Staff Level Paleontologist (Temporary)

SWCA Environmental Consultants; Half Moon Bay (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking an Assistant Staff or Staff Paleontologist to join our Paleontology team in the San Francisco Bay Area. The role involves monitoring and fieldwork for Bay Area projects, with oversight in Half Moon Bay, CA.

Candidates should have up to two years of relevant experience, a paleontology or geology background, and be able to work long field hours in varied conditions. This is a temporary non-exempt position reporting to the Half Moon Bay office.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in paleontology or geology or demonstrated equivalent experience.
• Up to one year of related Paleontology experience.
• Knowledge of basic field geology skills and fossil recognition.
• Proficiency in paleontological field techniques and collection methods.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field investigations and pedestrian surveys to gather data on paleontological resources.
• Analyze and test collected samples for composition and significance for curation at approved facilities.
• Collaborate with geospatial scientists to prepare reports and mitigation plans.
• Prepare plans to minimize impacts on protected paleontological resources during projects.

Skills

Paleontology basics

Geology knowledge

Field safety

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s in Paleontology or Geology

Tools

GIS experience

Data management

Job description

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking an Assistant Staff or Staff Paleontologist to join our Paleontology team in the San Francisco Bay Area. Your role will be to conduct paleontological resources monitoring and fieldwork for various projects in Bay Area.

This is a temporary non-exempt position that will report to our Half Moon Bay, CA office. Individuals based in the South Bay, East Bay, Peninsula, Santa Cruz, Salinas Valley, and around Carmel and Monterey are highly preferred.

This requisition can be hired at two levels:

• Assistant Staff Paleontologist: Up to one (1) year of relevant industry experience and expertise
• Staff Paleontologist: Up to two (2) years of relevant industry experience and expertise

Field Supervisory Responsibilities: Depending upon project assignments, this role may serve as the lead for field survey crews, independently directing daily work activities, promoting safe and productive work practices, communicating project and personnel issues to management, and providing performance-related feedback in support of successful project delivery.

Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be scheduled as qualified candidates are identified. This position may close without prior notice once a strong candidate pool is established.

What you will accomplish

• Conducts field investigations and pedestrian surveys to gather data on paleontological and geological resources, ensuring appropriate agency approvals and curation agreements are in place.
• Analyzes and tests collected paleontological samples to determine their composition and significance, preparing them for final curation at approved facilities, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
• Observes and interprets geological and paleontological features to support resource management, project planning, and mitigation efforts.
• Collaborates with geospatial scientists and technical editors to complete technical reports, survey plans, and mitigation planning documents.
• Prepares detailed plans to minimize impacts on protected paleontological and geological resources during project development and execution.
• Works closely with interdisciplinary teams to incorporate paleontological resources into broader evaluation and planning documents.
• Provides recommendations on project clearance, resource avoidance, fossil collection, microfossil testing of matrix samples, and monitoring of ground disturbances.
• Follows applicable federal, Tribal, state, local, industry, contractual, and company regulations, standards, and specifications.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Additional Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Assist with paleontological field investigations, including surveys, construction monitoring, excavations, fossil recovery/salvage, and other field-related activities as needed.
• Collect, document, and record paleontological, lithologic, and stratigraphic data with a high degree of accuracy, attention to detail, and efficiency.
• Support data entry, database management, quality control, and analysis of field and project data.
• Maintain detailed field notes and contribute to the preparation of technical documentation and project deliverables, as appropriate

Experience and qualifications for success

• Bachelor’s (B.S. or B.A.) degree with an emphasis in paleontology or geology or demonstrated equivalent experience.
• Up to one (1) year of related Paleontology experience.
• Knowledge of basic field geology skills, such as rock descriptions, measuring stratigraphic columns, and recognizing fossils including trace fossils.
• Monitors must demonstrate proficiency in recognizing various types of fossils, in collection methods, and in other paleontological field techniques.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork for long hours in sometimes inclement weather conditions, including walking up to 10 miles per day often in rugged terrain; must be able to carry various types of field equipment and supplies
• Must have the ability to use excavation tools
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record; and must comply with SWCA safety policies

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of related Paleontology experience.
• A few months of experience monitoring in the state of California or geologic province of a specific project.
• Fossil preparation and/or museum curation experience.
• Data management and GIS experience.
• Prior experience with paleontological mitigation projects including construction monitoring is highly desirable