Tag: education

Dig In!

Dig In!

Penn Dixie

Attention teachers, activities directors, program coordinators, scout leaders, and more! Are you looking for some fossil fun during the colder months? Let us bring Penn Dixie to you with our newest outreach program, Dig In! 

Participants become paleontologists as they dig through material from Penn Dixie and learn about Buffalo’s prehistoric past! During this outreach program, a Penn Dixie educator facilitates the hands-on exploration of WNY’s ancient environment while discussing the animals that lived in our area 380 million years ago during the Devonian Period. Participants will also learn the fundamentals of fossils and fossilization.

Dig In can be catered to explorers of all ages and abilities, but is recommended for ages 5+.    

After the program is over, you keep the reusable dig boxes full of rocks and fossils, along with teaching materials, so that you can recreate the fossil fun for years to come! 

Program capacity: 

Dig In can be booked for up to 32 participants at a time. If your group size is larger than 32 people, you will need to book an additional program(s). One dig box is suitable for up to four people. Dig box dimensions: 5 inches high, 8.25 inches wide, 13.5 inches long. 

Pricing:

  • For groups of 16 participants or less: $200 (Plus mileage)
  • For groups of 17 – 32 participants: $250 (Plus mileage)
  • For evening programs with a start time of 5 pm or later, an additional $25 charge will be added.

Includes:

  • 1 hour program with a Penn Dixie educator
  • Reusable dig boxes (with shale and fossils)
  • Replacement fossils
  • “Free Child Admission with Purchase of Adult Admission” coupons (optional)
  • All of the teaching materials needed so that you can recreate Dig In again and again!

Use the form below to request this program! You can also call 716-627-4560, with questions or to book.

We’re Hiring!

We’re Hiring!

Penn Dixie

Please note: we are no longer accepting applications for educators for the 2023 season.

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 outdoors setting. Our programs emphasize natural history — including geology and paleontology, ecology, astronomy, local history, and other STEM fields. 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. Educators are needed late April through late October. Flexible start and end dates can be discussed based on an individual’s need (ex. leaving for college). Starting salary is $15 / 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 and filling “fossil grab bags”, 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 weekends, holidays and evenings.
  • Knowledge or interest in science.
  • Proficiency with tablets, smartphones, and various applications.
  • 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

Solar Viewing Sunday

Solar Viewing Sunday

Penn Dixie

Join us on Sunday, August 21st from 11 am – 1 pm for a solar viewing event! Observe the sun through a telescope (with a proper solar filter!), make a space-themed craft, and learn about our solar system’s only star. All ages welcome! This program is free with park admission and free for Penn Dixie members! Pre-registration not required.

Thank you to Moog Inc. for generously sponsoring this event. 

Eclipsed: Mothing at Penn Dixie

Eclipsed: Mothing at Penn Dixie

Penn Dixie

July 2nd, 8:30 pm – 10 pm

Get ready for National Moth Week in July with us as we survey for moths and other nocturnal insects. These furry critters are invaluable to our ecosystem – find out why.

Please dress in weather-appropriate gear, pack layers, and wear boots. Additionally, we advise that you bring bottled water as we do not have running water on site. There are portable toilets available near the parking lot. In the event of heavy rain or if we detect lightning on site, the program will be cancelled, you will be notified via email and receive a full refund.

Admission is $7 per participant, free for Penn Dixie members! Registration is required, members please contact the office at 716-627-4560 for your registration code. Registration closes 7/2 @ noon.

Cancelation policy: Penn Dixie will not refund payments for cancellations made less than 48 hours prior to the program. Refunds will not be available for registrants who choose not to attend a class/program. If you registered for a program that was canceled by Penn Dixie, you will receive a full refund.

Thank you to Moog Inc. for generously sponsoring this event. 

Dip it Good: Dip Netting at Penn Dixie

Dip it Good: Dip Netting at Penn Dixie

Penn Dixie

June 11th, 6 pm – 7:30pm

Did you know that Penn Dixie is home to two wetlands? Come make a splash with us as we explore the macroinvertebrates and other aquatic creatures living onsite!

Please dress in weather-appropriate gear, pack layers, and wear boots – we recommend rubber boots for this program. Additionally, we advise that you bring bottled water as we do not have running water on site. There are portable toilets available near the parking lot. In the event of heavy rain or if we detect lightning on site, the program will be cancelled, you will be notified via email and receive a full refund.

Admission is $7 per participant, free for Penn Dixie members. Registration is required – Members who need a registration code, please contact the office at 716-627-4560.

Registration closes at noon on 6/11.

Cancelation policy: Penn Dixie will not refund payments for cancellations made less than 48 hours prior to the program. Refunds will not be available for registrants who choose not to attend a class/program. If you registered for a program that was canceled by Penn Dixie, you will receive a full refund