Staff Level Paleontologist (Temporary)

Swca-Environmental-Consultants; Half Moon Bay (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 52,000; 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. This role conducts paleontological resources monitoring and fieldwork for Bay Area projects, reporting to the Half Moon Bay office.

Preference for candidates from the South Bay, East Bay, Peninsula, Santa Cruz, and Monterey regions. The position is temporary and non-exempt, with two levels: Assistant Staff Paleontologist (up to 1 year) and Staff

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, such as rock descriptions and fossil recognition.
• Proficiency in paleontological field techniques and collection methods.
• Ability to field-work long hours in rugged terrain and carry equipment.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record; comply with safety policies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field investigations and pedestrian surveys to gather paleontological data with proper approvals.
• Analyze samples and prepare them for curation at approved facilities according to regulations.
• Observe geological and paleontological features to support planning and mitigation.
• Collaborate with geospatial scientists and editors on reports and plans.
• Prepare detailed plans to minimize impacts on resources during project development.
• Work with interdisciplinary teams to integrate paleontology into planning documents.
• Provide recommendations on project clearance, fossil handling, and monitoring.
• Follow federal, Tribal, state, local, and company regulations; perform related duties.

Skills

Paleontology

Geology

Fieldwork

Data entry

GIS

Technical reporting

Driving

Education

Bachelor's degree in paleontology or geology

Tools

Field equipment

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