Palaeontologist
Also known as: palaeontology analyst, palaeontology research analyst, palaeontology scholar, palaeoecologist, paleontologist, ichnologist
About this occupation
Palaeontologists research and analyse forms of life that existed in ancient eras of the planet Earth. They strive to define the evolutionary path and the interaction with different geological areas of all kinds of once organisms and such plants, pollen and spores, invertebrate and vertebrate animals, humans, traces such as footprints, and ecology and climate.
A specialisation of geologist.
Essential skills and knowledge
- geology
- geological time scale
- scientific modelling
- perform scientific research
- write scientific papers
- paleontology
- use geographic information systems
- geographic information systems
- scientific research methodology
- apply scientific methods
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists (O*NET 19-1023.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
- Disseminate information by writing reports and scientific papers or journal articles, and by making presentations and giving talks for schools, clubs, interest groups and park interpretive programs.
- Develop, or make recommendations on, management systems and plans for wildlife populations and habitat, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options.
- Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
- Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.
- Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Investigative, Realistic, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, Science, Complex Problem Solving
US median pay: US$76,780 a year (2025), 18,120 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- BiologyO*NET: BiologyExtremely important (4.7)
- Environmental ScienceO*NET: Biology + GeographyVery important (4.3)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.1)
- GeographyO*NET: GeographyVery important (3.8)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.7)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentVery important (3.7)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.1)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Conservation Scientists
- Range Managers
- Environmental Restoration Planners
- Fish and Game Wardens
- Soil and Plant Scientists
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
- Animal Scientists
- Foresters
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.