How to Be Fossil Preparator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 17, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Fossil preparators are important in the field of paleontology, as they are responsible for preparing and preserving fossils for research and display. By carefully removing sediment and material that covers the fossil, preparators are able to uncover and reveal the fossilized remains of organisms that lived millions of years ago. This allows scientists to study the organisms more closely and gain a better understanding of their evolution and the history of life.

the work of fossil preparators is necessary for museums to exhibit these ancient remains, allowing the public to appreciate the science and history behind them. fossil preparators are essential in making discoveries about the past and helping to educate future generations about life on Earth.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a bachelor's degree in paleontology, geology, anthropology, or a related field. This is the minimum educational requirement to become a fossil preparator.
Take courses in biology and chemistry to understand the biological and chemical composition of fossils. These courses will give you a better understanding of the fossil record and how to properly prepare fossils.
Participate in a formal internship or volunteer program to get hands-on experience with fossil preparation.
Gain experience with the tools and techniques used to prepare fossils. This may include learning how to use an air scribe, an air compressor, or a dental drill.
Develop strong communication skills so you can effectively explain complex scientific concepts to museum visitors and other interested individuals.
Obtain certification or licensure as a fossil preparator.
Look for employment opportunities at museums, universities, research institutions, and other organizations that specialize in fossil preparation.

The preparation of fossils is a vital process for the study and understanding of ancient life. The ideal preparation of fossils requires a skilled preparator who has knowledge of the fossil material, the techniques to properly prepare it, and the resources available to them. Qualified preparators must have an understanding of the fossil's makeup and be familiar with the tools and methods needed to safely extract it from its matrix.

Proper preparation also involves cleaning, stabilizing, and preserving the fossil, all of which require attention to detail and specialized knowledge. the success of a fossil preparation is dependent upon the preparator's ability to utilize their skills, expertise, and resources to properly clean, stabilize, and preserve the fossil.

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Job Description

Prepare, restore, and preserve fossil specimens in laboratory and field settings.
Perform scientific excavations of fossil-bearing sites, including stratigraphic mapping and record-keeping.
Clean and repair fossils in preparation for research and display.
Prepare casts and molds of fossils for use in research, education, and display.
Create exhibits for museums, universities, and research laboratories that feature fossil specimens.
Monitor and maintain the temperature, humidity, and other conditions of the laboratory or workspace.
Operate laboratory equipment such as microscopes, X-ray machines, acid baths, and other machines used in the preparation process.
Use a variety of tools such as picks, brushes, air scribes, dental drills, and hammers to clean fossils.
Photograph and document the preparation process and condition of specimens.
Develop cataloging systems to keep track of specimens and their locations.
Create labels and create educational materials related to fossils and the preparation process.
Work with paleontologists and other researchers to answer scientific questions related to fossils.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to identify, assess, and select fossils for preparation.
Knowledge of fossil preparation techniques and materials.
Ability to use and maintain a variety of fossil preparation tools and equipment.
Knowledge of anatomy and morphology of fossilized organisms.
Ability to assess the condition of fossils and create conservation plans.
Knowledge of geological and paleontological concepts.
Ability to organize and store fossils and fossil collections.
Knowledge of fossil shipping and handling procedures.
Ability to work in a laboratory setting and collaborate with colleagues.
Knowledge of museum best practices and policies related to fossils.

A Fossil Preparator is responsible for the preparation and restoration of fossils. This requires a specialized set of skills and knowledge, including a deep understanding of the fossil itself, the environment around it, and the techniques for safely removing it from its environment. an understanding of the geological history of a region is necessary in order to properly analyze and interpret the data from a fossil.

As a result, a Fossil Preparator must be well-versed in both the science and the art of fossil preparation. They must possess the ability to identify and assess the physical condition of a fossil, as well as have the manual dexterity to carefully clean and restore them. This requires patience, attention to detail, and an eye for detail in order to correctly prepare fossils.

Furthermore, they need to possess strong communication skills to collaborate with other professionals in order to properly document and preserve the fossil record. the goal of a Fossil Preparator is to make sure that the fossil remains intact and properly preserved for future generations.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in preparing fossils for display and research?
What methods do you use to clean and prepare fossils?
How do you handle fragile fossils when preparing them?
Describe the techniques you use to preserve fossils.
Are you familiar with techniques used to repair and restore fossils?
What methods do you use to label and store fossils?
How do you ensure accuracy when preparing fossils for research?
How do you stay up-to-date with new discoveries and techniques in fossil preparation?
How do you interact with other professionals in the field of fossil preparation?
What do you find most rewarding about being a fossil preparator?

Common Tools in Industry

Rock hammer. A hammer used to break rocks into smaller pieces, often used to expose fossils. (eg: example: a 2lbs rock hammer is the most commonly used tool for breaking rocks)
Chisel and Mallet. A set of tools used to chip away at hard surfaces, often used to remove sediment from fossils. (eg: example: a chisel and mallet set with a variety of sizes and shapes can be used to carefully remove sediment from fossils)
Brush. A tool used to carefully brush away dirt and debris from fossils. (eg: example: a soft-bristled brush can be used to clean dirt and debris from delicate fossils)
Air Compressor. A device used to blow air onto fossils to remove dirt and debris. (eg: example: an air compressor with a special nozzle attachment can be used to blow away dirt and debris from fossils)
Sandpaper. A tool used to smooth and polish fossil surface. (eg: example: a variety of grits of sandpaper can be used to smooth and polish fossil surfaces)
Magnifying Glass. A tool used to examine small details on fossils. (eg: example: a magnifying glass with a 10x magnification can be used to examine tiny details on fossils)

Professional Organizations to Know

Paleontological Society
Society of Vertebrate Paleontology
American Association of Stratigraphic Palynologists
International Association for Palynology
The Geological Society of America
Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences
Society for Sedimentary Geology
American Association of Petroleum Geologists
National Association of Geoscience Teachers
National Science Teachers Association

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Common Important Terms

Paleontology. The scientific study of prehistoric life, including the study of fossils of plants, animals, and other organisms.
Taxonomy. The science of classifying living things according to their biological characteristics.
Taphonomy. The study of the processes that lead to the formation of fossils.
Stratigraphy. The study of the arrangement of sedimentary rocks in order to understand the evolution of life.
Geologic Time Scale. A system used to arrange Earths history into different time periods based on the fossil record and other evidence.
Fossilization. The process by which an organism is preserved as a fossil.
Extraction. The removal of fossils from their surrounding sedimentary rock matrix.
Preparation. The process of removing sediment and other materials from a fossil in order to make it visible and ready for further study.
Molding and Casting. The process used to make a replica of a fossil for research or display purposes.
Cataloging. The process of recording and organizing the information about a particular fossil or collection of fossils.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Fossil Preparator?

A Fossil Preparator is a person who specializes in the preparation and conservation of fossil specimens for scientific study.

What qualifications are required to become a Fossil Preparator?

To become a Fossil Preparator, the minimum qualifications are a bachelor's degree in a related field such as geology, paleontology, or biology, and a strong background in earth science.

What types of tasks do Fossil Preparators typically perform?

Fossil Preparators typically perform tasks such as cleaning, stabilizing, and repairing fossil specimens with specialized tools and techniques, as well as cataloging and curating the fossils for study.

How long does it typically take to prepare a fossil?

The time it takes to prepare a fossil varies depending on the size, condition, and type of fossil. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few hours to several months to fully prepare a fossil.

Where do Fossil Preparators work?

Fossil Preparators usually work in museums, universities, or research labs. They may also work in the field collecting and preparing fossils that are found in nature.