Assistant Project Paleontologist (Temporary)

About the role

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 position will primarily support an ongoing paleontological mitigation project in southwestern Wyoming through October 2026, with potential extension into early 2027 and opportunities for future work across the western United States. Candidates should have at least two years of Wyoming mitigation experience and four years of professional paleontological mitigation experience overall. Preference is given to those who currently qualify as a Wyoming Paleontological Resource Use Permit Field Agent.

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.

Required Qualifications

• Qualified as a Wyoming Paleontological Resource Use Permit Field Agent.
• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Paleontology, Geology, Biology, or a related field preferred; Bachelor’s degree may be considered with equivalent Wyoming 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 lb, and work in demanding outdoor environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Qualification on multiple BLM and state paleontology permits.
• Experience supporting energy transmission, mining, or oil and gas projects.
• MSHA, OSHA, CPR, and First Aid certifications.
• Experience throughout the Rocky Mountain Plains or broader western United States.

Schedule

Field assignments typically involve extended travel and hotel stays, often three weeks or longer. Work schedules may include up to six days per week with long field days averaging 12 to 14 hours. Work is performed in remote locations, rugged terrain, and varying weather conditions.

Pay

Hourly pay rate: $26.52 – $33.66, dependent on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements, and other lawful factors.

Benefits

• Project‑related travel, lodging, rental vehicles, and per diem.
• Overtime pay as applicable.
• Career development programs and award‑winning Career Landscape support resources.
• Opportunities for internal advancement and promotion.