On Call Cross Trained Archaeologist/Paleontologist

Jacobs; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Health and welfare benefits

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking a cross-trained Paleontological and Archaeological monitor to support infrastructure projects across Southern California. This on-call position is ideal for a Long Beach-based professional with field experience to safeguard regulatory compliance during ground-disturbing work.

You will monitor projects in sectors such as transportation and public infrastructure, document findings, and coordinate with environmental teams, project managers, and construction staff, adhering to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in geology, earth sciences or biology with paleontology emphasis, or anthropology/archaeology.
• At least 2 years of professional paleontological field experience in California.
• Based in or near Long Beach, CA.
• Familiarity with California regulations for paleontological and cultural resources.
• Proficient with GPS, field documentation, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work long field hours (8–10 hours) in remote conditions.
• Strong communication, organizational, and observational skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct paleontological and archaeological monitoring during ground-disturbing activities per mitigation plans.
• Identify, document, and recover fossils and cultural resources in the field.
• Maintain detailed field notes, fossil locality forms, site forms, and monitoring logs.
• Coordinate with project managers, environmental teams, and construction personnel.
• Ensure compliance with NHPA, ARPA, NAGPRA, CEQA, SVP guidelines, and relevant codes.
• Support reporting and documentation for regulatory compliance.

Skills

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Observational skills

Independent field work

Team coordination

Education

Geology/Earth sciences/Biology with paleontology emphasis

Anthropology/Archaeology

Tools

GPS technology

Microsoft Office

Job description

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

Jacobs is seeking a qualified cross-trained Paleontological and Archaeological monitor to support a variety of infrastructure and development projects across Southern California. This is an on-call position ideal for a Long Beach-based professional with at least one year of paleontological and archaeological field experience. The role involves fieldwork during construction activities to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local cultural resource regulations.

This position offers the opportunity to work on high-profile projects in sectors such as transportation, renewable energy, military, and public infrastructure, with the potential for additional assignments throughout California.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct paleontological and archaeological monitoring during ground-disturbing activities in compliance with project-specific mitigation plans.


• Identify, document, and recover fossils and cultural resources in the field.


• Maintain detailed field notes, fossil locality forms, site forms, and monitoring logs.


• Coordinate with project managers, environmental teams, and construction personnel.


• Ensure compliance with applicable cultural resource laws and guidelines, including


• National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)


• Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA)


• Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA)


• California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)


• Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP) Guidelines


• California Public Resources Code Sections 5097.5 and 30244


• Paleontological Resources Preservation Act (PRPA)


• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)


• American Antiquities Act

Here's what you'll need

• Bachelor’s degree in geology, earth sciences, and/or biology with an emphasis in paleontology or closely related course-work (e.g., evolutionary biology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, micropaleontology, comparative anatomy, etc.). Or Anthropology/Archaeology or closely related field who meets the other requirements listed below.


• Experience in field geology and/or paleontology, which should include field mapping, sedimentologic and stratigraphic data collection, fossil collection (ability to jacket large specimens a plus), and contextualize find location (with attention to taphonomy and depositional environment).


• Minimum 2 year of professional paleontological field experience in California.


• Must be based in or near Long Beach, CA.


• Familiarity with California state regulations and local agency requirements for paleontological and cultural resources.


• Proficiency in GPS technology, field documentation, and Microsoft Office Suite.


• Ability to work independently in remote field conditions for extended hours (8–10 hour days).


• Strong communication, organizational, and observational skills.

Ideally, you'll also have

• Experience conducting literature reviews, geologic mapping, and stratigraphic documentation.


• Familiarity with Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP) standards, and SVP membership, or willingness to gain membership.


• Experience contributing to technical reports and fossil recovery documentation.


• Experience working in a consulting or compliance-driven environment.


• Experience conducting archaeological surveys, shovel testing, and site documentation.


• Familiarity with Section 106 compliance, site recordation, and artifact analysis.


• Experience contributing to technical reports and cultural resource documentation.


• Prior work experience in a consulting or compliance-driven environment.


• Meets Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for Archaeology.

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to a 401(k) plan, as well as legally mandated benefits.

The base salary range for this position is $34.08 to $46.88; though will be paid hourly based on hours worked. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Job posted on August 04, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.