The application period for the NPS-PS Paleontology in the Parks Fellowship Program is now open! 

Three fellowships are currently available for inventory reports that will be focused on NPS paleobotanical resources. The NPS coastal and shoreline paleontological resources fellowship has been filled. To read about pilot projects in progress and the development of this program, see here. Please refer to the main program page for full details on eligibility and how to apply. Email the program chair with any questions (and if you are attending the GSA meeting in Denver, please stop by the poster session on Wednesday afternoon to learn more about the program).

Title of Project: National Park Service Paleobotanical Resource Inventory

Priority Application Deadline: November 1, 2022

Start Date: December 2022/January 2023

Project Description: The National Park Service (NPS) Paleontology Program in partnership with the Paleontological Society (PS) are initiating an inventory of paleobotanical resources from NPS areas. This project seeks to compile baseline paleobotanical resource data from across the National Park System to more fully understand the scope, significance, distribution, and management issues associated with NPS fossil plants. Three paleontology fellows will be recruited to work as part of an inventory team to undertake research, documentation, and development of inventory reports focused on the fossil record of plants from NPS areas. Each of the paleontology fellows will be recruited to help coordinate the research and documentation of fossil plants from each of the principal subdivisions of the Phanerozoic including the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, or Cenozoic. The paleontology fellows selected for this inventory will work both as part of the NPS Paleobotany Inventory Team and more independently focused on the geochronological specific fossil flora preserved in parks across the NPS. The paleontology fellows should have mentors with expertise to contribute to these projects (ideally in reference to specific eras), and all individuals will work closely with staff from the NPS Paleontology Program, PS, and other members of the team. This project will not involve field inventory work and will be based on the review of existing paleobotanical literature and fossil plant specimens in museum collections. Each of the fellows will receive a $4000 stipend for their participation in this project.  

Title of Project: Paleontological Resources in Coastal & Shoreline National Parks

Priority Application Deadline: July 31, 2022

Start Date: September 2022

Project Description: The National Park Service (NPS) and Paleontological Society (PS) are partnering to inventory and evaluate fossils which occur in coastal and shoreline national parks. The two primary objectives of this project include: 1) compile baseline paleontological resource data on the scope, significance, distribution, and management issues associated with fossils preserved in NPS coastal and shoreline environments; and, 2) to assess how coastal and shoreline processes influence the stability and condition of in situ fossils as they are exposed or lost through these processes. This important project is intended to help inform NPS staff in the management of non-renewable paleontological resources in coastal and shoreline areas within parks. A mentor-student pair is being recruited to help support a team of paleontologists and geologists involved with research and development of a report addressing "Fossils and Their Management in Coastal and Shoreline National Parks". The student selected for this fellowship will focus primarily on research and compilation of existing fossil information for parks identified with these resources. The work for this fellowship can be done remotely; no in-park fieldwork is anticipated for this project. The student fellow and mentor will participate in regular planning calls with the project team and take the lead on specific research and writing tasks. The applicant should have an educational background and experience related to geology and paleontology. Additionally, the applicant should possess good research and writing skills. The fellowship stipend for this project is $5000.