Paleontologist Technician (On-Call)

Stantec; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 57,800 - 89,700; Full time

Job summary

Stantec is seeking on‑call Paleontological Technicians for short‑ and long‑term projects in California. Responsibilities include field data collection, fossil collection, and assisting with reports while maintaining strict safety and ethical standards.

Travel, night work, and outdoor conditions are required. Ideal candidates hold a bachelor’s or master’s in paleontology, geology, or biology, with at least 2 years of field experience or equivalent training.

Qualifications

• Must have strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with GPS and digital data collection.
• Ability to travel and work long hours outdoors.
• Bachelor's or Master’s in paleontology, geology, or biology; field training included.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed field data collection and daily reports with stratigraphic documentation.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and follow instructions.
• Assist with drafting portions of reports as needed.
• Adhere to safety procedures and professional standards.

Skills

Communication skills

Proficiency with GPS

Tech literacy

Driving long distances

Education

Bachelors or Masters in paleontology/geology/biology

2+ years field experience can substitute for degree

Tools

GPS receivers

Smartphones/Tablets/Computers

Job description

Stantec is grounded in safety, quality, and ethics, and offers an opportunity to apply your passion while collaborating with environmental talents on critical work.

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 Stantec’s 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 Stantec 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 Stantec’s 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 a 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 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.

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. The final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. 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 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 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.

Location

Primary Location: United States – CA – Los Angeles

Other Locations: United States – CA – Santa Barbara

Equal Employment Opportunity

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. At Stantec 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.