Senior Paleontologist

Stantec; Monrovia (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental consulting firm is seeking a Senior Paleontologist in Monrovia, California to lead compliance projects for federal and commercial clients. Responsibilities include overseeing project development, training staff, and producing technical reports. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in Paleontology, project management experience, and the ability to manage multiple projects and budgets. This role offers a dynamic work environment with a dedicated team committed to preserving paleontological heritage.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Paleontology or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in paleontological projects.
• Proven track record in project management and client interaction.

Responsibilities

• Direct compliance projects for state and federal clients.
• Oversee project development and quality control.
• Train and supervise field directors and staff.
• Prepare technical reports and cost proposals.

Skills

Project management

Paleontological technical reporting

Field data collection

Client coordination

Education

Ph.D. in Paleontology

Tools

Trimble GPS units

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 directors, fossil preparators, and principal investigators. Stantec supports a wide range of paleontology projects, from multi-state transmission and pipeline projects to road improvements, solar fields, private development, and more. We offer support through all stages of permitting and development, including preconstruction surveys and assessments, 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 direct compliance projects for state, federal, and commercial clients and is responsible for overseeing project development, direction, coordination, and quality control, under the guidance of the Principal Paleontologist. Additionally, the Senior Paleontologist will train staff, oversee field directors, produce quality reports, manage multiple projects and budgets, author proposals and participate in marketing, as required.

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. 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.
• Detailed and accurate field data collection (including ability to collect data using table computers and Trimble GPS units) with an emphasis on stratigraphic documentation of project sites and fossil localities therein.
• 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.