Field Paleontologist (As-Needed) – San Diego County

HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc.; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

HELIX Environmental Planning is seeking an experienced Staff Paleontologist for field-based work primarily in San Diego County. The role focuses on construction monitoring, fossil salvage, and related field activities, with opportunities for lab work and report preparation.

The position requires 5+ years of paleontological experience, a bachelors degree or higher in paleontology or geology, and the ability to work outdoors in hot conditions.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree or higher in paleontology, geology, or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of paleontological experience.
• Experience with fossil salvage and laboratory preparation.
• Ability to work outdoors in high-heat environments for extended periods.
• Meet qualifications for City of San Diego-approved monitors.
• Meet qualifications to perform fieldwork as a monitor or field agent on BLM lands in California.
• Valid California Driver License and reliable transportation.
• Willingness to travel and stay overnight when needed.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent paleontological monitoring for construction projects.
• Assist with or lead paleontological surveys and fossil salvage efforts.
• Perform laboratory work, including cataloging paleontological materials.
• Support technical analyses, research, and report preparation.
• Draft memos, letters, and report sections.
• Maintain accurate field notes, maps, project files, and work logs.
• Deliver high-quality work products on schedule and within budget.

Skills

Paleontology experience

Fieldwork

Paleontological monitoring

Education

Bachelors degree or higher in paleontology, geology, or related field

Job description

As-Needed Staff Paleontologist – San Diego County

Ready to uncover the past while helping shape the future? HELIX is seeking an experienced Staff Paleontologist to join our growing Paleontological Resources team. If you’re passionate about fieldwork, fossils, construction monitoring, and California paleontology, this Staff Paleontologist opportunity offers meaningful project work, professional independence, and the chance to contribute to a respected environmental consulting firm.

Why HELIX?

Our collaborative culture, diverse project portfolio, and commitment to quality make HELIX a rewarding place to build your career. This is an as-needed, field-based opportunity supporting projects primarily in San Diego County and surrounding areas of southern California with an immediate hiring need.

Day in the Life

As a Staff Paleontologist, your day may begin at an active construction site monitoring earth-moving activities, identifying fossil-bearing geologic units, and documenting field observations. You may then assist with a paleontological survey, perform fossil salvage, conduct background research, catalog specimens in the lab, or support technical report preparation. Every day as a Staff Paleontologist offers a unique blend of science, fieldwork, collaboration, and discovery.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct independent paleontological monitoring for construction projects.
• Assist with or lead paleontological surveys and fossil salvage efforts.
• Perform laboratory work, including cataloging paleontological materials.
• Support technical analyses, research, and report preparation.
• Draft memos, letters, and report sections.
• Maintain accurate field notes, maps, project files, and work logs.
• Deliver high-quality work products on schedule and within budget.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in paleontology, geology, or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of paleontological experience.
• Experience with fossil salvage and laboratory preparation.
• Ability to work outdoors in high-heat environments for extended periods.
• Meet qualifications for City of San Diego-approved monitors.
• Meet qualifications to perform fieldwork as a monitor or field agent on BLM lands in California.
• Valid California Driver’s License and reliable transportation.
• Willingness to travel and stay overnight when needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Meet qualifications for performing fieldwork on BLM land in other western states.
• Experience preparing paleontological report sections supporting CEQA documentation.

Hourly wages will be based on qualifications and/or experience. Expected starting pay range of $30 to $38 per hour.

This position is an as-needed position and is utilized to supplement our full-time workforce. You will not be guaranteed a minimum number of hours.

How to Apply

Please provide a detailed resume or curriculum vitae demonstrating your project experience and how you meet the requirements and additional skills. Begin by clicking “Apply Now” below.

HELIX is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and an inclusive work environment. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply regardless of gender, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, disability, age, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service or veteran status. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs.

Job Category

Cultural Resources

Why Join Our Team?

We are a growing, employee-owned firm, we’re passionate about what we do, and we have a casual and collaborative work environment. Our employees describe us as team-oriented, caring, flexible, and driven by our standards for integrity. We recognize that each employee has individualized needs for support in the work environment and we aim to make each person’s experience the best it can be. In addition to our competitive benefits package, we offer wellness incentives, a community volunteer program, and much more.