Senior Paleontologist & Field Project Lead

Stantec; Pasadena (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision plans

Ten paid holidays

Vacation time

401(k) plan

Job summary

Stantec’s Senior Paleontologist role in the Southern California region leads and manages paleontological investigations across CEQA/NEPA-compliant projects, coordinating with clients, agencies, and field crews. The position offers growth within a large, multidisciplinary environment with strong emphasis on safety and ethics.

The successful candidate will oversee field teams, ensure regulatory compliance, develop reports, and mentor junior staff while supporting business development efforts

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.

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.

Education

Graduate level training in paleontology and sedimentary geology

M.S. or Ph.D. in paleontology

Job description

Stantec’s Senior Paleontologist role in the Southern California region leads and manages paleontological investigations across CEQA/NEPA-compliant projects, coordinating with clients, agencies, and field crews. The position offers growth within a large, multidisciplinary environment with strong emphasis on safety and ethics.

The successful candidate will oversee field teams, ensure regulatory compliance, develop reports, and mentor junior staff while supporting business development efforts