Senior Paleontologist & Project Lead – Western US

Stantec; Ventura (CA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Dental plan

Vision plan

Wellness program

401(k) plan

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays

Job summary

Stantec is seeking a Senior Paleontologist to lead mitigation projects across the western United States from our Southern California base. You will oversee field teams, coordinate with clients and regulators, and manage all aspects of paleontological investigations, reporting, and compliance with CEQA, PRPA, and related regulations.

The role emphasizes project leadership, mentorship of junior staff, and opportunities for growth within a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated professional experience with paleontological resource mitigation procedures and techniques.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Familiarity with CEQA/NEPA and federal/state/local regulations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review paleontological technical reports and CEQA/NEPA documents.
• Develop budgets, cost proposals, and scopes of work.
• Manage projects from kickoff to completion with client and agency coordination.
• Oversee field teams and QA/QC of field data.
• Lead field projects across the western US and mentor staff.
• Supervise data analyses, museum records, and literature research.
• Support marketing and business development efforts.
• Promote health, safety, and ethical practices in field and office operations.

Skills

Paleontological mitigation

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Project coordination

Education

Graduate degree in paleontology or geology

7+ years paleontological mitigation experience

Job description

Stantec is seeking a Senior Paleontologist to lead mitigation projects across the western United States from our Southern California base. You will oversee field teams, coordinate with clients and regulators, and manage all aspects of paleontological investigations, reporting, and compliance with CEQA, PRPA, and related regulations.

The role emphasizes project leadership, mentorship of junior staff, and opportunities for growth within a collaborative environment.