Senior Paleontologist

Stantec; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Dental plan

Vision plan

Wellness program

401(k) plan

Employee stock purchase program

Paid holidays

Vacation days

Paid sick leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Stantec seeks a Senior Paleontologist to lead paleontological investigations across the western United States with a Southern California base and nationwide collaboration. You will manage projects, field teams, and regulatory interactions (CEQA/PRPA) while guiding junior staff and ensuring safety and ethics.

Ideal candidates hold graduate-level training in paleontology and sedimentary geology, seven years of mitigation experience, and strong leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated professional experience and competency with paleontological resource mitigation procedures and techniques.
• Meet federal qualifications as a paleontological permittee (e.g., 43 CFR Part 49.110).
• Working knowledge of how paleontological resources and their data are used in professional research.
• Advanced understanding of federal, state, and local laws and procedures in mitigation paleontology.
• Candidates must be motivated team members with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Preparation and review of paleontological reports, CEQA/NEPA documents, impact mitigation plans, and annual permit reports.
• Preparation of cost proposals including budgets and scopes of work.
• Project management from kickoff to completion with client and agency coordination.
• Oversee implementation of resource impact mitigation measures and fossil collection projects.
• Plan and supervise field projects across the western US.
• Supervise and train field crews; QA/QC of field data; coordinate with land management agencies.
• Contribute to data analyses including museum searches and literature reviews.
• Assist with marketing and business development efforts.
• Adhere to ethical practices, laws, and best practices in mitigation paleontology.
• Promote health and safety standards in field and office operations.

Skills

Paleo mitigation procedures

Project management

Leadership

Written communication

Verbal communication

Team coordination

Regulatory coordination

Field operations

Education

M.S. or Ph.D. in paleontology and sedimentary geology

Tools

Fossil preparation

Museum curation

Job description

Grounded in safety, quality, and ethics, our experts lead their fields with dedication, a creative spirit, and a vision for growth. We draw from more than 20 technical specialties worldwide and are devoted to fostering a community of diverse talents, backgrounds, and expertise. Here, you can apply your passion and collaborate with top environmental professionals on work that’s vital to our clients and the communities they serve.

Join a team that’s naturally committed to the environment.

Your Opportunity

The Senior Paleontologist will work as part of a dynamic team that is based in Southern California but includes staff members across the United States. Stantec Paleontology is one of the largest paleontological mitigation programs in the country, holding numerous statewide Bureau of Land Management and project-specific United States Forest Service and National Park Service paleontological permits. Our team includes over 30 paleontologists, including field technicians and field directors, fossil preparators, and principal investigators. Stantec supports a wide range of paleontology projects, from multi-state transmission, fiber, and pipelines to road improvements, solar fields, private development, and more. We offer support through all stages of a project’s lifespan, including preconstruction surveys and assessments in support of permitting, construction mitigation programs, and fossil treatment. Our Monrovia, California and Denver, Colorado offices include fossil preparation workspaces, with museum-quality preparation equipment. Within this team, the Senior Paleontologist will manage projects, oversee field teams, coordinate with clients and regulatory agencies, and mentor junior staff. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading all aspects of paleontological resource investigations, including research, surveys, excavations, monitoring, analysis, and reporting, in compliance with CEQA, PRPA, and other federal, state, and local regulations. This position offers opportunities for career advancement, leadership development, and professional growth within a collaborative and supportive work environment.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Preparation and review of paleontological technical reports, CEQA/NEPA documents, impact mitigation plans, and annual permit reports.
• Preparation of cost proposals including budgets and scopes of work.
• Project management: implementation of projects from kickoff to completion, including client and agency coordination, project scheduling, coordination of support staff, and budget management.
• Oversight of the implementation of resource impact mitigation measures including monitoring and fossil collection projects of all types and sizes.
• Participation in and logistical planning for field projects from inception to completion across the western US.
• Supervision and training of field crews, management and QA/QC of field data, and coordination with land management agencies and clients.
• Participation in and supervision of existing data analyses including museum and agency record searches, geologic map reviews, and literature-based research.
• Assistance with marketing and business development efforts.
• Adherence to ethical business practices, professional standards, laws and regulations, and best practices in mitigation paleontology.
• Promote health and safety standards in all field and office operations.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated professional experience and competency with paleontological resource mitigation procedures and techniques.
• Meet federal qualifications as a paleontological permittee (e.g., 43 Code of Federal Regulations Part 49.110)
• Working knowledge of how paleontological resources and their associated data are used in conducting and publishing professional paleontological research.
• Advanced understanding of federal, state, and local laws and procedures that apply to all aspects of mitigation paleontology.
• Candidates must be motivated team members, possess exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and are ready to make a commitment to professional excellence.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and as an integral part of a team.

Education and Experience

Possession of graduate level academic training (M.S. or Ph.D.) in paleontology and sedimentary geology or equivalent professional experience.

Minimum Of Seven Years Of Paleontological Mitigation Experience.

• Field experience in sedimentary geology and paleontology.
• Fossil preparation and museum curation experience.
• Project management experience.
• Must have good driving record and a valid driver’s license.
• Typical office environment working with computers and remaining sedentary for long periods of time. Field work may include exposure to the elements including inclement weather and require 5-10 miles of hiking per day while carrying basic field equipment. Office to field work ratio is anticipated to be approximately 75:25 split, with some field work involving travel.
• 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.

About Stantec

Stantec 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.

Pay Range

• Locations in CO, HI, IL, MD & Various CA, NJ Areas-$80,600.00 - $121,000.00 Annually
• Locations in WA, DC & Various CA, MA areas-$86,500.00 - $129,800.00 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 Stantec 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 | Monrovia

Other Locations: United States | CA | Irvine

Organization: 1858 EnvSvcs-US West S California-Monrovia CA

Employee Status: Regular

Travel: Yes

Schedule: Full time