Demo

Paleontological Specialist

San Diego Natural History Museum
San Diego, CA Temporary
POSTED ON 6/7/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/6/2026

Love nature? Then you’re going to love The Nat.

The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) was founded by amateur naturalists in 1874 and has played a major role in the conversation of our region. The Museum recently celebrated its 150th anniversary and completed a strategic plan focused on encouraging a love for nature, levering science and collections for conservation, and using our own voice to be here for nature.


Within the Museum, the Department of PaleoServices specializes in paleontological resources consulting services. Our focus is on the recognition, recovery, and preservation of the significant and unique paleontological resources that occur in this region.


The Department of PaleoServices at the San Diego Natural History Museum has an opening for a full-time Paleontological Specialist. All work is funded through contracts.


Responsibilities:

  • Paleontological monitoring of active mass grading, trenching, and other excavation activities into potentially fossil-bearing sedimentary rocks in the greater southern California region. Travel may be required.
  • Field monitors will work in close proximity to heavy equipment and will be expected to work safely, to collect unearthed fossils, and to record relevant stratigraphic and taphonomic data.
  • Opportunities for field survey work and fossil preparation are also possible.


Qualifications:

  • A minimum of a B.S. in Geology or a related discipline with an emphasis in paleontology.
  • Experience in field paleontology and stratigraphy is preferred.
  • Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and a reliable vehicle.


For general information about our paleontological mitigation work, please visit http://www.paleoservices.org.


Pay: $25-28/hr


Time Commitment:

Scheduled work hours typically occur between the hours of 7 am and 4 pm Monday through Friday; however, work may also occur at night or on weekends.


The duration of this position is 12 months.


This is a full-time, non-exempt position with benefits including health insurance, vacation, 15 paid holidays, free admission to all Balboa Park museums, and more.


Ready to Apply?

Please submit a resume and cover letter including salary expectations. No phone calls or drop-ins, please.

Salary : $25 - $28

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Paleontological Specialist?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Paleontological Specialist career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$48,383 - $97,824
Income Estimation: 
$63,454 - $101,244
Income Estimation: 
$53,080 - $99,161
Income Estimation: 
$87,640 - $113,243
Income Estimation: 
$77,897 - $116,523
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at San Diego Natural History Museum

  • San Diego Natural History Museum San Diego, CA
  • Love nature? Then you’re going to love The Nat. The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) was founded by amateur naturalists in 1874 and has played a ... more
  • 8 Days Ago

  • San Diego Natural History Museum San Diego, CA
  • Love nature? Then you’re going to love The Nat. The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) was founded by amateur naturalists in 1874 and has played a ... more
  • 9 Days Ago

  • San Diego Natural History Museum San Diego, CA
  • Love nature? Then you're going to love The Nat. The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) was founded by amateur naturalists in 1874 and has played a ... more
  • 9 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Paleontological Specialist jobs in the San Diego, CA area that may be a better fit.

  • Serene Health San Diego, CA
  • Empowering Wellness, Transforming Lives Optima Medical Management Group is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life by promoting wellness. At Optima MMG ... more
  • Just Posted

  • General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Poway, CA
  • Job Summary General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted ai... more
  • Just Posted

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!