Paleontologist Technician (On-Call)

Stantec; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Stantec is seeking on-call Paleontological Technicians for short- and long-term project-specific work, including construction monitoring, field surveys, fossil collection, and data collection. Flexibility is essential as schedules may change and staffing needs arise.

Ideal candidates will have a bachelor's or master's in paleontology, geology, or biology with field training, plus at least 2 years of paleontology field experience. Travel, night work, and outdoor conditions are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's in paleontology, geology, or biology with field training in paleontology
• Minimum of 2 years’ field experience in paleontology and sedimentary geology
• Travel, night work, and outdoor conditions may be required

Responsibilities

• Detailed and accurate field data collection and daily progress reports (using Stantecs proprietary data collection system) with an emphasis on stratigraphic documentation
• Communicate with supervisors and respond effectively to instructions
• Assist with drafting portions of reports and ensure adherence to safety and ethical standards

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Technology proficiency

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in paleontology/geology/biology

Field experience in paleontology

Tools

GPS receivers

Tablets

Smartphones

Job description

Grounded in safety, quality, and ethics, our experts lead their fields and guide our work with rigor, a creative spirit, and vision for growth. We draw from more than 20 technical specialties around the globe and are committed to fostering an inclusive community of diverse talents, backgrounds, and expertise. We're a place to apply your passion and collaborate with top environmental talents on work that’s critical to our clients and the communities they support. Join a team that has the environment down to a science.

Your Opportunity

Stantec is currently seeking on-call Paleontological Technicians for short-and-long-term project-specific work to assist with construction monitoring, field surveys, fossil collection, data collection, and other field tasks, as needed. Flexibility is key, with project work often requiring quick response to changing schedules and staffing needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Detailed and accurate field data collection and daily progress reports (using Stantecs proprietary data collection system) and other project related reporting as required, with an emphasis on stratigraphic documentation of project sites and fossil localities therein.
• Communicating with Stantecs supervisors responsively and responding effectively to instructions.
• Assistance with drafting portions of reports if required.
• Adherence to ethical business practices, professional standards, laws and regulations, and best practices in mitigation paleontology.
• Professionalism to colleagues and clients at all times.
• Strict compliance with Stantecs and project mandated safety procedures.

Your Capabilities and Credentials

• Good verbal and written communication skills, responsiveness to supervisor directions, the ability to closely follow instructions, attention to detail, organizational skills, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Proficiency with technology (smartphones, GPS receivers, tablets, computers).
• The ability to work long hours and drive long distances to and from the work location.
• Must have a valid driver's license, current automobile insurance and a good driving record

Education and Experience

• A bachelor's or master's degree in paleontology, geology, or biology or similar degree that includes education and field training in paleontology and sedimentary geology.
• Minimum of 2 years’ field experience in paleontology and sedimentary geology can substitute for the academic training.
• Previous paleontological construction monitoring experience is desirable, but training will be provided if the applicant lacks this experience.
• Travel is required. Night work is required. Work is outdoors and so may be exposed to the elements and inclement weather conditions. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Occasional hiking up to 4-6 miles per day with backpack
• Perform field work in rough terrain, extreme temperatures, and other adverse conditions.

This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.

Stantecs is a place where the best and brightest come to build on each other’s talents, do exciting work, and make an impact on the world around us. Join us and redefine your personal best.

About Stantec

Stantecs is a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting. The diverse perspectives of our partners and interested parties drive us to think beyond what’s previously been done on critical issues like climate change, digital transformation, and future-proofing our cities and infrastructure. We innovate at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships to advance communities everywhere, so that together we can redefine what’s possible.

#StayInquisitive

Pay Range

• Locations in CO, HI, IL, MD & Various CA, NJ, VA Areas-$57,800.00 - $83,700.00 Annually
• Locations in WA, DC & Various CA, MA, VA Areas-$62,000.00 - $89,800.00 Annually

Pay Transparency:

In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are provided for positions in locations where required. Please note, the final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. At Stantecs certain roles are bonus eligible. Actual compensation for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on the agreed number of working hours per week.

Benefits Summary:

Regular full-time and part-time employees (working at least 20 hours per week) have access to medical, dental, and vision plans, a wellness program, health saving accounts, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase program, life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short-term/long-term disability plans, emergency travel benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional membership fee coverage and paid family leave. Regular full-time and part-time employees will receive ten paid holidays in each calendar year. In addition, employees will be eligible to accrue vacation between 10 and 20 days per year and eligible for paid sick leave (and if more generous, in accordance with state and local law).

Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid leave, in accordance with state and local law.

The benefits information listed above may not apply to union positions because benefits for such positions are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements

Primary Location: United States | CA | Los Angeles

Other Locations: United States | CA | San Diego

Organization: BC-1858 EnvSvcs-US West S California

Employee Status: Regular

Business Justification: New Position

Travel: Yes

Schedule: Full time

Job Posting: 17/07/2026 10:07:23

Req ID: 1006806

#additional

Stantecs provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantecs is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. At Stantecs we are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process then please inform a member of our Talent Acquisition team.