Make history —

help prepare a
national treasure 

Seeing a dinosaur emerge from a 100 million year old tomb is a rare treat few will experience. We offer the genuine opportunity to do just that and work on real dinosaur bones, every one of which is new to science and a national treasure.

Work alongside experienced staff using professional equipment in our new fossil preparation facility. Come for a day or a week — help bring prehistoric giants back to life!

Book now! 

For bookings or further information call the AAOD laboratory direct on +61 7 4657 0078 or email volunteers@australianageofdinosaurs.com

What's included?

• A personalised tour of the AAOD collection

• Training with an AAOD Senior Preparator

• Our current Journal issue (for new members)

Daily positions

• Members: First day Single $60,
  Couples/Groups/Family $50 each
  Every day thereafter Single $50
  Couples/Groups/Family $40 each
  

• Non-members: as per members plus an
  additional $22 membership fee
  

Weekly positions (5 consecutive days)

• Members: Single $240
                   Couples/Groups/Family $200 each
  

• Non-members: as per members plus an
  additional $22 membership fee
  

Travel and accommodation
Please see our Visitor Information page for details. Meals are not included.

Hours

• Monday to Saturday (closed Sunday)
  

• 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
  

Type of work
      Preparing dinosaur fossils requires patience,
      a good eye, and a steady hand. Work includes:

• Mechanical preparation of bones using
  small pneumatic scribes and/or rotary burrs

• Repairs and consolidation of specimens

• Sieving and sorting matrix for microfossils

Qualify as an Honorary Technician
Fossil preparation participants can qualify as an Honorary Technician following the completion of ten days preparation (days do not need to be consecutive). Honoraries are able to participate free of charge after a refresher induction fee of $60 per year.

Only two Honorary Technician positions are available at any one time during peak tourist season (May 1 to September 30) and will be allocated on a "first-in" basis. Larger groups will be accepted during the off-peak season. To qualify, participants are first assessed by an AAOD Senior Technician. Assessment criteria include:

• Standard of work
• Ability to follow instructions
• Ability to work in a team environment
  

Intellectual property (IP)
Photos, video, audio and digital recordings of volunteers may be used to publicise AAOD programs.

Media representatives may be present at times and if there are any concerns about this please advise the Volunteer Supervisor.

Participants are able to take photos, however these are to be for personal use only. Photo’s cannot be published without the consent of AAOD Management.

Volunteer and public liability insurance
As a volunteer you will be known as a ‘Volunteer Fossil Preparator.’ While in transit to and from Winton and whilst volunteering in the AAOD Prep Lab, you will be covered by AAOD Volunteer Insurance Policy.

You must notify the Volunteer Supervisor or a member of AAOD Management immediately if any injury occurs whilst acting as a volunteer for the AAOD Museum. An incident report must be completed as soon as possible after the incident has occurred.