Paleontological Field Director (Field Based)

ERM; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

ERM is hiring a Paleontological Field Director to provide on-site monitoring and compliance support during surveys for a gas pipeline project in the Southwest region. The role collaborates with construction teams, project managers, and resources leads to implement monitoring and mitigation while ensuring regulatory compliance.

The position is full-time (40-50 hours/week), limited-term for 6 months with possible extension.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Paleontology, Anthropology or Biology (preferred).
• 2–3 years of professional paleontological survey and construction monitoring experience in Arizona and New Mexico.
• Familiarity with BLM paleontology guidelines and permits (Field Agent/Field Director).
• Ability to identify vertebrate, invertebrate, plant and microscopic fossils.
• Experience using GPS and Esri software (Survey123, Field Maps).
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record.
• Ability to work outdoors in arid, hot environments; hike up to 10 miles/day; lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Survey predefined study areas for paleontological resources following survey plans.
• Identify and document paleontological resources across sedimentary rocks.
• Coordinate with principal investigators, field directors, archaeologists, and project managers in real time.
• Maintain compliance with permits and contract terms.
• Complete daily survey notes, logs and photography.
• Collect GPS data as instructed.
• Assist with survey summaries, discovery documentation, and technical memos.
• Communicate findings and status to management and senior paleontologists.
• Support coordination with subcontractors on site as needed.
• Adhere to ERM’s safety program.

Skills

Field monitoring

GPS data collection

Esri Survey123

Esri Field Maps

Regulatory compliance

Safety program adherence

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Geology/Paleontology/Anthropology/Biology

Tools

GPS units

Esri ArcGIS Suite

Survey123

Field Maps

Job description

ERM is hiring Paleontological Field Director to 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 of 6 months and 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.