Senior Paleontologist

Environmental Science Associates; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 112,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Senior Paleontologist with over 10 years of experience in paleontological monitoring and environmental consulting. This hybrid role requires expertise in leading evaluations and managing fieldwork while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. You'll mentor junior staff and work collaboratively within a dynamic team, contributing to meaningful projects that protect natural resources. If you enjoy outdoor work and thrive in a fast-paced environment, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a close-knit team committed to environmental stewardship and career growth.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits

Professional development opportunities

Employee ownership

Support for career growth

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in paleontological monitoring and surveys.
• Ability to lead field crews and produce technical documents.

Responsibilities

• Manage surveys and prepare technical documents for various projects.
• Conduct paleontological resource assessments and develop contextual information.

Skills

Paleontological monitoring

Fieldwork

Technical writing

Project management

Client service

Paleontological resource assessments

Mentoring junior staff

Education

Graduate degree in paleontology or related field

Tools

CEQA

NEPA

PRPA

Job description

ESA seeks a Senior Paleontologist in Southern CA with 10+ years of experience performing paleontological monitoring, surveys, testing and fossil salvage, recordation of fossil localities, stratigraphic columns, and sensitive formations, curation, and preparing environmental reports, and supporting documentation. Remote options may be explored for the right candidate. Candidates with the capability to commute to and around the Southern California area for field work as needed are strongly preferred. This is a hybrid position with a strong preference for candidates who can work from any of our Southern California ESA locations.

Who You Are

• You are a highly qualified and experienced Senior Paleontologist with 10+ years of experience in relevant scientific or environmental consulting environments. You can lead multi-faceted paleontological resource-related evaluations, research, and analyses for a growing group of paleontologists within our Cultural Resources Group statewide.
• You have excellent field, writing, time/budget management, and organizational capabilities; agency coordination and client service experience; proficiency in managing paleontological resources within the context of CEQA, NEPA, and the PRPA. You have experience leading paleontological surveys and salvage projects; documentation, evaluation, and treatment of fossil resources; and preparing paleontological/geological sections of environmental documents and developing mitigation measures.
• You are a qualified paleontologist holding a graduate degree in paleontology or a closely related field. You meet or exceed the requirements for a paleontological principal investigator and possess the ability to lead field crews and produce well-written, technically supported documents. You work collaboratively with clients and interdisciplinary teams to deliver projects on time and within budget in a fast-paced environment. You have excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• You demonstrate a clear understanding of project management principles and practices and are responsible for delivering high-quality work products. You have the ability and desire to coordinate, supervise, and mentor junior staff members, and to organize and support the development of a paleontological practice within the southern California cultural resources group.
• You enjoy fieldwork, can walk long distances carrying a backpack, and are able to lift at least 50 pounds. You are confident working outdoors in remote and rural settings, as well as urban environments. Physical outdoor work may include extensive fieldwork and site visits in all weather conditions, traversing uneven ground and steep terrain in various natural habitats. Night and/or weekend work may be required. You may be exposed to inclement weather and challenging conditions.

What You Will Do for ESA

• You will manage and perform surveys and prepare technical documents on various projects throughout the region, working as part of an interdisciplinary team that includes staff from multiple practices.
• You will conduct archival research, paleontological resource assessments, develop contextual information, and evaluate impacts in compliance with CEQA, NEPA, and other regulations.
• You will serve as the primary author of paleontological resource assessment reports, demonstrating strong writing and listening skills. You will supervise project teams, lead client meetings, and assist in preparing scopes of work and budgets, contributing to proposals and engaging in interviews.
• You will mentor junior staff, review their work, and provide constructive feedback and career guidance. You will also cross-train cultural resources staff to support field and monitoring projects.
• You thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple responsibilities and deadlines independently or as part of a team.
• Priority will be given to candidates with experience working on active construction sites, completing locality forms, and knowledge of regional fossil materials and formations. A minimum of six months of field or academic experience in Southern California is required.
• You enjoy outdoor work, can carry gear up to 50 lbs, and are available for some nights and weekends.
• You possess a valid driver’s license and experience driving off-road vehicles.
• A writing sample or additional documents may be requested during the interview process.
• Occasional fieldwork and site visits in Southern California are expected.

What's Special About Our Cultural Resources Team

Our team includes prehistoric and historical archaeologists, geoarchaeological specialists, tribal consultation specialists, architectural historians, historians, and paleontologists. We provide expertise to local, state, and federal agencies, helping protect and respect natural and cultural resources. We value creativity, teamwork, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

What's Special About ESA

Joining ESA means being part of a close-knit team of environmental professionals contributing to meaningful projects, environmental stewardship, and a sustainable future. We offer comprehensive benefits, professional development opportunities, and support for your career growth.

ESA offers pay ranges based on location and experience. For this role, the approximate range is $112,084 — $136,991 USD, with actual compensation determined by experience, education, skills, and location.

Who We Are

We are a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm committed to diversity and inclusion. Our culture values respect, diversity, and perspectives that lead to better solutions and success for our employee-owners and clients.

All in-person ESA work requires proof of vaccination or an approved exemption, in accordance with safety policies.

ESA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. (EOEM/V/F/D)