paleontological specimens discovered in Utah. We need volunteers to help prepare fossils for display and study in the Museum, making an enormous contribution to the further study of Utah's past worlds. As a Paleontology Fossil Preparator volunteer, you will be able to play a part in the scientific discovery process by handling Utah's fossil past. You'll gain valuable experience working with preparator's tools and with delicate specimens, and get specialized training to learn how to prepare fossils for storage and display.

Paleontology Fossil Preparator volunteers will use techniques learned in training classes to clean and stabilize vertebrate fossils collected in the field. These techniques include matrix removal using manual and mechanical means, fossil consolidation, and fossil repair. Fossil preparation involved considerable detail work using fine tools, often under a magnifying lens or microscope. Some tools used are vibration based and very noisy. Specimens are often broken into many small fragments which need to be carefully pieced back together. There is limited exposure to dust and to chemicals used in consolidants and adhesives during preparation.

To read more about this opportunity, and to apply, visit our website at nhmu.utah.edu/volunteers.