Staff Level Paleontologist (Temporary)
SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Staff-Level Paleontologist to join our Las Vegas, Nevada team. This temporary, field-based position focuses on paleontological resource monitoring and fieldwork for projects in southern Nevada, Southern California, and the western United States.
About the Role
The ideal candidate will adapt to project needs and work a typical field schedule. Based on skill and experience, candidates may fill one of the following roles:
- Paleontological Technician: Typically up to 6 months of relevant experience.
- Assistant Staff Paleontologist: Typically up to 1 year of relevant experience.
- Staff Paleontologist: Typically up to 2 years of relevant experience.
For Assistant Staff and Staff Paleontologist positions, you may independently supervise a field crew, including:
- Assigning and directing activities in remote areas without immediate guidance.
- Ensuring crew members understand responsibilities and perform tasks correctly, productively, and safely.
- Serving as a communication conduit between employees and senior managers.
- Resolving field complaints and monitoring team productivity.
- Providing timely performance guidance and corrective action when needed.
Responsibilities
- Conduct field surveys, construction monitoring, excavations, and fossil salvages.
- Collect and record paleontologic, lithologic, and stratigraphic data accurately and efficiently.
- Assist with data entry, management, and analysis.
- Travel extensively, including overnight stays, weekend work, and out-of-state travel.
- Perform physically demanding fieldwork, such as hiking, standing for long periods, or driving long distances.
Requirements
- B.S. or B.A. degree in paleontology, earth science, geology, or demonstrated equivalent experience.
- Proficiency in basic field geology skills, including rock descriptions, measuring stratigraphic columns, and fossil identification (including trace fossils).
- Ability to recognize fossils, apply collection methods, and use paleontological field techniques.
- Capability to conduct fieldwork for long hours in inclement weather, including walking up to 10 miles per day in rugged terrain while carrying equipment.
- Experience using excavation tools.
- Valid driver’s license and a good driving record; compliance 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
- 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 these ranges may depend 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, including award-winning Career Landscape support resources.
Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for advancement opportunities.