About the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science (NMMNHS)
The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science (NMMNHS) preserves and interprets the
distinctive natural and scientific heritage of our state through our extraordinary collections,
research, exhibits, and programs designed to ignite a passion for lifelong learning. We inspire a
greater appreciation, understanding and stewardship of science and our natural world.
The mission of the NMMNHS Paleontology Collections is to serve as a safe repository for researchquality fossils that represent the natural history of New Mexico and southwestern North America. The
collection holds approximately 85,000 cataloged specimens.
An Intern is sought to assist the Collections Manager with a project funded by the United States Forest
Service. The Intern will organize, label, rehouse, and photograph fossil mammal specimens. Ideal
candidates will have specimen handling expertise, basic photography skills, ability to work
independently, and an understanding of natural history museums.
Applicants MUST meet the following qualification: Three years of education from an accredited college
or university specializing in a field related to Natural History, Museum Studies, Museology, Conservation
Science, or Anthropology OR three years supervised experience working with museum
artifacts/collections OR any combination of education and/or direct experience in this occupation
totaling three (3) years.
We will be reviewing applications as they are received. Applications will be accepted until the position is
filled. Start date is flexible but should be approximately late August.
Please submit a Cover Letter, CV, unofficial transcript, and contact information for two to three
professional references to Nicole.Volden@dca.nm.gov.
Paleontology Collections Intern
Compensation: $18-$20 per hour
Duration: 4-6 months
Hours: 15-20 hours per week (during weekdays between 8am to 5pm)
Description
Under the supervision of the Geosciences Collections Manager the paleontology collection intern will
work in coordination with staff and volunteers. Essential job duties will include, but may not be limited
to, the following:
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10% organizing fossil storage cabinet.
20% labeling and tagging fossils.
20% rehousing specimens into archival trays/vials/and bags.
50% photographing specimens and uploading images to our Arctos database.
Minimum Qualifications
• Three years of education from an accredited college or university specializing in a field related to
Natural History, Museum Studies, Museology, Conservation Science, or Anthropology OR three
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years supervised experience working with museum artifacts/collections OR any combination of
education and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling three (3) years.
Interest in natural history and/or museums
Basic computer skills
Paleontology specimen handling experience
Preferred Qualifications
• Specimen photography experience, including setting up lighting and an understanding of
exposure settings
• Experience using Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, or Helicon Focus
• Experience using Arctos or other relational database
• Knowledge of vertebrate skeletal anatomy
Prior experience should demonstrate
• Attention to detail and accuracy during tedious tasks
• Comfortable working independently
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Safe handling of delicate equipment and/or objects
• Patience