Paleontological Field Technician (Field Technician)

ERM; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

ERM is hiring a Paleontological Field Technician to provide on-site paleontological resource compliance support during surveys for our client’s gas pipeline in New Mexico. The position involves surveying, responding to discoveries, and maintaining regulatory compliance to keep projects moving in active construction environments.

The role is full-time (40–50 hours/week) for 3 months with potential extension.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Paleontology, Anthropology, or Biology (or closely related field).
• 2–3 years of professional paleontological survey and construction monitoring experience in AZ/NM.
• Familiarity with BLM paleontology guidelines and field monitor permits in AZ/NM; others encouraged to apply.
• Ability to identify vertebrate, invertebrate, plant, and microscopic fossils.
• Experience using GPS and Esri tools (Survey123, Field Maps) on tablets.
• Experience fossil salvaging and taxonomic/morphologic identification.
• Valid driver’s license with clean record; able to work outdoors in arid, hot conditions.
• Ability to hike up to 10 miles/day and carry 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Survey predefined study areas for paleontological resources following survey plans.
• Identify, document, and evaluate paleontological resources in various rocks and deposits.
• Coordinate in real time with paleontology leads, archaeologists, and project managers.
• Maintain compliance with PRUP and state requirements.
• Complete daily survey notes, logs, and photographic documentation.
• Collect GPS data as instructed.
• Assist with preparation of survey summaries and discovery documentation.
• Communicate findings and status to project managers and senior paleontologists.
• Coordinate with subcontractors on site when applicable.
• Other duties as assigned; comply with ERM safety program.

Skills

GPS devices

Esri software

Survey123

Field maps

Education

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

Tools

GPS units

Job description

ERM is hiring Paleontological Field Technician's to provide on-site paleontological resource compliance support during surveys for our client’s gas pipeline in New Mexico.

The Paleontological Field Technician works closely with project managers and paleontological resources leads to conduct surveying, 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 3 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 state requirements
• 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 Monitor or Field Assistant in Arizona and/or New Mexico; individuals who have met these qualifications in other states 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 recordAbility 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.

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 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.