Lead Paleontology Field Agent & Project Lead

SWCA, Incorporated; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 37,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

SWCA Environmental Consultants seeks a Temporary Assistant Project Paleontologist to support paleontological mitigation in the Rocky Mountain Plains region, based in Denver or Sheridan. Role involves field leadership, monitoring, fossil recovery, data collection, and reporting on western US projects.

Ideal candidate has 4+ years of professional paleontological consulting experience, 2+ years in Wyoming mitigation, and may qualify as a Wyoming PRU Field Agent.

Qualifications

• Must qualify as a Wyoming Paleontological Resource Use Permit Field Agent.
• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Paleontology, Geology, Biology, or related field preferred; Bachelor's with equivalent Wyoming-based experience may be considered.
• Minimum four years of professional paleontological consulting experience with increasing responsibility.
• Minimum two years of paleontological mitigation experience in Wyoming.
• Experience leading field crews and conducting construction monitoring projects.
• Experience preparing paleontological mitigation reports for BLM or other regulatory agencies.
• Strong knowledge of Wyoming geology, paleontology, and field techniques.
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate 4WD vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead paleontology professional on field projects.
• 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 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 SWCA safety requirements and professional standards.

Skills

Field leadership

Team supervision

Client communication

Travel readiness

Paleontological monitoring

Education

Master's degree or Ph.D. in Paleontology, Geology, Biology, or related field

Bachelor's degree with equivalent Wyoming-based experience

Tools

Field equipment & sampling tools

Job description

SWCA Environmental Consultants seeks a Temporary Assistant Project Paleontologist to support paleontological mitigation in the Rocky Mountain Plains region, based in Denver or Sheridan. Role involves field leadership, monitoring, fossil recovery, data collection, and reporting on western US projects.

Ideal candidate has 4+ years of professional paleontological consulting experience, 2+ years in Wyoming mitigation, and may qualify as a Wyoming PRU Field Agent.