The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

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Paleontology Field Intern - Summer 2025 (Education)



This is a unique internship for anyone interested in experiencing the full gambit of field, lab, and collections work that is necessary for maintaining an active paleontological collection. The intern will have the opportunity to participate in the Museum's Jurassic Mile dig in Wyoming where they will help assist the crew with mapping, excavation, and recovery of fossils from this dig season. In the museum, they will be able to prepare these fossils in an active paleontological lab as well as help in the lab's mission of inspiring future scientists by interacting with guests at our paleo lab window. The intern will also help with preparing the fossils for their accession into collections by aiding curatorial staff.

Internship Duties

  • Offsite Dig Participant: Help staff with the 2025 Dig Season at the Jurassic Mile in WY. (Housing and travel expenses and a per diem will be covered by the museum) These duties include:
    • 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 by foot across the dig area.
    • Learn and assist with mapping of the dig site.
    • Jacket and remove fossils from the dig.
    • Help deliver specimens safely back to the Paleo Lab.
  • Onsite Museum Education: Talk with the public about paleontology work at the paleo prep window.
  • Onsite Collections Assistance: Aid in processing fossils after preparation for collections including condition reporting, photographing, and entering information in KE(database).

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. 

Internship Requirements

  • College student majoring in Paleontology, Archaeology, Geology, or Biology
  • Must be able to tolerate intense heat, walk on uneven terrain, and lift at least 25 lbs.
  • Hours will differ between time offsite (dig) and onsite (museum). For the dig, hours will vary. A typical workweek is 6 days working, and 1 day off. Days can range from 7.5-12hrs. Onsite work will be limited to 1-2 days a week, 5-10 hrs. The lab is open ALL days, including Saturdays and Sundays. After a training period, the intern can work on weekends to complete their project(s).
  • Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Outlook experience required

ADA Requirements 

  • Intern should be able to lift up to 25 pounds and should be able to move collection pieces around the lab. 
  • Interns should be comfortable working outdoors for long periods. This includes all types of weather conditions.
  • Intern should be comfortable lifting heavy loads and/or walking long distances 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

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