Fossil Preparation Internship

Elevation Science Institute’s Fossil Preparation Internship Program provides immersive experiences for an intern to enhance their understanding of fossil preparation techniques and skills. Interns work alongside Elevation Science staff as well as staff and volunteers from Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) in order to prepare fossil specimens collected by Elevation Science on Public Lands in Montana. As their skills advance, interns are entrusted with greater responsibilities, allowing them to further expand their knowledge of fossil preparation.

From opening field jackets through final placement in the collection at CMC, interns will participate at every stage with the preparation, stabilization, and repair of vertebrate fossils using specialized equipment, tools, consolidants, and adhesives. Additionally, interns will be expected to assist in building archival cradles and documenting finished specimens. 

What Our Fossil Prep Interns Do

Application Timeline (2025)

• February 3: Application window opens.

• March 28 (Midnight): Application deadline (including letters of recommendation).

• April 29 - May 2: Interviews for top candidates.

• May 5: Final decision and notification

Internship Timeline

• Ideal Start Date: mid September 2025 (but we have some flexibility, and it could begin later in the fall (no earlier)).

• Length of Program: Funding allows up to 480 total paid hours. The intern can chose either of the following options:

  • 12 weeks full time work, or

  • part time work, but must commit to a regular weekly schedule that includes at least 12 hours/week.

• Program End Date: Internship employment ends on May 31, 2026. Any unused hours will be forfeited and cannot be used to extend employment.

Who May Apply

All applicants must be:

• 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.

• 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.)