Career as a Palaeontologist

**Caution this page may contain images of persons now deceased**

ESA Logo

Traditional Aboriginal Knowledge

Career as a Palaeontologist


   see also Palaeontology skills...on separate pages
     How to Read a Map
     How to use a  Brunton compass 
     How to Read a Silva compass
     Fossils and Expeditions
     Geological Careers...Geologist



Palaeontology is the study of ancient animal and environment records. In Greek Palaeontology means study of ancient life.
Brian Mackness is a Palaeontologist. I E-mailed Brian and asked him why he liked being a palaeontologist. He replied:
 
"As to why I like being a palaeontologist . . .It's mainly because you get
to be a time detective. The first challenge when you find a bit of an
animal millions of years old is to try and work out what kind of animal it
was in the first place. Then if its new you need to work out where it fits
in the scheme of things. You also have to describe and name it. Really cool
stuff. But perhaps the best thing is that by understanding how different
animals have survived you can help make sure that those animals here today
and be properly conserved."  

Personal Requirements
As a Palaeontologist you may perform some of the following tasks Palaeontology can be very profitable with salaries but you will not get rich. The vary in salaries is due to some palaeontologists working on contracts and some of them working for big museums. Palaeontology is a very out-door job but, does involve some in-door work.
Palaeontology usually specializes into particular areas. For example may specialize into one period or on one species of animal.