Lead Paleontologist, Field Projects (Western U.S.)

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

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.