Assistant Project Paleontologist (Temporary)

SWCA, Incorporated; Colorado; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Part time

Job summary

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Temporary Assistant Project Paleontologist to support projects in the Rocky Mountain Plains region, based out of Denver or Sheridan.

The role emphasizes field monitoring, fossil recovery, data collection, and documentation under a Paleontology Lead, with field leadership responsibilities and coordination of field crews. Travel to western sites is required.

Qualifications

• Two years of Wyoming mitigation experience.
• Four years of professional paleontological mitigation experience overall.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and conduct paleontological monitoring, surveys, fossil recovery, and data collection.
• Plan and coordinate field efforts and supervise field crews.
• Communicate with clients and construction personnel; support project schedules, budgets, and deliverables.

Skills

Field leadership

Paleontological monitoring

Data collection

Coordination

Job description

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Temporary Assistant Project Paleontologist to support projects in our Rocky Mountain Plains region, based out of the Denver or Sheridan office.

This position will primarily support an ongoing paleontological mitigation project in southwestern Wyoming through October 2026, with potential extension into early 2027 and opportunities for future project work across the western United States.

The ideal candidate will have at least two years of Wyoming mitigation experience and four years of professional paleontological mitigation experience overall. Preference will be given to candidates who currently qualify as a Wyoming Paleontological Resource Use Permit Field Agent.

Working under the direction of a Paleontology Lead, the Assistant Project Paleontologist will oversee and conduct paleontological monitoring, surveys, fossil recovery, data collection, quality assurance, and project documentation. This role includes field leadership responsibilities, coordination of field crews, communication with clients and construction personnel, and support of project schedules, budgets, and deliverables.

Projects may include energy transmission, oil and gas, mining, and other infrastructure developments throughout the western United States.

Field assignments typically involve:

• Extended travel and hotel stays, often three weeks or longer
• Work schedules of up to six days per week
• Long field days averaging 12 to 14 hours
• Work in remote locations, rugged terrain, and varying weather conditions

Project related travel, lodging, rental vehicles, per diem, and overtime pay will be provided as applicable.

Candidates located in Colorado, Wyoming, or Utah are preferred, although qualified applicants throughout the western United States will be considered.

What you will accomplish

• Serve as the lead paleontology professional on field projects, acting as a permitted Field Agent or Principal Investigator, as applicable.
• Supervise and conduct paleontological monitoring, surveys, fossil recovery, and data collection activities.
• Plan and coordinate field efforts