Employers
Approximately 3,000 paleontologists are employed in the United States. Most paleontologists work in colleges and universities as faculty of paleontology and geology programs. They also find work in museums, with government research projects, and in the petroleum industry. Some paleontologists are self-employed, offering their expertise as consultants.
Starting Out
As an undergraduate, you may be able to work as an intern or volunteer in the geology department of a local museum. You may also be able to participate in fieldwork as a paying member of an expedition. Such an arrangement is usually worked out personally with the expedition leader. These entry-level positions may lead to admission to graduate programs and even to employment after advanced degrees are earned. The American Geosciences Institute and the Geological Society of America offer some internship and scholarship opportunities.
You will rely mostly on personal contacts when seeking a job after receiving a graduate degree. Networking with others in paleontology, especially your college professors, can allow you to meet those who can direct you to job openings and research opportunities.
- Agricultural Scientists
- Arborists
- Astrogeologists
- Botanists
- Cartographers
- Climate Scientists
- Ecologists
- Environmental Engineers
- Environmental Planners
- Environmental Restoration Planners
- Environmental Scientists
- Environmental Technicians
- Forensic Meteorologists
- Geodetic Surveyors
- Geographers
- Geographic Information Systems Specialists
- Geological Technicians
- Geologists
- Geophysicists
- Geospatial Analytics Specialists
- Geotechnical Engineers
- Geothermal Energy Industry Workers
- Geothermal Production Managers
- Geothermal Technicians
- Groundwater Professionals
- Horticultural Technicians
- Industrial Ecologists
- Meteorologists
- Naturalists
- Oceanographers
- Range Managers
- Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
- Remote Sensing Technicians
- Rewilders
- Soil Conservationists and Technicians
- Soil Scientists
- Space Meteorologist
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians
- Surveyors