Tag: Blog

Happy Thanksgiving: We are greatful for you, Our Patron

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Trilobite Eating a Thanksgiving a Meal

🦃🍂 Happy Thanksgiving from Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Preserve! 🍂🦃

Our favorite trilobite is all set for the holiday feast — and we hope your table is just as full of joy, gratitude, and good company today!

As we celebrate this season of thanks, we’re especially grateful for YOU — our visitors, members, volunteers, donors, and friends who make Penn Dixie such a special place. Every fossil you uncover, every nature walk you enjoy, and every moment of curiosity you share helps support our mission of hands-on science education and conservation.

This year also marks a special milestone: 30 years of Penn Dixie being open to the public.
Three decades of discovery, adventure, community, and connection — made possible by people just like you. 💚

From all of us (and our very hungry trilobite friend):
Have a warm, wonderful, and fossil-filled Thanksgiving!
🦴🍁🌎

If you’d like to support our nonprofit mission this holiday season, you can make a gift here:
👉 https://penndixie.org/donate/

Ticket Scam Alert

Ticket Scam Alert

Penn Dixie

It has come to our attention that unaffiliated individuals are attempting to sell Penn Dixie admission “tickets” to residents in the Town of Hamburg. By witness accounts the individuals are under the age of 18, are traveling on foot or bicycle, and the “tickets” are printed marketing materials which we freely give out to promote the park.


Please be advised that Penn Dixie admission is only available for purchase on-site at Penn Dixie, or on our website: penndixie.org. We encourage you to contact local law enforcement if you have been targeted by these individuals.

Seasonal Educator

Seasonal Educator

Penn Dixie

Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Natural Reserve is a top-ranked destination for science enthusiasts of all ages! With a mission of hands-on science education, we encourage our visitors to learn about the natural world in an outdoor setting. Our programs emphasize natural history — including geology and paleontology, ecology, and astronomy. We serve 18,000 guests annually, including many who travel across the country to dig our fossils and explore our park.

Educators are the initial connection that visitors have with Penn Dixie. Educators are responsible for introducing Penn Dixie to guests, from admission to departure. The ideal candidate is driven to provide an outstanding learning experience for visitors of all abilities and backgrounds. Educators are expected to be friendly, helpful, and consistently maintain a positive attitude despite the challenge of working outdoors with large groups of visitors. Candidates do not need a formal background in geology or paleontology, but must be willing to learn.

Please note that this position is seasonal and part-time. Priority will be given to applicants who are available from April – September and are able to work at least 12 hours per week. This position pays $16.50 / hour.

Essential Functions

  • Provide tours for guests (various group sizes)
  • Demonstrate enthusiastic and welcome behavior at all times.
  • Greet guests, accept admissions, conduct introductions, guide guests throughout the site.
  • Monitor and enforce safety rules.
  • Ensures cleanliness and organization throughout the site, including, but not limited to, collecting, cleaning and sorting fossils, organizing gift shop merch, garbage pick up, light trail maintenance.
  • Provide excellent customer service and be knowledgeable in Penn Dixie’s science, history, and programming (training provided).
  • Explain and promote Penn Dixie programs, membership, gift shop merchandise, birthday parties, and special events.
  • Respond to guest needs immediately, including issues requiring first aid.

Requirements and Qualifications

  • Documentation of U.S. citizenship or proof of eligibility to work in the U.S.
  • Obtain criminal background check clearance.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including some weekends, holidays and evenings.
  • Knowledge or interest in science and / or education.
  • CPR and First Aid certifications (may be provided if employee is not currently certified)
  • Must have your own reliable transportation to/from work.

Experience, Skills and Personal Qualities Required

  • Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills
  • Friendly, positive attitude
  • Comfortable speaking in front of groups
  • Exceptional customer service skills
  • Detail-oriented
  • Reliable and punctual
  • Strong teamwork and collaboration skills

Physical Demands

  • Speaking in small and large groups
  • Walking and standing outdoors, sometimes for extended periods
  • Bending/stooping frequently
  • Dealing with highly variable weather conditions
  • Ability to lift/carry up to 40 lbs

To apply, send a resumé and cover letter to our Marketing and Development Coordinator, Matt Wheaton at matt@penndixie.org

Applications will be accepted through March 6th, 2024