Staff Paleontologist

SWCA Environmental Consultants; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

SWCA Environmental Consultants in Pasadena, CA is seeking a Staff Paleontologist for field-based work across the Southwest. The role focuses on paleontological surveys, data collection, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to support project delivery and environmental compliance.

Ideal candidates have a B.S. in paleontology or geology and are prepared for long field days, travel, and driving. The position offers hands-on learning and opportunities to advance in environmental consulting.

Qualifications

• Education in paleontology or geology; B.S. or equivalent experience.
• Must meet monitor level or higher with the BLM.
• Knowledge of field geology skills and fossil identification.
• Ability to perform long field days in rugged terrain and weather.
• Valid driver's license and safe driving record.

Responsibilities

• Conducts field investigations and pedestrian surveys to gather data.
• Analyze collected samples and prepare them for curation.
• Observe features to support resource management and mitigation.
• Collaborates with geospatial scientists and editors on reports.
• Prepare plans to minimize impacts on fossil resources.
• Work with interdisciplinary teams to integrate paleontological data into planning.

Skills

Paleontology fieldwork

Geology knowledge

Field safety awareness

Education

B.S. in Paleontology or Geology

Tools

GIS

Excavation tools

Job description

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Staff Paleontologist to join our southern California team supporting projects throughout the southwest. In this role, you will primarily conduct paleontological resource fieldwork and monitoring for projects throughout southern California and Nevada, as well as other areas in the western United States. The ideal candidate will be able to work a typical field schedule and adapt to project needs. This is a field opportunity based out of the Pasadena, CA office. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to support project delivery and contribute to high quality environmental outcomes. This role offers the opportunity to build foundational technical skills, gain hands‑on experience, and grow your career in environmental consulting. 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.

Experience and qualifications for success

Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of the following criteria:

• Education and professional experience in paleontology - possession of B.S. or B.A. degree with an emphasis in paleontology or geology or demonstrated equivalent experience is required.


• Must meet requirements to be permitted at the monitor level or higher with the BLM.


• 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

In addition, the following skills are preferred:

• Fossil preparation and/or museum curation experience.


• Data management and GIS experience.


• Prior experience with paleontological mitigation projects including construction monitoring is highly desirable.