Earth Sciences Fossil Preparation Lab K-Pg Boundary Internship
Earth Sciences Fossil Preparation Lab K-Pg Boundary Internship
Start date: Late May/early June 2025
Duration: 12 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 x 12 week; $9,028.80 total
Positions: 1 position
Deadline: Monday, March 3, 2025
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 K-PG BOUNDARY 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
- Support field work logistics; participate in regional field efforts—prospecting for new fossil localities, quarry and excavate fossils of plants and vertebrates, and assist with camp dynamics and camp management
- Surface scan vertebrate fossils and use software to generate 3D models
- Assist with identifying and processing micro-vertebrate fossils
- Collaborate with other interns, lab volunteers, and Museum staff on preparation, 3D surface scanning, and field projects
- 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 Project Fossil Preparator
Evan Tamez-Galvan
Jurassic Giants Fossil Preparator
Alex Polich
Teen Rex Fossil Preparator
Stipend
$752.40 x 12 = $9,028.80
Schedule
Monday – Friday, some weekend work required; 40 hours/week for 12 weeks.
Application Deadline
Monday, March 3, 2025
Age Requirements
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older
How to Apply
If you have not previously applied, interned, 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 Earth Sciences Fossil Preparation Lab K-Pg Internship
- Review the position description
- Navigate to the Prerequisites section at the bottom of the form
- Within the Prerequisites section, click on Earth Sciences Fossil Preparation Lab K-Pg Internship
- 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
- If you have previously applied, interned, or volunteered at DMNS, contact Moe.Shuley@dmns.org to reset your account.
Current Volunteers or Interns
If you are a current volunteer or intern and want to apply, complete the steps below.
- Log into your account on the Volunteer Portal
- At the top menu, click on Resources
- Select Current Internships
- Follow steps 3 to 8 above
Questions?
For questions about the application, contact Moe.Shuley@dmns.org
For questions about the internship, contact Natalie.Toth@dmns.org