Staff Paleontologist

SWCA, Incorporated; Pasadena, Northern (CA, KY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Staff Paleontologist to join our southern California team, conducting fieldwork and monitoring for projects across the Southwest, with a field-based position out of the Pasadena, CA office.

You will work with multidisciplinary teams to support project delivery, adapt to project needs, and may lead field survey crews while promoting safety and high-quality environmental outcomes.

Qualifications

• Education and professional experience in paleontology; B.S./B.A. in paleontology or geology, or equivalent.
• Must be permitted at monitor level or higher with the BLM.
• Knowledge of basic field geology skills, rock descriptions, stratigraphic columns, and fossil recognition.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork for long hours in inclement weather, walking up to 10 miles/day in rugged terrain; carry field equipment.
• Must be able to use excavation tools and have a valid driver’s license with good driving record.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field investigations and pedestrian surveys to gather data on paleontological resources.
• Analyze and test collected paleontological samples for composition and significance, readying for final curation.
• Observe geological and paleontological features to support resource management and project planning.
• Collaborate with geospatial scientists and editors on reports, survey plans, and mitigation documents.
• Prepare detailed plans to minimize impacts on protected resources during project development.
• Work with interdisciplinary teams to incorporate paleontological resources into planning documents.
• Provide recommendations on project clearance, resource avoidance, fossil collection, and monitoring.
• Follow applicable regulations, standards, and SWCA safety policies.

Skills

Fieldwork

Fossil identification

Geology basics

Valid driver’s license

Data management

GIS experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in paleontology/geology

Tools

GIS software

GPS equipment

Survey equipment

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.