Staff Level Paleontologist (Temporary)
SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Staff-Level Paleontologist to join our Southern CA team. This temporary position primarily involves paleontological resource monitoring and fieldwork for projects in the Inland Empire, Southern California, and the western United States.
About the Role
This is a field-based, temporary, hourly position. The candidate may fill one of the following roles based on skill and experience:
- 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 paleontological survey crew in the field. Responsibilities include:
- Assigning and directing crew activities on behalf of SWCA, often in remote areas without immediate guidance.
- Ensuring crew members understand their 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.
Travel is required, including overnight stays, weekend work, and out-of-state travel.
Responsibilities
- Conduct field surveys, construction monitoring, excavations, and fossil salvages.
- Collect, record, and manage paleontologic, lithologic, and stratigraphic data accurately and efficiently.
- Assist with data entry, management, and analysis.
- Perform fieldwork for long hours in inclement weather, including walking up to 10 miles per day in rugged terrain.
- Use excavation tools and carry field equipment and supplies.
Requirements
- B.S. or B.A. degree with an emphasis in paleontology, earth science, or geology, or demonstrated equivalent experience.
- One year of monitoring experience.
- Proficiency in basic field geology skills, such as rock descriptions, measuring stratigraphic columns, and recognizing fossils (including trace fossils).
- Ability to recognize various fossils, apply collection methods, and use paleontological field techniques.
- 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: $21.52 - $28.40/hour
- 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, 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.