Paleontological Field Director (Field Based)

Environmental Resources Management (ERM); Elko (NV); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Environmental Resources Management (ERM) is seeking a Paleontological Field Director for field monitoring in Nevada. The role involves overseeing grading, trenching, and excavation activities to identify and document paleontological resources, with close coordination with project teams and senior paleontologists.

The position requires 2–3 years of Nevada field experience, familiarity with BLM guidelines, and ability to work in challenging field conditions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Paleontology, Anthropology, or Biology preferred.
• Minimum 2–3 years of professional Nevada paleontological survey and monitoring.
• Familiarity with BLM guidelines and Field Agent listed status encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Monitor construction activities for paleontological discoveries during grading, trenching, and excavation.
• Identify and document paleontological resources across sedimentary rocks and alluvial deposits.
• Coordinate in real time with crews and project leads; maintain safety and regulatory compliance.
• Complete daily logs, field notes, and photographic documentation; collect GPS data.
• Assist with monitoring summaries, discovery documentation, and technical memoranda.

Skills

Geology knowledge

Field monitoring

Team coordination

Safety awareness

Documentation

Education

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

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

GPS units

Esri Survey123

Esri Field Maps

Tablets hardware

Job description

Responsibilities

• Monitor construction activities for potential paleontological resource discoveries as instructed, such as during grading, trenching, excavation, and utility installation.
• Identify, document, and evaluate paleontological resources in a variety of sedimentary rocks or alluvial deposits.
• Implement unanticipated discovery procedures in accordance with project permits and monitoring plans.
• Coordinate in real time with construction crews, project managers, and paleontological resource leads.
• Maintain compliance with BLM paleontological resources use permit (PRUP) terms and conditions.
• Complete daily monitoring logs, field notes, and photographic documentation.
• Collect GPS data as instructed.
• Assist with preparation of monitoring summaries, discovery documentation, and technical memoranda.
• Communicate findings, compliance concerns, and work status to project managers and senior paleontologists.
• Participate in construction worker paleontological resource awareness briefings as needed.
• 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 Great Basin/Nevada paleontological survey and construction monitoring.
• Familiarity BLM paleontology guidelines and previously listed as a permitted Field Agent (Field Director) in Nevada; 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 screening sedimentary matrix for fossils and salvaging fossils.
• Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to work safely in active construction environments and outdoor field conditions.
• 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 the Southwestern or Rocky Mountains subregions.
• 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 monitors.
• 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.

Salary & Benefits

For thePaleontological Field Director position, theanticipatedannual base pay is$X–$Y(USD). Actual pay will depend on factors such as education, experience, skills, location, performance, and business needs. In some cases, pay may fall outside this range. This role may be eligible for bonus pay subject to the sole discretion of ERM and its policies and procedures (casual and fixed term/flex force employees arenot bonuseligible).

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off (vacation, sick, and floating holidays), parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, AD&D insurance, 401(k), and other applicable benefits to eligible employees.

Who We Are

As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world’s leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations. At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world-class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our “boots to boardroom” approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.

Equal Employment Opportunity

ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.