This internship will involve a wide array of experiences in the Department of Earth Sciences through the practice of paleontology collections management. The primary focus will be on the Late Cretaceous fossil vertebrates from the Hell Creek Formation (North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana) and the earliest Paleocene vertebrate fossils from Denver Basin. The Intern will work to sort, catalog, label, rehouse and import the catalog records into the KE Emu database.

There will be opportunities to develop communication and presentation skills by working alongside curators, staff, other Interns, external researchers, and volunteers in a diverse, collaborative environment. Interdepartmental learning opportunities and participation in outreach events will also be expected. Ideal candidates will be recent graduates in earth sciences and/or collections management who have an interest or experience with Cretaceous vertebrates and are looking to expand their experience with museum collections and database work. Strong Excel skills, the ability to clearly communicate and work well with others. Applicants representing communities typically underrepresented in paleontology are encouraged to apply.

Internship Objectives

The Earth Sciences Collection Intern will participate in the following activities:

• This internship serves to introduce and/or improve experience in collections management as it pertains to Earth Sciences Collections, with a primary focus on a vertebrate paleontology collection.
• The Intern will learn about relational databases, data management standards, and data integrity.
• Locality data and cataloging standards, paleontological organization, rehousing methods, and specimen handling best practices will be taught.
• The Intern will work with and report directly to the Earth Sciences Collections Manager.
• The Intern will have the opportunity to participate in educational outreach events.

Responsibilities

• The Intern must conduct work within the safety guidelines of the Museum, ensuring personal safety and the safety and security of the collections.
• Maintains prompt and frequent communication with supervisors, ensuring instructions are understood and followed; communicates problems immediately.
• Accurate data entry maintains and associates correct data with specimens
• Organize, rehouse and catalog all Hell Creek/Fort Union and Denver Basin paleontology specimens
• Follows written instructions and documents new workflows.
• Maintains a bi-weekly progress report that includes numbers of items cataloged, imported, rehoused, imaged, and project details.
• Maintains a professional demeanor; ensures professional representation at all times.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ideal candidate is enrolled or completed an undergraduate degree in any earth or life sciences is preferred.
• Familiarity with vertebrate fossils and handling of specimens is preferred.
• The ability to clearly communicate and work well alone and with a team is expected.
• The candidate must have basic to intermediate proficiency in Excel.
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively with Museum staff and volunteers.
• Strong attention to detail, patience, and fine motor skills; excellent hand-eye coordination
• Positive attitude and flexibility

Working Conditions

• Organization and maintenance of Museum Collections tasks will all/mostly occur in the B2 (basement 2) level of the Avenir Collections Center.
• The use of ladders will be necessary.
• Must have the ability to lift 10lbs. regularly and up to 50lbs with assistance.
• Attention to detail with fine motor skills.
• Office conditions and normal office equipment.
• Working with rocks is inherently a dirty job.