Staff Level Paleontologist (Temporary)
About the role
SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Staff-Level Paleontologist to join our Southern CA team. In this temporary position, you will primarily conduct paleontological resource monitoring and fieldwork for projects located in the Inland Empire, as well as other areas in Southern California and the western United States. The ideal candidate will be able to work a typical field schedule and adapt to project needs. The candidate could fill one of our Staff Level roles based on skill and years of relevant experience: Paleontological Technician (typically up to 6 months of relevant experience), Assistant Staff Paleontologist (up to 1 year), Staff Paleontologist (up to 2 years). For Assistant Staff and Staff Paleontologist positions, depending upon project, an element of your job may be to independently supervise a paleontological survey crew in the field, including assigning and directing activities, ensuring understanding of responsibilities, serving as communication conduit, receiving and resolving complaints, monitoring productivity and offering performance guidance.
Responsibilities
- Conduct field surveys, construction monitoring, excavations, and fossil salvages.
- Perform other field tasks as needed.
- Travel required, including overnight stays, weekend work, and out-of-state travel.
- Collect and record paleontologic, lithologic, and stratigraphic data accurately and efficiently.
- Assist with data entry, management, and analysis.
- (For Assistant Staff and Staff Paleontologist) Independently supervise a paleontological survey crew in the field.
Requirements
- Education and professional experience in paleontology or geology – B.S. or B.A. degree with emphasis in paleontology, earth science, or geology, or demonstrated equivalent experience required.
- One year of experience monitoring.
- Knowledge of basic field geology skills: rock descriptions, measuring stratigraphic columns, recognizing fossils including trace fossils.
- Proficiency or ability in recognizing various types of fossils, collection methods, and other paleontological field techniques.
- Ability to conduct fieldwork for long hours in sometimes inclement weather, including walking up to 10 miles per day in rugged terrain.
- Ability to carry various types of field equipment and supplies.
- Ability to use excavation tools.
- Valid driver’s license with a good driving record; must comply with SWCA safety policies.
Skills
- Fossil preparation and/or museum curation experience (preferred).
- Data management and GIS experience (preferred).
- Prior experience with paleontological mitigation projects including construction monitoring (highly desirable).
Pay
- Paleontological Technician: hourly pay rate $21.52 – $28.40.
- Assistant Staff Paleontologist: hourly pay rate $24.10 – $30.98.
- Staff Paleontologist: hourly pay rate $26.68 – $34.14.
- Actual pay within range depends on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements, and other factors permitted by law.
Benefits
- Wellness paid time off.
- Employee assistance program.
- Wellness program activities.
- Career development programs and award‑winning Career Landscape support resources.
Schedule
- Typical field schedule with ability to adapt to project needs.
- Travel required, including overnight stays, weekend work, and out‑of‑state travel.