Staff Paleontologist (Temporary)
SWCA Environmental Consultants · New Mexico, United States · 1 mo ago
On-siteAnalyst$23.72–$30.35/hrTemporary
We need to output HTML fragment with sections: headings for sections like About the role, Responsibilities, Requirements, Qualifications, Skills, Benefits, Pay, Schedule. Only include sections that have real specific content. Must not repeat job title. Must not include boilerplate like EEO, legal, application instructions, etc. Must preserve all substantive info.
We need to parse the posting.
Key content:
- About The Opportunity: description of role, location, project details, travel, schedule, etc.
- About SWCA: company description.
- What you will accomplish: bullet list of duties.
- Experience And Qualifications For Success: qualifications, preferred qualifications.
- Pay: pay range $23.72/hour to $30.35/hour.
- Benefits: mention wellness paid time off, employee assistance program, wellness program activities, career development programs, etc.
- Schedule: mention work schedules up to six days per week, long field days 12-14 hours, extended travel, hotel stays three weeks or longer, etc.
We need to decide sections: maybe "About the role", "Responsibilities", "Qualifications", "Benefits", "Pay", "Schedule". Could also have "About SWCA" but that's not required heading; we could include under About the role? The instruction: use headings for section headings (e.g. About the role, Responsibilities, Requirements, Qualifications, Skills, Benefits, Pay, Schedule). So we should map content to these headings.
We need to avoid filler like "commensurate with experience". Not present.
We must not include duplicated lines.
We must not include application instructions, EEO, legal, accommodation contact, etc. Also must not include boilerplate like "EOE", etc. Must remove those.
We must preserve all substantive information: details about role, location, project, travel, schedule, duties, qualifications, pay, benefits, etc.
We must not invent or summarize away detail.
We need to output only HTML fragment, no /, no markdown fences.
Let's extract substantive content.
From "About The Opportunity":
- SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Temporary Staff Paleontologist to support projects in our Rocky Mountain Plains region, based out of the Sheridan office.
- This position will initially support an ongoing paleontological mitigation project in southwestern Wyoming through October 2026, with potential extension into early 2027 and opportunities for future project work across the western United States, particularly with the aim to become involved with paleontology projects in Arizona and New Mexico.
- The ideal candidate will have at least two years of mitigation experience, preferably at least four years of experience in a variety of locations and geologic settings.
- Preference will be given to candidates who currently qualify as a Paleontological Resource Use Permit Field Monitor or Field Agent.
- Working under the direction of a Paleontology Lead, the Staff Paleontologist will conduct construction monitoring, surveys, fossil identification and documentation, data collection, and related field activities.
- This role requires strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work independently in demanding field environments while collaborating with construction crews, agency personnel, clients, and other paleontology professionals.
- Projects may involve energy transmission, oil and gas development, mining, and other infrastructure efforts throughout the western United States.
- Field Assignments Typically Involve:
- Extended travel and hotel stays, often three weeks or longer
- Work schedules of up to six days per week
- Long field days averaging 12 to 14 hours
- Work in remote locations, rugged terrain, and varied weather conditions
- Project related travel, lodging, rental vehicles, per diem, and overtime pay will be provided as applicable.
- Candidates located in New Mexico are preferred, although qualified applicants throughout the western United States will be considered.
- Application deadline: ... (boilerplate, we should drop as it's application instructions). So drop that paragraph.
From "About SWCA":
- SWCA is a growing, 1,700+ staff, employee-owned firm, providing a full-spectrum of environmental services.
- Our Vision (the North Star) is to make SWCA the best workplace and industry leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges while maintaining a dedication to employee-ownership.
- We live our core values: we collaborate as #OneSWCA; we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack.
- This is especially true for the Paleontology Team.
We could include this under "About the role" or maybe a separate "About SWCA" but not in list of headings. Probably we can incorporate into "About the role" as description of employer.
From "What you will accomplish":
- Act as a paleontology professional on project teams, serving as a permitted Field Monitor, working under the direction of Field Agents, Principal Investigators, Project Managers, and/or Paleontology Leads.
- Prepare and complete accurate logs for field surveys, monitoring, fossil collection, fossil preparation, or other related efforts.
- Conduct fieldwork, including paleontological construction monitoring and survey, and ensure the quality and completeness of data you have collected in the field.
- Data QA/QC, organization, and tracking; field GPS data collection using tablets and GPS devices.
- Communicate regularly and effectively with paleontology leads, project managers, field crews, resource monitors, subcontractors, construction crews, and clients to ensure reliable, consistent, and high-quality services.
- Comply with SWCA and client safety programs and drug testing requirements.
- Take responsibility for personal safety and anticipate potential safety hazards.
