Senior Paleontologist

Stantec Consulting International Ltd.; Paramount (CA); Hybrid; USD 80,600 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) plan

Paid family leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

A leading environmental consulting firm is seeking a Senior Paleontologist in California. The role involves managing paleontological projects and overseeing field teams while complying with regulations. Candidates should have significant experience in mitigation and hold a graduate degree in paleontology. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision plans, flexible spending accounts, and a generous vacation policy. Travel is required, with a good balance of office and field work.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated professional experience with paleontological resource mitigation procedures.
• Meet federal qualifications as a paleontological permittee.
• Working knowledge of paleontological research methods.
• Strong understanding of mitigation paleontology laws.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects and oversee field teams.
• Coordinate with clients and regulatory agencies.
• Prepare paleontological technical reports.
• Conduct fossil collection projects.
• Supervise and train field crews.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Project management

Independence

Teamwork

Education

Graduate-level academic training (M.S. or Ph.D.) in paleontology

Job description

Your Opportunity

The Senior Paleontologist will work as part of a dynamic team based in Southern California with 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 permits. The role involves managing projects, overseeing field teams, coordinating with clients and regulatory agencies, and mentoring junior staff. Successful candidates lead 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.

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.
• Promotion of 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 CFR 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.
• 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.
• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record.

Location and Travel

Primary location: Monrovia, CA, United States. Travel is required. The role offers approximately a 75:25 office‑to‑field work ratio, with some field work involving travel.

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.

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 insurance, short‑term/long‑term disability plans, emergency travel benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional membership fee coverage, and paid family leave. Employees receive ten paid holidays annually and accrue 10–20 days of vacation per year, along with paid sick leave per state and local law. Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid leave as applicable under state and local law. (Benefits information may differ for union positions.)

Equal Employment Opportunity

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations, or any other condition of employment. Stantec complies with all applicable laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please inform a member of our Talent Acquisition team.