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 San Diego County, as well as other areas in Southern California and the western United States.
About the role
The ideal candidate will work a typical field schedule and adapt to project needs. Based on skill and years of relevant experience, the candidate 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, an element of the job may include independently supervising a biological survey crew in the field. Responsibilities in this capacity include:
- Assigning and directing the activities of others on behalf of SWCA, often in remote areas without immediate guidance from senior managers.
- Ensuring employees understand their responsibilities and delegated tasks, and being accountable for crew performance.
- Serving as a conduit of communication between employees and senior managers, including escalating issues.
- Receiving and resolving complaints from employees in the field.
- Monitoring team productivity and providing timely performance guidance, including corrective action when needed.
This position is temporary, non-exempt, and hourly.
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.
- Travel is required, including overnight stays, weekend work, and out-of-state travel.
Requirements
- B.S. or B.A. degree with an emphasis in paleontology, earth science, or geology, or demonstrated equivalent experience.
- One year of experience in monitoring.
- Knowledge of basic field geology skills, such as rock descriptions, measuring stratigraphic columns, and 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 inclement weather, including walking up to 10 miles per day in rugged terrain.
- Ability to carry field equipment and supplies.
- Proficiency in 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: $21.52 - $28.40/hour
- Assistant Staff Paleontologist: $24.10 - $30.98/hour
- Staff Paleontologist: $26.68 - $34.14/hour
Actual pay within this range 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.