Lead Paleontologist — Construction Monitoring & Mitigation

WSP Global Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 59,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement savings

Paid time off

Parental leave

Job summary

WSP Global Inc. seeks an On Call Senior Paleontologist to manage monitoring and mitigation for major California infrastructure projects.

You will lead field teams, ensure regulatory compliance, and help build a regional monitoring program while coordinating with agencies across the Southwest U.S. The role requires a strong background in geology/paleontology and several years of field experience, with leadership exposure and the ability to travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Geology, Paleontology, Archaeology, Anthropology, historic preservation, or related field.
• 5 to 7 years of relevant post-education field experience (surveys, monitoring, excavation).
• Minimum three years of paleontological resource mitigation and field experience in California.
• At least one year of leading paleontological resource mitigation and field activities.
• Ability to recognize and collect fossils in the field.
• Local geological and biostratigraphic expertise.
• Proficiency in identifying vertebrate and invertebrate fossils.
• Strong project management and communication skills.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements; travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead Paleontological Resources Specialist for construction projects throughout California.
• Develop and implement Paleontological Resources Monitoring and Mitigation Plans.
• Supervise qualified Paleontological Monitors and coordinate with construction teams.
• Give WEAP training to construction staff.
• Assisting in coordination with agencies including CEC, CPUC, and local jurisdictions.
• Evaluate paleontological discoveries and direct mitigation strategies in coordination with environmental compliance team.
• Provide technical oversight and monitoring and discovery report preparation.
• Ensure compliance with project requirements, laws and regulations.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Skills

Project management

Communication skills

Fossil identification

Field supervision

Regulatory coordination

WEAP training

Environmental compliance

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Geology/Paleontology/Archaeology/Anthropology

Master’s Degree or PhD preferred

Job description

WSP Global Inc. seeks an On Call Senior Paleontologist to manage monitoring and mitigation for major California infrastructure projects.

You will lead field teams, ensure regulatory compliance, and help build a regional monitoring program while coordinating with agencies across the Southwest U.S. The role requires a strong background in geology/paleontology and several years of field experience, with leadership exposure and the ability to travel as needed.