- Build collaborative relationships with other paleontologists in SWCA’s paleontology program.
- Uphold SWCA’s high standard of scientific ethics and assurance, demonstrating the ability to identify and creatively resolve challenges.
From "Experience And Qualifications For Success":
- Qualifications consistent with Paleontological Resource Use Permit requirements for Field Monitor or Field Agent status.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Paleontology, Geology, Biology, or a related field with relevant paleontological coursework and experience.
- Minimum of two years of professional paleontological consulting experience.
- Preferred four years of professional paleontological consulting experience in general.
- Experience with paleontological mitigation and construction monitoring.
- Knowledge of Southwestern and Rocky Mountain Plains geology, paleontology, fossil identification, and field methods.
- Experience documenting, collecting, excavating, and assessing paleontological resources.
- Valid driver's license and ability to operate four wheel drive vehicles on rugged roads.
- Ability to travel extensively, work extended schedules, hike up to eight miles per day, lift up to 40 pounds, and work in challenging outdoor environments.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Current Field Monitor or Field Agent status.
- Experience on energy, transmission, mining, or oil and gas projects.
- MSHA, OSHA, CPR, and First Aid certifications.
- Additional experience throughout the Rocky Mountain Plains or broader western United States.
From benefits section:
- This position is eligible for our wellness paid time off, employee assistance program and wellness program activities.
- SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff.
- We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA’s continued success.
- Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position.
- We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.
We should keep these as benefits.
Pay: "An employee in this Sheridan, WY-based position will have a pay rate of $23.72/hour to $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."
Schedule: Already covered in field assignments bullet points: extended travel and hotel stays often three weeks or longer; work schedules up to six days per week; long field days averaging 12 to 14 hours; work in remote locations, rugged terrain, varied weather conditions.
We could make a Schedule section summarizing that.
Now we need to decide which sections to include.
We have content for:
- About the role (could combine About The Opportunity and About SWCA and maybe What you will accomplish? But better separate: About the role (description), Responsibilities (what you will accomplish), Qualifications (Experience And Qualifications For Success), Benefits, Pay, Schedule.
We must not include sections with filler. All have real content.
We must not repeat job title.
We must not include Job ID/requisition numbers (none present).
We must not include application instructions, EEO, legal, accommodation contact, etc. So drop those paragraphs.
We must not include duplicated lines.
Now produce HTML:
for sections like About the role, Responsibilities, Requirements, Qualifications, Skills, Benefits, Pay, Schedule. Only include sections that have real specific content. Must not repeat job title. Must not include boilerplate like EEO, legal, application instructions, etc. Must preserve all substantive info.
We need to parse the posting.
Key content:
- About The Opportunity: description of role, location, project details, travel, schedule, etc.
- About SWCA: company description.
- What you will accomplish: bullet list of duties.
- Experience And Qualifications For Success: qualifications, preferred qualifications.
- Pay: pay range $23.72/hour to $30.35/hour.
- Benefits: mention wellness paid time off, employee assistance program, wellness program activities, career development programs, etc.
- Schedule: mention work schedules up to six days per week, long field days 12-14 hours, extended travel, hotel stays three weeks or longer, etc.
We need to decide sections: maybe "About the role", "Responsibilities", "Qualifications", "Benefits", "Pay", "Schedule". Could also have "About SWCA" but that's not required heading; we could include under About the role? The instruction: use headings for section headings (e.g. About the role, Responsibilities, Requirements, Qualifications, Skills, Benefits, Pay, Schedule). So we should map content to these headings.
We need to avoid filler like "commensurate with experience". Not present.
We must not include duplicated lines.
We must not include application instructions, EEO, legal, accommodation contact, etc. Also must not include boilerplate like "EOE", etc. Must remove those.
We must preserve all substantive information: details about role, location, project, travel, schedule, duties, qualifications, pay, benefits, etc.
We must not invent or summarize away detail.
We need to output only HTML fragment, no /, no markdown fences.
Let's extract substantive content.
From "About The Opportunity":
- SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Temporary Staff Paleontologist to support projects in our Rocky Mountain Plains region, based out of the Sheridan office.
- This position will initially support an ongoing paleontological mitigation project in southwestern Wyoming through October 2026, with potential extension into early 2027 and opportunities for future project work across the western United States, particularly with the aim to become involved with paleontology projects in Arizona and New Mexico.
- The ideal candidate will have at least two years of mitigation experience, preferably at least four years of experience in a variety of locations and geologic settings.
- Preference will be given to candidates who currently qualify as a Paleontological Resource Use Permit Field Monitor or Field Agent.
