Palaeontologist

Aliases: Fossil Geologist

Industry/Sector(s): Education, Training and Research

JOB DESCRIPTION ¹

The tasks a Palaeontologist is expected to perform include:

Studying fossilized remains of plants and animals found in geological formations in order to trace historical sequence of evolution and development of past life
Identifying geological formations according to their nature and chronology
Visiting different areas and studying Earth and rock formations, nature of soil, etc.
Collecting fossilized specimens from geological formations using special tools such as hammer, sickle, etc.
Classifying fossilized specimens according to botanical and zoological families and probable age
Preparing treatises on findings of evaluation of life, formation of Earth and sea and other geological data to aid location of natural resources such as petroleum bearing formations or coal
Maintaining fossil specimens as museum exhibits

WORK ENVIRONMENT ^{1, 2}

It is not a desk job
Need not handle a team
Local travelling is a part of this job role
Part-time work and contractual jobs may be available
Work from home option is not available

Working hours

Organizations usually work for 5/6 days a week and 8/9 hours everyday. This may vary from organization to organization
Shift system may be available
Overtime may be required

Is the job suitable for a candidate with special needs?

This may vary from organization to organization

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING ³

Preferably, Master's degree in geology

KEY COMPETENCIES ¹

Skilled in using microscopes, mapping software, compasses, picks and rock hammers or chisels
Knowledge of chemical composition, structure and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo
Skilled in investigating the composition, structure, and history of the Earth's crust through the collection, examination, measurement and classification of soils, minerals, rocks and fossil remains
Knowledge of practical application of engineering science and technology
Proficient in handling fossils
In-depth knowledge of characteristics of fossilized remains of plants and animals
Skilled in classifying fossilized specimens

DESIRABLE COMPETENCIES ¹

Good communication skills
Hard-working

AVAILABLE SKILL TRAINING AND LEARNING INSTITUTES

Colleges providing Master's degree in geology across India

AVAILABLE SKILL TRAINING SCHEMES/SCHOLARSHIPS

For scholarship and schemes, use further links like:

https://scholarships.gov.in/

SAMPLE OF TRAINING AND LEARNING COURSES

http://www.inosca.org/download/geology/syllabus_geo.pdf

CAREER PROGRESSION PATH ⁴

Intern → Palaeontologist → Senior Palaeontologist → Deputy Director of the Department → Director of the Department

The progression is indicative

EXPECTED EARNINGS ³

For new entrants - Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 per month

These figures are indicative and subject to change

REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE ³

Some organizations hire new entrants too

PROBABLE EMPLOYERS ^{1, 3}

Government and private research companies
Museums

KEYWORDS

Palaeontologist
Geologist

OCCUPATIONAL CODES AND STANDARDS

Standard	Code	Description
NCO 2015	2114.0300	Palaeontologist
ISCO 2008	2114	Geologists and Geophysicists
NIC 2008	72100	Research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering
QP Reference	Not available	Not available
NSQF	Not available	Not available

REFERENCES

1	National Classification of Occupations Division 2
2	http://www.ccdisabilities.nic.in/page.php?s=reg&t=def&p=list_jobsNew
3	http://career.webindia123.com/career/options/basic_environmental_science/paleontology/intro.htm
4	http://dget.nic.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/publication/Des-Div-2.pdf

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