Paleontological Field Director (Field Based)

Environmental Resources Management Southwest, Inc. in; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

ERM is hiring a Paleontological Field Director (Field Based) to provide on-site monitoring and compliance support during surveys for our project teams in the Southwest. The role emphasizes field judgment, safe operation in active construction, and coordination with project managers and paleontology leads.

The position is full-time (40-50 hours/week) for 6 months with potential extension. Responsibilities include surveying study areas, documenting resources, real-time coordination, and ensuring

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geology, Paleontology, Anthropology, or Biology, or a closely related field preferred.
• 2-3 years of professional paleontological survey and construction monitoring in Arizona and New Mexico.
• Familiarity with BLM paleontology guidelines and permits.
• Ability to identify vertebrate, invertebrate, plant, and microscopic fossils.
• Experience using GPS and Esri software on tablets.

Responsibilities

• Survey predefined study areas for potential paleontological resources following survey plans.
• Identify and document paleontological resources in sedimentary rocks or alluvial deposits.
• Coordinate in real time with PIs, field directors, archaeologists, and project managers.
• Maintain compliance with PRUP/ASLD terms and conditions.
• Complete daily survey notes, logs, and photographs.
• Collect GPS data as instructed.
• Assist with preparation of survey summaries and discovery documentation.
• Communicate daily findings to project managers and senior paleontologists.
• Support coordination with subcontractors on site.
• Comply with ERM's safety program.

Skills

Geology

Paleontology

Field monitoring

GPS

Esri software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Geology, Paleontology, Anthropology, or Biology

Master's degree preferred

Tools

GPS units

Esri Survey123

Esri Field Maps

Job description

Paleontological Field Director (Field Based) (Biotech)

ERM is hiringPaleontological Field Directorto provide on-site paleontological resource monitoring and compliance supportduring surveys for our client's gas pipeline in New Mexico.

The Paleontological Field Director works closely with construction personnel, project managers, and paleontological resources leads to implement monitoring and mitigation, respond to discoveries, and support uninterrupted project progress while maintaining regulatory compliance. This role requires strong field judgment, clear communication, and the ability to work safely and effectively in active construction environments.

The position requires the ability to work independently, communicate effectively with project teams, and make sound, real-time decisions in the field. Successful candidates must be flexible and responsive to a changing work environment where schedules, site locations, and tasks fluctuate according to the needs of the project. This is afull-time (40-50 hours/week), limited-term role with a duration of6 monthsand the possibility of extension.

Responsibilities

• Survey pre-defined study areas or project alignments for potential paleontological resources or fossils, following protocols defined in survey plans
• Identify, document, and evaluate paleontological resources in a variety of sedimentary rocks or alluvial deposits
• Coordinate in real time with paleontology principal investigators, other field directors, archaeologists, and project managers
• Maintain compliance with BLM paleontological resources use permit (PRUP) and/or Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) terms and conditions
• Complete daily survey notes, logs, and photographic documentation
• Collect GPS data as instructed
• Assist with preparation of survey summaries, discovery documentation, and technical memoranda
• Communicate daily findings and work status to project managers and senior paleontologists
• Support coordination with subcontractors on site, when applicable
• Other duties as assigned or required
• Compliance with ERM's rigorous safety program

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Geology, Paleontology, Anthropology, or Biology, or a closely related field preferred
• Minimum of 2-3 years of professional experience in paleontological survey and construction monitoring in Arizona and New Mexico
• Familiarity BLM paleontology guidelines and previously listed as a permitted Field Agent (Field Director) in Arizona and/or New Mexico; individuals listed as Field Monitor only are encouraged to apply
• Ability to identify a variety of paleontological resources, including vertebrate, invertebrate, plant, and microscopic fossils
• Experience using GPS units and Esri software, including Survey123 and Field Maps, on tablets
• Experience salvaging fossils and high-level taxonomic and morphologic identification of findings
• Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record
• Ability to work safely in outdoor field conditions, including in arid, hot environments
• Ability to hike up to 10 miles per day and carry up to 50 lbs

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree preferred. Candidates with relevant professional experience demonstrating a commensurate level of knowledge and expertise are also encouraged to apply.
• Listed as a Field Agent (Field Director) on other BLM or state permits throughout California, Southwestern states, or Rocky Mountains states
• Previous experience preparing large plaster jackets to safely encase and remove fossils from sites
• Experience working in remote areas for extended periods
• Demonstrated ability to support projects requiring sustained field engagement
• Experience working alongside Native American tribal representatives or archaeologists
• Experience supporting the preparation of technical reports, monitoring summaries, or discovery documentation
• OSHA 10- or 30-hour construction safety training
• Wilderness and Remote First Aid Training

Work Environment

This position is field-intensive and may involve:

• Long hours in outdoor environments and temperature extremes
• Walking or hiking on uneven terrain while carrying field equipment
• Working in active construction sites around heavy equipment
• Candidates must be physically capable of performing required field duties safely.