Field Project Paleontologist – Wyoming Mitigation

SWCA Environmental Consultants; Broomfield (CO); On-site; USD 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Temporary Assistant Project Paleontologist to lead paleontological monitoring, surveys, fossil recovery, and data collection on projects across the western United States, based in Denver or Sheridan.

The role requires field leadership, the ability to manage field crews, coordinate with clients and construction teams, and support schedules, budgets, and deliverables, with travel and long field days typical.

Qualifications

• Must qualify as a Wyoming Paleontological Resource Use Permit Field Agent.
• Advanced degree preferred: MS/PhD in Paleontology, Geology, Biology, or related field.
• Minimum four years of professional paleontological consulting experience.
• Minimum two years of paleontological mitigation experience in Wyoming.
• Experience leading field crews and construction monitoring.
• Experience preparing mitigation reports for BLM or regulators.
• Willingness to travel extensively and work long field days.
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate 4WD vehicles.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Paleontological monitoring

Field leadership

Wyoming experience

Report writing

Client communication

Travel readiness

Safety compliance

Education

MS/PhD in Paleontology

Geology/Biology degree

Job description

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Temporary Assistant Project Paleontologist to lead paleontological monitoring, surveys, fossil recovery, and data collection on projects across the western United States, based in Denver or Sheridan.

The role requires field leadership, the ability to manage field crews, coordinate with clients and construction teams, and support schedules, budgets, and deliverables, with travel and long field days typical.