Staff Level Paleontologist (Temporary)

About The Opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Staff-Level Paleontologist to join our Southern CA team. This temporary position involves conducting paleontological resource monitoring and fieldwork for projects in Southern California and the western United States. The ideal candidate will be capable of working a typical field schedule and adapting to project needs.

Responsibilities

• Independently assign and direct the activities of others on behalf of SWCA, ensuring quality and on-time delivery in remote areas without immediate guidance from senior managers.
• Ensure employees understand their responsibilities and delegated tasks, holding them accountable if necessary.
• Serve as a conduit of communication between employees and senior managers, including addressing issues to relevant managers.
• Receive and resolve complaints from employees in the field.
• Maintain team productivity and provide timely performance guidance, including determining when corrective action is needed and delivering appropriate feedback.

Qualifications

• Education and professional experience in paleontology or geology - a B.S. or B.A. degree with an emphasis in paleontology, earth science, or geology or equivalent experience is required.
• One year experience monitoring.
• Knowledge of basic field geology skills, such as rock descriptions, measuring stratigraphic columns, and recognizing fossils including trace fossils.
• 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.
• Valid driver's license and a good driving record; must comply with SWCA safety policies.
• Fossil preparation and/or museum curation experience.
• Data management and GIS experience.
• Prior experience with paleontological mitigation projects including construction monitoring is highly desirable.

Benefits

This position is temporary, non-exempt, and hourly. Pay is dependent on experience. Application deadline: Our team will begin reviewing applications immediately, and interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The application process will remain open until we have received a robust pool of qualified candidates. Once we have identified suitable individuals, we may close the application process without prior notice. We appreciate the time and effort invested by all applicants and will carefully consider each submission.

Pay

The hourly pay rates for this position are as follows:

• Paleontological Technician: $21.52 - $28.40
• Assistant Staff Paleontologist: $24.10 - $30.98/hour
• Staff Paleontologist: $26.68 - $34.14/hour

Actual pay within these ranges may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer

SWCA Environmental Consultants is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

Company Information

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm providing a full spectrum of environmental services. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive work environment for all candidates.