Staff Level Paleontologist (Temporary)
SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Staff-Level Paleontologist to join our Sheridan, Wyoming team. In this temporary, field-based position, you will primarily conduct paleontological resource monitoring and fieldwork for projects located in Wyoming, Montana, and potentially other locations along the Rocky Mountain front range.
About the role
The ideal candidate will be able to work a typical field schedule and adapt to project needs. Depending on skill and years of relevant experience, you may fill one of the following roles:
- Assistant Staff Paleontologist: Typically up to one (1) year of relevant experience and expertise preferred.
- Staff Paleontologist: Typically up to 1 year of relevant experience and expertise required with two (2) years preferred.
For Staff Paleontologist positions, an element of your job may include independently supervising a crew in the field. Responsibilities in this capacity include:
- Independently assigning and directing the activities of others on behalf of SWCA, often in remote areas without immediate guidance from senior managers, to ensure quality and on-time delivery.
- Ensuring that employees understand their responsibilities and delegated tasks, and being held accountable if crew members under your supervision are not performing their activities correctly, productively, and safely.
- Serving as a conduit of communication between employees and senior managers, including communicating issues to relevant senior managers.
- Receiving and resolving complaints from employees in the field.
- Monitoring team productivity and offering timely performance guidance, including determining when corrective action is needed and delivering appropriate feedback.
Responsibilities
The Staff-Level Paleontologist will assist with:
- Field surveys
- Construction monitoring
- Excavations
- Fossil salvages
- Other field tasks as needed
Field work may require hiking, standing in one place, or driving long distances. Travel is required, including overnight stays, weekend work, and out-of-state travel. Field staff may also assist with data entry, management, and analysis, with an emphasis on thorough, accurate, and efficient collection and recordation of paleontological, lithological, and stratigraphic data.
Assistant Staff and/or Staff Paleontologists must adhere to the safety program and look out for the safety of others, promptly communicating and mitigating safety hazards.
Requirements
- B.S. or B.A. degree with an emphasis in paleontology, earth science, or geology, or demonstrated equivalent experience.
- At least one (1) year of relevant industry experience and expertise preferred for an Assistant Staff Paleontologist and required for a Staff Paleontologist. Two (2) years of relevant industry experience and expertise preferred for a Staff Paleontologist.
- Knowledge of basic field geology skills, such as describing rocks and sediments, measuring stratigraphic columns, and recognizing fossils including trace fossils.
- Proficiency or ability in recognizing various types of fossils, in collection methods, and in other paleontological field techniques.
- 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.
- Ability to use excavation tools.
- Valid driver’s license and a good driving record; must comply with SWCA safety policies.
Preferred Skills
- Fossil preparation and/or museum curation experience.
- Data management and GIS experience.
- Prior experience with paleontological mitigation projects including construction monitoring.
Pay
An employee in this Sheridan, WY-based position will have a pay rate of:
- Paleontological Technician: $19.13 - $25.25/hour
- Assistant Staff Paleontologist: $21.42 - $27.54/hour
- Staff Paleontologist: $23.72 - $30.35/hour
Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law.
Benefits
- Wellness paid time off
- Employee assistance program
- Wellness program activities
- Career development programs, including award-winning Career Landscape support resources
Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position.