Paleontologist job description
Paleontologist Job Profile and Description
A paleontologist is a scientist who studies paleontology, that is, he investigates different forms of life like plants, animals and other organisms that existed in former geologic periods, mainly through the study of fossils. Paleontology is a sub-discipline of both biology and earth science, where a paleontologist studies the evolutionary process and phenomenon by finding and examining the fossils.
Duties and Responsibilities
- The primary responsibility of a paleontologist is the study of the fossilized remains of plants and animals found in geological formations to trace the evolution process and development of past life
- He also identifies geological formations according to nature of the fossil and the chronology
- He recovers and assembles the fossils, notes their positions, and classifies them according to their botanical or zoological family and the probable age they belong to
- Dating of fossils, through radiometric dating or DNA research, is one of the most important work of a paleontologist
- He also prepares treatises on these findings for the furtherance of scientific study
- His reports also help in the location of natural resources, such as petroleum-bearing formations
- Since many paleontologists are teachers, they not only conduct field trips but also apply their findings in the teaching process
Skills and Specifications
- If you are interested in this field, you must have knowledge of computer modeling, data analysis and integration, digital mapping etc.
- Field experience is also helpful, so it’s better if you do internships
- As one needs to work with a team of professionals like engineers and technicians, oral and written communication skills and good interpersonal skills are also required
- You have may to travel a lot and have to be inquisitive, analytical and physically fit
Education and Qualifications
There are college and university degrees offered, both at the graduation, post graduation and doctoral level.