Paleontologists study fossils that they excavate from the soil.
Paleontology refers to the study of fossilized remains of animals and plants in order to learn more about early life. Paleontologists collect these fossils, which are mainly found in sedimentary rocks, and take them back to the laboratory to study them. Paleontology is closely related to geology. Its studies help in getting information about mineral resources and other geological phenomenon.
Job Description
Paleontologists excavate fossils by digging in through layers of earth using tools like picks, drills, shovels and brushes. They bring their specimens back to the laboratory where they date and study them using high-end technology and computer software to understand geological formations, climatic conditions in prehistoric times and evolutionary changes of a particular organism. These analyses may also help in locating natural resources like petroleum, oil and natural gas.
Educational Requirements
According to the Paleontological Research Institute, you must have a major in biology or geology to start your career as a paleontologist. The institute recommends that you have a strong background in science and mathematics, acquire good grades in high school and enroll in a good college. It also suggests that paleontology aspirants obtain a double major in geology and biology. If that is not possible, then get a major in one subject and take extensive coursework in the other. Get a graduate degree to further your prospects of employment. Have enough fieldwork experience throughout your academic life, as this is often sought by most employers. Besides this, computer skills, the ability to analyze statistical data and knowledge of some foreign language are also important for a paleontologist.
Temperament
The most important personality trait required of a paleontologist is patience. Fossils are buried under the ground and a paleontologist has to collect them intact. Hence he has to be very careful in removing soil and rock particles that surround the fossils. Other important personality traits are curiosity, a sharp mind that can catch the minutest detail, love for travel and willingness to work in harsh climatic conditions.
Employment Avenues
Government organizations employ paleontologists to work in geological surveys involving geological mapping and problems related to geology. A large number of paleontologists work in universities as professors or assistant researchers. Some even join laboratories that deal with geological sciences where they work as technicians. According to the report released on May 2009 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, geoscientists (including paleontologists) have job openings in petroleum and coal-products manufacturing industries, oil and gas extraction, management, scientific and technical consulting. The report states geoscientists have the largest employment opportunities in architectural, engineering and related services.
Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics dated May 2009, the average hourly wage and the average annual wage of geoscientists, which include paleontologists, is $44.57 and $92,710 respectively.
Tags: back laboratory, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, climatic conditions, important personality
