Remote On-Call Paleontologist & Field Director

Aspen Environmental Group; California; Remote; USD 83,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspen Environmental Group seeks an experienced paleontologist to support our Cultural Resources Group, based in Agoura Hills, CA. Work would be remote and/or in the field, with eligibility to serve as Field Director or Principal Paleontologist on our California BLM permit.

The role requires 5–10+ years of professional paleontology, leadership of surveys and monitoring, strong reporting, and the ability to supervise staff. Excellent technical writing and MS Office skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of professional paleontological experience.
• Demonstrated leadership of surveys, excavations, and monitoring programs.
• Authorship of technical reports.
• Prior experience supervising paleontological staff or cross-trained staff.
• Meets SVP standards for a Qualified Professional Paleontologist.
• Qualified to serve as a Principal Investigator on federal projects and be included on BLM permit applications, subject to BLM approval.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with exceptional attention to quality.
• Excellent technical writing skills are required for this position.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and conduct paleontological monitoring and field surveys.
• Prepare technical reports supporting CEQA and NEPA compliance.
• Document fossil discoveries and implement mitigation measures.
• Coordinate with construction crews and project teams.
• Ensure high-quality standards for project deliverables.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Technical writing

Detail-oriented

Education

Qualified Professional Paleontologist (SVP)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

To Apply: Please submit a letter of interest, resume, references, and a recent (no more than one year old) writing sample in which the candidate was the sole author to [e-mail] . The subject line must state, “Paleontologist – [NAME].” Note that all candidates will be tested in their writing and editorial review skills during the interview process.

Aspen Environmental Group is seeking an experienced and motivated paleontologist to support our Cultural Resources Group, based in our Agoura Hills, CA office. Work would predominantly occur remotely and/or in the field. This position requires that the individual qualify as a Field Director or Principal Paleontologist on our California BLM Permit (Mojave Desert Region). The position will initially be on-call with the potential for this to become a permanent position with Aspen Environmental Group.

Required Education and Experience

5–10+ years of professional paleontological experience.

Demonstrated leadership of surveys, excavations, and monitoring programs.

Authorship of technical reports.

Prior experience supervising paleontological staff or cross-trained staff.

Meets SVP standards for a Qualified Professional Paleontologist.

Qualified to serve as a Principal Investigator on federal projects and be included on BLM permit applications, subject to BLM approval.

Excellent organizational and communication skills.

Detail-oriented with exceptional attention to quality.

Excellent technical writing skills are required for this position.

Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word and Excel.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee and conduct paleontological monitoring and field surveys.

Prepare technical reports supporting CEQA and NEPA compliance.

Document fossil discoveries and implement mitigation measures.

Coordinate with construction crews and project teams.

Ensure high-quality standards for project deliverables.

Qualifications for Success

Knowledge of federal and California paleontological resources and regulations.

Strong field observation and documentation skills.

Excellent technical writing abilities.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Detail-oriented with exceptional attention to quality.

Compensation

The pay range for this role is $40 - $60 per hour, commensurate with experience.

To Apply

Please submit a letter of interest, resume, references, and a recent (no more than one year old) writing sample in which the candidate was the sole author to [e-mail] . The subject line must state, “Paleontologist – [NAME].” Note that all candidates will be tested in their writing and editorial review skills during the interview process.