Paleontology Field Intern - Summer 2026

Museum Core • Indianapolis, IN

6d

About The Position

This is a unique internship for students interested in experiencing the full gamut of field, laboratory, and collections work required to maintain an active paleontological collection. The intern will participate in the Museum’s Jurassic Mile dig in Wyoming, assisting with mapping, excavation, and fossil recovery during the dig season. While onsite at the Museum, the intern will prepare fossils in an active paleontological lab, assist with collections processing, and help inspire future scientists by interacting with guests at the paleo lab window. The intern will also support curatorial staff by preparing fossils for accession into the Museum’s collections. The Children’s Museum is fiercely devoted to our Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) efforts. We cannot transform the lives of children and families unless we embrace all families. Together, we are building and sustaining an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates differences.

Requirements

• College student majoring in Paleontology, Archaeology, Geology, Biology, or a related field.
• Must be able to tolerate intense heat, walk on uneven terrain, and lift at least 25 pounds.
• Availability varies by location: Offsite dig: Typical workweek is six days on, one day off; daily hours may range from 7.5–12 hours. On-site museum work: Typically 1–2 days per week, 5–10 hours per day.
• Must be available to work weekends as needed; after training, weekend work may be used to complete project work.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook required.

Responsibilities

• Offsite Dig Participant (Jurassic Mile, Wyoming)
• Assist staff during the Jurassic Mile dig season.
• Prepare specimens from the field using a variety of tools.
• Excavate fossils on site using hand tools, glues, and pneumatic machinery.
• Prospect for new fossils on foot across the dig area.
• Learn and assist with mapping of the dig site.
• Jacket and remove fossils from the dig site.
• Help deliver specimens safely back to the Paleo Lab.
• Onsite Museum/Collections Talk with the public about paleontology work at the paleo prep window.
• Assist with processing fossils for collections, including condition reporting, photographing, and entering information into the KE database.

Benefits

• Housing, travel expenses, and a per diem are covered by the Museum.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed