Elevation Science Institute’s David B. Jones Summer Field Internship Program is an opportunity for two undergraduate or graduate students to spend the summer enhancing their understanding of field paleontology techniques, contributing to active paleontological research, and developing the skills needed to facilitate a large-scale paleontological field expedition.


What Our Field Interns Do

 
 

The application window for our 2027 Field Internship Program will open in early December 2026. Stay tuned to ESI social media feeds for updates.

Apply Here

Who May Apply

All applicants must (be):

  • U.S. Citizens (Federal laws and regulations simply make the process of hiring non U.S. citizens too difficult and complicated for our small organization to handle.)

  • Currently enrolled in or recent graduates of undergraduate or graduate studies in a paleontology-related field (biology, geology, etc.) at an accredited college or university.

  • Have completed at least 3 years (approx. 90 credits) of higher education in a related field or possess relevant job-related skills.

  • Able to demonstrate a commitment to the field of paleontology through academic work and/or non-academic participation (museums, field stations, etc.)

  • Able to participate in the entire field season from June 23 to August 17. Exceptional cases could be considered.


Learn More
Meet Our Past Interns

General Information

Location

Base camp is located at the Yellowstone-Bighorn Research Association in Red Lodge, MT with field operations usually occurring in the Bighorn Basin along the MT/WY border between the Beartooth and Pryor Mountain ranges.

Duration

Approximately June 23 - August 17, 2027

Housing & Meals

Housing & meals at YBRA is provided to interns at no cost. Interns live in semi-private cabins at YBRA and will have access to wi-fi, onsite laundry and limited refrigerator/freezer space. Meals and snacks acquired off site will be at the intern's cost, except in cases of Team meals. *Limited dietary restrictions can be accommodated by YBRA (vegetarian & vegan). Intern will be responsible for acquiring additional items at their own cost.

Questions?

Questions about the David B. Jones Summer Field Internship Program should be addressed to Dr. Rick Schmidt at rschmidt@elevationscience.org.

Opportunities At Other Organizations

There are dozens of internship and seasonal employment opportunities across the country available to undergraduate and graduate students in college, early-career professional paleontologists, and even some for enthusiastic high-school students. We have compiled the most comprehensive and detailed list of opportunites available anywhere - check it out! Please let us know if we’ve missed any, and check back often - new opportunities are announced all the time.

Paleo Internships and Seasonal Opportunities