Senior Paleontologist: Lead Field Projects & Reports

Stantec; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Dental plan

Vision plan

Wellness program

401(k) plan

Employee stock purchase program

Paid holidays

Vacation days

Paid sick leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Stantec seeks a Senior Paleontologist to lead paleontological investigations across the western United States with a Southern California base and nationwide collaboration. You will manage projects, field teams, and regulatory interactions (CEQA/PRPA) while guiding junior staff and ensuring safety and ethics.

Ideal candidates hold graduate-level training in paleontology and sedimentary geology, seven years of mitigation experience, and strong leadership and communication skills.

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 data are used in professional research.
• Advanced understanding of federal, state, and local laws and procedures in mitigation paleontology.
• Candidates must be motivated team members with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• 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 part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Preparation and review of paleontological reports, CEQA/NEPA documents, impact mitigation plans, and annual permit reports.
• Preparation of cost proposals including budgets and scopes of work.
• Project management from kickoff to completion with client and agency coordination.
• Oversee implementation of resource impact mitigation measures and fossil collection projects.
• Plan and supervise field projects across the western US.
• Supervise and train field crews; QA/QC of field data; coordinate with land management agencies.
• Contribute to data analyses including museum searches and literature reviews.
• Assist with marketing and business development efforts.
• Adhere to ethical practices, laws, and best practices in mitigation paleontology.
• Promote health and safety standards in field and office operations.

Skills

Paleo mitigation procedures

Project management

Leadership

Written communication

Verbal communication

Team coordination

Regulatory coordination

Field operations

Education

M.S. or Ph.D. in paleontology and sedimentary geology

Tools

Fossil preparation

Museum curation

Job description

Stantec seeks a Senior Paleontologist to lead paleontological investigations across the western United States with a Southern California base and nationwide collaboration. You will manage projects, field teams, and regulatory interactions (CEQA/PRPA) while guiding junior staff and ensuring safety and ethics.

Ideal candidates hold graduate-level training in paleontology and sedimentary geology, seven years of mitigation experience, and strong leadership and communication skills.