Under the supervision of the District Paleontology Program Lead and general oversight of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), the Paleontology Park Aide will assist with field preparation, fossil recovery, fossil curation, public outreach, and museum collections support at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (ABDSP), a globally significant paleontological preserve. This seasonal, limited-term position provides hands-on training and experience in desert field paleontology and fossil resource management. This position is not telework eligible.
30% Assist in paleontological field surveys, surface mapping, fossil prospecting, recovery, and field data collection. Support field crews by carrying equipment, recording GPS points, completing field notes, and packaging fragile specimens. May assist in geologic mapping and stratigraphic section logging under supervision. Fieldwork will occur in rugged desert terrain and may include long hikes and high temperatures.
30% Clean, prepare, stabilize, and catalog fossil specimens. Assist with organizing, photographing, and updating records in the ABDSP paleontology collections database. Learn and apply proper handling and archival methods for paleontological specimens and field documentation.
25% Enter and verify field and collections data into spreadsheets and digital databases. Help maintain updated inventories, accession logs, and field logs. May scan or digitize historic records and photographs for archive preservation.
10% Engage the public through interpretive programming related to the paleontological record of the Park. Staff exhibits or information tables at events and answer visitor questions. Assist with development of educational materials, social media content, and signage related to fossils and geologic history.
5% Other job-related duties as assigned and necessary for operational continuity. Attend staff meetings and trainings and prepare administrative paperwork to meet operational needs. Assists with resource protection monitoring or site condition assessments. May assist other Natural Resources or Interpretation staff on cross-discipline projects.
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Laboratory and office work will be performed in climate-controlled facilities at the ABDSP Paleontology Laboratory and Natural Resources offices. Weekend work may be required during special events. Fieldwork often involves hiking over steep and uneven terrain while carrying equipment. Some time may be spent outside in the field, in rough and rugged working conditions. Duties may include hiking up to 10 miles during field activities. Summer temperatures will reach over 100F regularly.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of a valid class C Drivers License is required.[KM1] Must be able to hike up to 8 miles per day in remote desert areas while carrying loads up to 30 pounds. Excellent vision, hearing, and attention to detail required for fossil preparation and field safety. Ability to follow precise scientific and safety protocols. Interest in paleontology, geology, natural history, or related field strongly encouraged. Completion of college coursework in paleontology, g
