Opportunities From: U of A Alumni

Help us clean our fossils!

The Dino Lab has the largest volunteer corps on the University Campus, and we've had this distinction for a number of years. A fact we are both proud of, and very appreciative of as if we didn't have our volunteers we would never get anywhere near the amount of specimens prepared that we do.

The opportunity you are currently looking at is for the required Safety Orientation (as per OH&S regulations) for potential Volunteers (both undergraduates, graduates, and the general public) who wish to work in the Palaeontological Preparation Lab, and takes approximately 60 minutes. We typically run fsix (6) Introduction & Safety Orientation tours per year.

Please, do not use the waitlist - it is not checked.

Dates Status * Wednesday, March 4th from 1500 to 1600 (3 PM to 4 PM)
Completed Monday, April 20th from 1500 to 1600 (3 PM to 4 PM)
Full Friday, June 5th from 1500 to 1600 (3 PM to 4 PM)
Full Thursday, July 23th from 1500 to 1600 (3 PM to 4 PM)
8/10 Tuesday, September 8th 1500 to 1600 (3 PM to 4 PM)
8/10
Wednesday, October 21th 1500 to 1600 (3 PM to 4 PM)
0/10

* Status as of 2026-03-09 @ 1010 MDT

If you think you are interested in working in the lab then please read the following basic information about the lab and if you are still interested then send an email to our volunteer Co-ordinator Howard Gibbins (gibbins@ualberta.ca), and he will send you further information and book an appointment for you to take the training.

Once you have completed the safety tour, you will then be able to access the general schedules for shifts and any specialised training we offer.

In the event you find you are unable to make your shift for whatever reason, please log in and  update/cancel your booking so others can have your spot.

Our Labs

The University operates two preparation labs. The Daytime Lab is operated by the preparatory staff, and runs from 0900 to 1600 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) weekdays. It is located in basement of Biological Sciences CW-005.

We also have an Evening Dino Lab which is operated by the Graduate Students that runs from 1700 to 1900 (5 pm to 7 pm) Monday through Thursday from approximately the second week of September to the First week of April. It is located on the 4th floor of the Microbiology Wing in Biological Sciences.

Your Health

As you are working with dirt and sharp instruments we strongly recommend that your vaccinations for Tetanus be up to date. Health Canada recommends a tetanus booster every 10 years. If you are sensitive to dust, then you are welcome to bring a mask to wear.

Age Restrictions

University regulations state that volunteers working alone (with no supervision) have to be 18 years or older. If you are interested in volunteering but are under 18 then we would welcome a parent or guardian to volunteer with you as well. Please contact us for further information, as there is a special volunteer waiver for those people under 18.

High School / Work Experience Students

Students who attend participating schools can get credit by volunteering in the lab (1 credit / 25 hours), please see your school's work-experience co-ordinator for further information.  If you don't know who your work experience co-ordinator is please contact our co-ordinator and he'll be happy to put you in touch with them.