Paleontological Field Director (Field Based)

Environmental Resources Management (ERM); New Mexico; Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

ERM is seeking a Paleontological Field Director for on-site monitoring and compliance during surveys for a gas pipeline project in New Mexico. The role involves working with construction teams to implement monitoring plans, respond to discoveries, and maintain regulatory compliance.

The successful candidate will have strong field judgment, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work in active construction environments.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2-3 years of professional paleontological survey and construction monitoring in Arizona and New Mexico
• Familiarity with BLM paleontology guidelines and previously listed as Field Agent in Arizona and/or New Mexico
• Ability to identify vertebrate, invertebrate, plant, and microscopic fossils
• Experience using GPS units and Esri Survey123 and Field Maps on tablets
• Experience salvaging fossils and taxonomic identification

Responsibilities

• Survey predefined study areas or project alignments for paleontological resources following survey plans
• Identify, document, and evaluate resources in sedimentary rocks or alluvial deposits
• Coordinate in real time with paleontology principal investigators, field directors, archaeologists, and project managers
• Maintain compliance with BLM PRUP and 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
• Other duties as assigned; comply with ERM safety program

Skills

Paleontological field surveying

GPS & Esri software

Fossil identification

Outdoor field safety

Team communication

Education

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

Tools

GPS units & Esri Survey123/Field Maps

Job description

ERM is hiring Paleontological Field Director to provide on-site paleontological resource monitoring and compliance support during 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 a full-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

• 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.

At ERM, sustainability is our business. We are the world’s largest advisory firm focused solely on sustainability, offering unparalleled expertise across business and finance. ERM partners with clients to operationalize sustainability at pace and scale, through our unique combination of strategic transformation and technical delivery capabilities. Our diverse global team of experts works with the world’s leading organizations to help them set clear sustainability targets, measure progress and operationalize strategy through deep implementation and business transformation. With more than 50 years of experience, our ability to integrate sustainability solutions and our depth and breadth of technical knowledge are why organizations choose to partner with us as their trusted advisor. Every one of us firmly believes in the potential to create value for our clients through an integrated approach to sustainability (because we have personally seen it and professionally achieved it). Our team members are passionate about client service.

We work closely with our clients to help them operationalize their sustainability goals and meet their environmental, health and safety objectives while advancing ERM’s purpose through delivering tangible progress in what the United Nations coined The Decade of Action. Organizing our people across globally integrated communities of technical and strategic talent positions ERM to be a "boots to boardroom" leader in bringing that value creation to our clients, partners, and the world. We recruit exceptional professionals with a personal and professional passion for sustainability and nurture them to even greater success as specialists. We prepare our consultants to bring integrated, innovative and sustainable solutions to our clients and provide opportunities for ongoing development across a variety of subject areas related to technical, business, and personal growth. At ERM, effort pays off and becomes career defining work that leaves a positive imprint on our planet.