Staff Paleontologist (As-Needed)

HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. seeks an experienced Staff Paleontologist to join our Paleontological Resources team. This temporary, field-based role focuses on California paleontology, construction monitoring, and fossil salvage in San Diego County.

You will engage in field observations, catalog specimens, support technical reports, and collaborate across a respected environmental consulting firm. Travel and outdoor work are expected, with independence and meaningful project work throughout

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in paleontology, geology, or closely related field.
• Experience with fossil salvage and laboratory preparation.
• Ability to document paleontological localities and stratigraphy.
• Willingness to travel and work outdoors in heat.

Responsibilities

• Monitor construction projects for paleontological resources.
• Lead or assist paleontological surveys and fossil salvage.
• Laboratory work and cataloging paleontological materials.
• Support analyses, research and report preparation.
• Draft memos and report sections; maintain field notes and project files.
• Deliver high-quality work on schedule and budget.

Skills

Paleontological fieldwork

Fossil salvage

Laboratory preparation

Locality documentation

Stratigraphy

Outdoor work

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in paleontology or geology

Job description

Description

Ready to uncover the past while helping shape the future? HELIX Environmental Planning is seeking an experienced Staff Paleontologist to join our growing Paleontological Resources team. If you're passionate about fieldwork, fossils, construction monitoring, and California paleontology, this Staff Paleontologist opportunity offers meaningful project work, professional independence, and the chance to contribute to a respected environmental consulting firm.

Job Type

Temporary

Why HELIX?

At HELIX, we're an employee-owned environmental consulting firm delivering innovative solutions across paleontological resources, biological resources, cultural resources, landscape architecture, permitting, habitat restoration, GIS, and more. Our collaborative culture, diverse project portfolio, and commitment to quality make HELIX a rewarding place to build your career. This is an as-needed, field-based opportunity supporting projects primarily in San Diego County and surrounding areas of southern California with an immediate hiring need.

Day in the Life

As a Staff Paleontologist, your day may begin at an active construction site monitoring earth-moving activities, identifying fossil-bearing geologic units, and documenting field observations. You may then assist with a paleontological survey, perform fossil salvage, conduct background research, catalog specimens in the lab, or support technical report preparation. Every day as a Staff Paleontologist offers a unique blend of science, fieldwork, collaboration, and discovery.

What You'll Do

• Conduct independent paleontological monitoring for construction projects.
• Assist with or lead paleontological surveys and fossil salvage efforts.
• Perform laboratory work, including cataloging paleontological materials.
• Support technical analyses, research, and report preparation.
• Draft memos, letters, and report sections.
• Maintain accurate field notes, maps, project files, and work logs.
• Deliver high-quality work products on schedule and within budget.

Compensation

$30 - $38 per hour, based on experience and qualifications.

Equal Opportunity Statement

HELIX is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and an inclusive work environment. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply regardless of gender, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, disability, age, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service or veteran status. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs.

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Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in paleontology, geology, or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of paleontological experience.
• Experience with fossil salvage and laboratory preparation.
• Experience documenting paleontological localities.
• Experience documenting stratigraphy.
• Ability to work outdoors in high-heat environments for extended periods.
• Meet qualifications for City of San Diego-approved monitors.
• Meet qualifications to perform fieldwork as a monitor or field agent on BLM lands in California.
• Valid California Driver's License and reliable transportation.
• Willingness to travel and stay overnight when needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Meet qualifications for performing fieldwork on BLM land in other western states.
• Construction monitoring experience.
• Experience preparing paleontological report sections supporting CEQA documentation.