Remote Principal Paleontologist & Project Lead

ERM; Elko (NV); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 161,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Parental leave

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

AD&D insurance

401(k)

Job summary

ERM is seeking a Principal Technical Consultant, Paleontologist to join our Cultural and Paleontological Resources Services team. This full-time, salaried role can be based from a local ERM office or remotely within the Great Basin or Rocky Mountain regions.

You will provide technical oversight, mentorship, project leadership, and regulatory expertise while supporting major energy and infrastructure projects across the United States. This is a senior leadership position with growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Paleontology, Geology, Biology, Anthropology, or a closely related field of study.
• 6–8 years of related mitigation and environmental due diligence experience, or equivalent.
• Ability to be listed as Principal Investigator on BLM Paleontological Resources Use Permits, state permits, and similar authorizations within the Great Basin and/or Rocky Mountain subregions.
• Candidates who have served as a BLM Field Agent (Field Director) on permits are encouraged to apply.
• Demonstrated field experience and principal-level oversight within the Great Basin or Rocky Mountain subregions.
• Experience as primary author or reviewer of agency-reviewed reports including paleontological resource reports and mitigation plans.
• Experience working with regulatory agency personnel representing clients.
• Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams of cultural heritage specialists and professionals.
• Willingness to travel to project sites across Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, etc.
• Experience with mapping and field tech (GPS, ArcGIS Field Maps, Survey123).

Responsibilities

• Serve as Permit Administrator and/or Principal Investigator on BLM permits and ensure QA of deliverables.
• Oversee paleontologists conducting desktop studies, field investigations, salvage, and monitoring.
• Lead and mentor mid-level and junior paleontologists and cultural resources staff.
• Collaborate with Regional Leads and Directors to drive technical excellence.
• Author or review paleontological studies for large projects within scope and budget.
• Manage multi-state and site-specific investigations.
• Strengthen client relationships and identify cross-sell opportunities.

Skills

Paleontology

Field experience

PI on permits

Regulatory coordination

Team leadership

Willingness to travel

GIS / mapping

Education

Graduate degree in Paleontology, Geology, Biology, Anthropology or related field

Tools

GPS equipment

ArcGIS Field Maps

Survey123

Job description

ERM is seeking a Principal Technical Consultant, Paleontologist to join our Cultural and Paleontological Resources Services team. This full-time, salaried role can be based from a local ERM office or remotely within the Great Basin or Rocky Mountain regions.

You will provide technical oversight, mentorship, project leadership, and regulatory expertise while supporting major energy and infrastructure projects across the United States. This is a senior leadership position with growth opportunities.