Paleontologists: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview Fossils and specimens are studied to know more about our ancient origins. Those who study fossils and specimens found in rocks and Earth’s crust are called paleontologists. They study the ecology of the past and the origins of life. Paleontologists are classified depending on the life-form they study. Some of the classifications are palynologists, paleobotanists, vertebrate paleontologists, invertebrate paleontologists, stratigraphers and petrographers.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
Mathematics and Science courses will be the foundation of an applicant who want to concentrate in becoming a paleontologists in the future. Trigonometry, Algebra, Chemistry and Biology prepares them for college. Classes in Computer and Programming will be helpful also. English and Speech classes are also beneficial for presentation and publication purposes. An applicant should major in Biology or Geology. They will be given advanced lessons in Physics, Mathematics, Calculus, Life Sciences and Chemistry. There are lectures and discussions about history of science as well as seminars for those who have a specialty area in the field of Paleontology. Those who want to be a paleontology college professor must obtain a Doctorate degree or should at least be a candidate for a Doctorate status.
Skills and Abilities
Almost all paleontologists have taken this career because they want to know more about things of the past. They are curious and inquisitive. It is important that they have the desire to study and read. Respect for other culture and beliefs is essential. They need to have good people skills because they would be working with different people from all over the world. They should be observant and detail-oriented especially when studying a specimens or fossils.
Duties
There are many life-forms that can be studied by paleonologists that is the reason they have classifications. They study the origin of submicroscopic life-forms and macroscopic fossil plants. They are responsible in studying the ecology, anatomy and habits of the animal kingdom with backbone like birds, mammals, reptiles and fishes. Those animals without backbones like sponges, insects, trilobites and corals are also studied. They are responsible in describing and measuring fossils‘ age.
Some paleontologists would use drawings to explain the different phases of life. They analyze and compare different fossils and formations from around the world. Those who will be a professor in this field would need to prepare curriculum and lessons for students.
Earnings and Job Outlook
Studies made concluded that average annual income of paleontologists is $71,640. Since most of them are into teaching profession, instructors can earn $38,501 while assistant professors earn $52,788. Associate professors earn $63,063 and full-time professors earn $88,591 respectively. When it comes to employment, opportunities are not big in this field. There are paleontologists that are underemployed or unemployed. The demand from this field nowadays is for teaching and researching positions.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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Word Count: 493 Date: Sat, 6 Nov 2010 Time: 2:16 PM
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