Senior Paleontologist - Lead CEQA & Field Programs (Remote/Hybrid)

Environmental Science Associates, Inc.; Santa Barbara (CA); Hybrid; USD 137,000 - 167,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

ESOP company shares

401(k) plan with company match

Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal

Job summary

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) in Southern California is seeking a Senior Paleontologist with 20+ years of experience in monitoring, surveys, fossil salvage, and CEQA documentation to lead complex projects across our Cultural Resources Group.

This role requires field leadership, strong writing, and the ability to mentor junior staff, coordinate with interdisciplinary teams, and develop paleontological practice in the region.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in paleontology or a closely related field.
• Ability to lead field crews and produce well-written, technically supported documents.
• Experience leading paleontological survey and salvage projects.
• Experience preparing EIR and MND sections and mitigation measures.

Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct surveys and prepare technical documents for projects in the region.
• Serve as primary author of paleontological resource assessments for CEQA documents.
• Supervise project teams and participate in client meetings.
• Mentor junior staff and develop paleontological practice in Southern California.
• Coordinate with interdisciplinary teams and manage scopes of work and budgets.
• Travel and fieldwork as required.

Skills

Paleontological monitoring

Paleontological surveys

Fossil salvage

CEQA knowledge

Technical writing

Field leadership

Project management

Client coordination

Education

Graduate degree in Paleontology

Job description

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) in Southern California is seeking a Senior Paleontologist with 20+ years of experience in monitoring, surveys, fossil salvage, and CEQA documentation to lead complex projects across our Cultural Resources Group.

This role requires field leadership, strong writing, and the ability to mentor junior staff, coordinate with interdisciplinary teams, and develop paleontological practice in the region.