Paleontological Field Director (Field Based)

ERM; Sparks (NV); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

401(k)

Job summary

ERM is hiring a Paleontological Field Director to provide on-site monitoring and compliance support during a fiber optic project in Northern Nevada. The role involves working with construction teams, managing discoveries, and ensuring regulatory compliance in a dynamic field environment.

The position requires strong field judgment, effective communication, and the ability to operate independently on active construction sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geology, Paleontology, Anthropology, or Biology preferred
• Minimum 2–3 years of professional experience in Great Basin/Nevada paleontological survey and construction monitoring
• Familiarity with BLM paleontology guidelines and listed as Field Agent in Nevada
• Ability to identify vertebrate, invertebrate, plant, and microscopic fossils
• Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record

Responsibilities

• Monitor construction activities for paleontological discoveries as instructed
• Identify, document, and evaluate paleontological resources in sedimentary rocks or alluvial deposits
• Implement unanticipated discovery procedures per permits and monitoring plans
• Coordinate in real time with construction crews and project teams
• Maintain compliance with PRUP terms and conditions
• Complete daily monitoring logs, field notes, and photographs
• Collect GPS data as instructed
• Assist with monitoring summaries, discovery documentation, and technical memoranda
• Communicate findings and status to project managers and senior paleontologists
• Participate in field worker paleontological resource briefings
• Support coordination with subcontractors on site
• Other duties as assigned
• Compliance with ERM’s safety program

Skills

GPS usage

Esri software

Field safety

Effective communication

Education

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

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

GPS units

Survey123

Field Maps

Plaster jacket prep

Job description

ERM is hiring Paleontological Field Director to provide on-site paleontological resource monitoring and compliance support during the construction phase of our client’s fiber optic project in Northern Nevada.
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

• 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.

For the Paleontological Field Director position, the anticipated annual 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 are not bonus eligible).

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.

ERM does not accept recruiting agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, ERM employees or any other company location. ERM is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

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.

Thank you for your interest in ERM!