Earth Sciences 2026 Triceratops Fossil Preparation Lab Internship

Preferred Start Date: mid-late March 2026 Duration: 20 weeks Schedule: Monday – Friday, some weekend work required Housing: Interns are responsible for finding and securing their own housing Stipend: $771.60 weekly/$15,432 total stipend Number of Positions: 1 full-time position Description The Denver Museum of Nature & Science hosts a rigorous field paleontology program that supports national and international curatorial research. Dinosaurs comprise nearly 80% of the fossils collected and prepared in the Earth Sciences Preparation Labs; however, crocodilians, turtles, mammals, and paleobotanical specimens are also integrated into the workflow. The Department of Earth Sciences (DES) oversees four preparation labs; two behind-the-scenes, one visible to Museum guests as part of the Museum’s permanent Prehistoric Journey exhibit, and another front-facing lab integrated in Discovering Teen Rex, now called the Prehistoric Prep Lab.

Additionally, the Department of Earth Sciences is home to the Digital Research Lab (DRL) that facilitates the imaging, modeling, virtual reconstruction, and animation of both zoological and paleontological specimens. The intern in this role will work in both the Prehistoric Prep Lab and also in the Fossil Preparation Labs throughout DMNS to clean, stabilize, and re-house vertebrate and leaf fossils from the Hell Creek Formation. Internship Activities The TRICERATOPS FOSSIL PREPARATION INTERN will participate in the following activities: Prepare, stabilize, repair, and re-house vertebrate fossils using specialized equipment, tools, consolidants, and adhesives Engage in daily public outreach activities – e.g., sharing info on “Triceratops Dreams" discovery and facilitating Q&A with Museum guests Build archival cradles for oversize specimens (e.g., sauropod limbs, mammoth sacra, etc.) for long-term storage in collections Surface scan vertebrate fossils and use software to generate 3D models Assist with the management of supplies and equipment for the Department of Earth Sciences Collaborate with other interns, lab volunteers, and Museum staff Support field work logistics; participate in regional field efforts Provide direct assistance to DES collections staff, curators, and preparators as necessary Participate in public outreach programs such as Science on the Spot, summer camp experiences, Behind-the-Scenes special events, etc.

Qualifications Must have a passion for the natural sciences and an interest in pursuing a career in museums. Completed or enrolled at a 2- or 4-year institution in the Earth or Life Sciences preferred. Strong attention to detail, patience, and fine motor skills; excellent hand-eye coordination.

Positive attitude and flexibility. Ability to work collaboratively with Museum staff and volunteers. Organized; ability to self-start and maintain balance between a number of projects.

Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to lift 50 lbs. Staff Mentors Evan Tamez-Galvan K-Pg Project Fossil Preparator Natalie Toth Chief Fossil Preparator Salvador Bastien Fossil Preparator Sadie Sherman K-Pg Project Fossil Preparator Brooke Noonan K-Pg Research Assistant Schedule 20 weeks, 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, some weekend work required Stipend $771.60 per week x 20 weeks = $15,432 Application Deadline Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026.

Application Instructions If you have applied to, interned, or volunteered at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, please contact [email protected] to have your account reset. Do not create another account. If you have not previously applied to, interned at, or volunteered at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, click on the blue box below titled Internship Application to create an account and complete the steps below.

Create an account Update Your Profile Select the Earth Sciences Triceratops Fossil Preparation Lab Internship 2026 Review the position description Navigate to the Prerequisites section at the bottom of the form Within the Prerequisites section, click on Earth Sciences Triceratops Fossil Preparation Lab Internship 2026 Upload your cover letter and resume/CV specifically for this internship Last Step! Apply for the internship by selecting the position again using the bottom Apply Now blue button at the bottom of the form. For questions regarding the position, please email Evan Tamez-Galvan: [email protected] For questions regarding the application, please contact [email protected]