Temporary Field Paleontologist — Mitigation Projects

SWCA Environmental Consultants; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Temporary Assistant Project Paleontologist to support projects in the Rocky Mountain Plains region, based out of the Denver or Sheridan office. The role involves field leadership, monitoring, surveys, fossil recovery, and data collection on projects across the western United States.

The position requires 4+ years of paleontological mitigation experience, a Wyoming Field Agent permit, and the ability to travel extensively and work long field days in

Qualifications

• Must qualify as a Wyoming Paleontological Resource Use Permit Field Agent.
• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Paleontology, Geology, Biology, or related field preferred; Bachelor's degree may be considered with equivalent Wyoming based experience and project leadership responsibilities.
• Minimum four years of professional paleontological consulting experience with increasing responsibility.
• Minimum two years of paleontological mitigation experience in Wyoming.
• Experience leading field crews and conducting construction monitoring projects.
• Experience preparing or contributing to paleontological mitigation reports for BLM or other regulatory agencies.
• Strong knowledge of Wyoming and Rocky Mountain Plains geology, paleontology, fossil identification, mitigation methods, and field techniques.
• Experience with fossil identification, excavation, documentation, curation, and laboratory methods.
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate four wheel drive vehicles on rugged roads.
• Ability to travel extensively, work extended schedules, hike up to eight miles per day, lift up to 40 pounds, and work in demanding outdoor environments.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead paleontology professional on field projects, acting as a permitted Field Agent or Principal Investigator, as applicable.
• Supervise and conduct paleontological monitoring, surveys, fossil recovery, and data collection activities.
• Plan and coordinate field efforts, including staffing, equipment, logistics, and daily work assignments.
• Ensure data accuracy, quality control, and completion of field documentation and deliverables.
• Prepare or contribute to technical reports, impact assessments, and management recommendations.
• Track project schedules, budgets, and performance metrics to support successful project execution.
• Mentor and direct field, laboratory, and junior staff.
• Communicate effectively with project managers, clients, agencies, contractors, and field teams.
• Support and uphold SWCA and client safety requirements.
• Maintain SWCA's standards for scientific quality, ethics, and professionalism.

Skills

Wyoming mitigation experience

Field leadership

Paleontological monitoring

Project coordination

Data collection/QA

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Paleontology/Geology/Biology or related

Bachelor's with equivalent Wyoming-based experience

Job description

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Temporary Assistant Project Paleontologist to support projects in the Rocky Mountain Plains region, based out of the Denver or Sheridan office. The role involves field leadership, monitoring, surveys, fossil recovery, and data collection on projects across the western United States.

The position requires 4+ years of paleontological mitigation experience, a Wyoming Field Agent permit, and the ability to travel extensively and work long field days in