Elevation Science Institute’s Field Internship Program is an opportunity for two interns to spend the summer enhancing their understanding of field paleontology techniques, contributing to active paleontological research, and developing the skills needed to facilitate a large-scale paleontological field expedition.
What Our Field Interns Do
The application window for our 2026 Field Internship Program is approaching! We expect to open the application process in November 2025. Watch for updates on this page and on our social media accounts.
Who May Apply
All applicants must be:
currently enrolled in or recent graduates of undergraduate or graduate studies in a paleontology-related field (biology, geology, etc.) at an accredited college or university.
U.S. Citizens (Federal laws and regulations simply make the process of hiring non U.S. citizens too difficult and complicated for our small organization to handle.)
General Information
Location
Base camp is located at the Yellowstone-Bighorn Research Association in Red Lodge, MT with field operations usually occurring in the Bighorn Basin along the MT/WY border between the Beartooth and Pryor Mountain ranges.
Duration
Approximately June 23 - August 18
Housing & Meals
Housing & meals at YBRA is provided to interns at no cost. Interns live in semi- private cabins at YBRA, and will have access to wi-fi, onsite laundry and limited refrigerator/freezer space. Meals and snacks acquired off site will be at the intern's cost, except in cases of Team meals. *Limited dietary restrictions can be accomodated by YBRA (vegetarian & vegan). Intern will be responsible for acquiring additional items at their own cost.
The Field Paleontology Internship Program is made possible thanks to The David B. Jones Foundation, The Bureau of Land Management, and donors, like you, who want to support the future leaders of paleontology!
Opportunities At Other Organizations
There are dozens of internship and seasonal employment opportunities across the country available to undergraduate and graduate students in college, early-career professional paleontologists, and even some for enthusiastic high-school students. We have compiled the most comprehensive and detailed list of opportunites available anywhere - check it out! Please let us know if we’ve missed any, and check back often - new opportunities are announced all the time.