Assistant Project Paleontologist (Temporary)

SWCA Environmental Consultants; New Mexico; On-site; USD 3,655,000 - 4,637,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel and lodging

Per diem

Overtime pay

Job summary

SWCA Environmental Consultants seeks a Temporary Assistant Project Paleontologist to support mitigation projects in the Rocky Mountain Plains region, based out of Sheridan, WY. This role will oversee field monitoring, data collection, and coordination with field crews, with travel across the western United States.

The ideal candidate has at least two years of mitigation experience and may qualify as a Paleontological Resource Use Permit Field Agent.

Qualifications

• Must qualify as a Paleontological Resource Use Permit Field Agent.
• Two+ years paleontological mitigation experience; four+ preferred.
• Experience leading field crews and construction monitoring.
• Knowledge of Southwestern and Rocky Mountain Plains geology, paleontology, and field techniques.
• Valid driver's license; ability to operate four wheel drive vehicles on rugged roads.
• Ability to travel extensively, hike long distances, and work outdoors.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead paleontology professional on field projects and act as permitted Field Agent or Principal Investigator as applicable.
• Supervise and conduct paleontological 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.
• 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 with project managers, clients, agencies, contractors, and field teams.
• Support and uphold SWCA safety requirements.

Skills

Field leadership

Paleontological mitigation

Fossil recovery

Data collection

Report writing

Team supervision

Education

Master's degree in Paleontology

Ph.D. in Paleontology

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 Sheridan office. This position will initially 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, particularly with the aim to become involved with paleontology projects in Arizona and New Mexico. The ideal candidate will have at least two years of mitigation experience, preferably at least four years of experience in a variety of locations and geologic settings. Preference will be given to candidates who currently qualify as a 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.

About SWCA

SWCA is a growing, 1,700+ staff, employee-owned firm, providing a full-spectrum of environmental services. Our Vision (the North Star) is to make SWCA the best workplace and industry leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges while maintaining a dedication to employee-ownership. We live our core values: we collaborate as #OneSWCA; we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack. This is especially true for the Paleontology Team.

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, 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 to support successful project execution.
• 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.

Required Qualifications

Experience and qualifications for success

• Must qualify as a Paleontological Resource Use Permit Field Agent.
• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Paleontology, Geology, Biology, or a related field preferred. Bachelor's degree may be considered with equivalent experience and project leadership responsibilities.
• Minimum two years of paleontological mitigation experience.
• Preferred four years of professional paleontological consulting experience with increasing responsibility.
• Experience leading field crews and conducting construction monitoring projects.
• Experience preparing or contributing to paleontological mitigation reports for BLM or other regulatory agencies.
• Strong knowledge of Southwestern and Rocky Mountain Plains geology, paleontology, fossil identification, mitigation methods, and field techniques.
• Experience with fossil identification, excavation, documentation, curation and laboratory methods.
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate four wheel drive vehicles on rugged roads.
• Ability to travel extensively, work extended schedules, hike up to eight miles per day, lift up to 40 pounds, and work in demanding outdoor environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current Field Agent status.
• Qualification on multiple BLM and state paleontology permits.
• Experience supporting energy, transmission, mining, or oil and gas projects.
• MSHA, OSHA, CPR, and First Aid certifications.
• Experience throughout the Rocky Mountain Plains, Southwestern United States, or broader western United States.

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact [e-mail] or call 1 480 581 5378. If you require assistance with the application process, please contact [e-mail].

SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees. In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges on all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.

An employee in this Sheridan, WY-based position as an Assistant Project Paleontologist has an hourly pay rate of $26.52 - $33.66. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law.

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success.

SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA’s continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.

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