Assistant Project Paleontologist — Field Lead, Western US

SWCA, Incorporated; New Mexico; On-site; USD 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel and lodging provided

Overtime pay

Per diem

Job summary

SWCA Environmental Consultants seeks a Temporary Assistant Project Paleontologist to support a mitigation project in the Rocky Mountain Plains region, based out of Sheridan, WY. The role involves field leadership, monitoring, surveys, fossil recovery, data collection, and delivering reports.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years of mitigation experience, with priority for those who are Field Agent qualified. Travel to western U.S.

Qualifications

• Must qualify as Paleontological Resource Use Permit Field Agent.
• Ability to oversee field crews and conducting monitoring and surveys.
• Strong knowledge of southwestern and Rocky Mountain Plains geology and paleontology.

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead paleontology professional on field projects, acting as Field Agent or Principal Investigator as applicable.
• Supervise and conduct monitoring, surveys, fossil recovery, and data collection.
• Plan and coordinate field efforts, including staffing, equipment, logistics, and daily work assignments.
• Ensure data accuracy, quality control, and completion of field documentation and deliverables.
• Prepare or contribute to technical reports, impact assessments, and management recommendations.
• Track project schedules, budgets, and performance metrics.
• Mentor and direct field, laboratory, and junior staff.
• Communicate effectively with project managers, clients, agencies, contractors, and field teams.
• Support and uphold SWCA and client safety requirements.
• Maintain SWCA's standards for scientific quality, ethics, and professionalism.

Skills

Field leadership

Paleontology knowledge

Client communication

Travel readiness

Education

Master's or PhD in Paleontology/Geology/Biology

Bachelor's with equivalent experience

Job description

SWCA Environmental Consultants seeks a Temporary Assistant Project Paleontologist to support a mitigation project in the Rocky Mountain Plains region, based out of Sheridan, WY. The role involves field leadership, monitoring, surveys, fossil recovery, data collection, and delivering reports.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years of mitigation experience, with priority for those who are Field Agent qualified. Travel to western U.S.