- Working under the direction of a Paleontology Lead, the Staff Paleontologist will conduct construction monitoring, surveys, fossil identification and documentation, data collection, and related field activities.
- This role requires strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work independently in demanding field environments while collaborating with construction crews, agency personnel, clients, and other paleontology professionals.
- Projects may involve energy transmission, oil and gas development, mining, and other infrastructure efforts throughout the western United States.
- Field Assignments Typically Involve:
- Extended travel and hotel stays, often three weeks or longer
- Work schedules of up to six days per week
- Long field days averaging 12 to 14 hours
- Work in remote locations, rugged terrain, and varied weather conditions
- Project related travel, lodging, rental vehicles, per diem, and overtime pay will be provided as applicable.
- Candidates located in New Mexico are preferred, although qualified applicants throughout the western United States will be considered.
- Application deadline: ... (boilerplate, we should drop as it's application instructions). So drop that paragraph.
From "About SWCA":
- SWCA is a growing, 1,700+ staff, employee-owned firm, providing a full-spectrum of environmental services.
- Our Vision (the North Star) is to make SWCA the best workplace and industry leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges while maintaining a dedication to employee-ownership.
- We live our core values: we collaborate as #OneSWCA; we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack.
- This is especially true for the Paleontology Team.
We could include this under "About the role" or maybe a separate "About SWCA" but not in list of headings. Probably we can incorporate into "About the role" as description of employer.
From "What you will accomplish":
- Act as a paleontology professional on project teams, serving as a permitted Field Monitor, working under the direction of Field Agents, Principal Investigators, Project Managers, and/or Paleontology Leads.
- Prepare and complete accurate logs for field surveys, monitoring, fossil collection, fossil preparation, or other related efforts.
- Conduct fieldwork, including paleontological construction monitoring and survey, and ensure the quality and completeness of data you have collected in the field.
- Data QA/QC, organization, and tracking; field GPS data collection using tablets and GPS devices.
- Communicate regularly and effectively with paleontology leads, project managers, field crews, resource monitors, subcontractors, construction crews, and clients to ensure reliable, consistent, and high-quality services.
- Comply with SWCA and client safety programs and drug testing requirements.
- Take responsibility for personal safety and anticipate potential safety hazards.
- Build collaborative relationships with other paleontologists in SWCA’s paleontology program.
- Uphold SWCA’s high standard of scientific ethics and assurance, demonstrating the ability to identify and creatively resolve challenges.
From "Experience And Qualifications For Success":
- Qualifications consistent with Paleontological Resource Use Permit requirements for Field Monitor or Field Agent status.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Paleontology, Geology, Biology, or a related field with relevant paleontological coursework and experience.
- Minimum of two years of professional paleontological consulting experience.
- Preferred four years of professional paleontological consulting experience in general.
- Experience with paleontological mitigation and construction monitoring.
- Knowledge of Southwestern and Rocky Mountain Plains geology, paleontology, fossil identification, and field methods.
- Experience documenting, collecting, excavating, and assessing paleontological resources.
- Valid driver's license and ability to operate four wheel drive vehicles on rugged roads.
- Ability to travel extensively, work extended schedules, hike up to eight miles per day, lift up to 40 pounds, and work in challenging outdoor environments.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Current Field Monitor or Field Agent status.
- Experience on energy, transmission, mining, or oil and gas projects.
- MSHA, OSHA, CPR, and First Aid certifications.
- Additional experience throughout the Rocky Mountain Plains or broader western United States.
From benefits section:
- This position is eligible for our wellness paid time off, employee assistance program and wellness program activities.
- SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff.
- We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA’s continued success.
- Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position.
- We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.
We should keep these as benefits.
Pay: "An employee in this Sheridan, WY-based position will have a pay rate of $23.72/hour to $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."
Schedule: Already covered in field assignments bullet points: extended travel and hotel stays often three weeks or longer; work schedules up to six days per week; long field days averaging 12 to 14 hours; work in remote locations, rugged terrain, varied weather conditions.
We could make a Schedule section summarizing that.
Now we need to decide which sections to include.
We have content for:
- About the role (could combine About The Opportunity and About SWCA and maybe What you will accomplish? But better separate: About the role (description), Responsibilities (what you will accomplish), Qualifications (Experience And Qualifications For Success), Benefits, Pay, Schedule.
We must not include sections with filler. All have real content.
We must not repeat job title.
We must not include Job ID/requisition numbers (none present).
We must not include application instructions, EEO, legal, accommodation contact, etc. So drop those paragraphs.
We must not include duplicated lines.
Now produce HTML:
About the role
SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Temporary Staff Paleontologist to support projects in the Rocky Mountain Plains region, based out of the Sheridan office. The position will initially support an ongoing paleontological mitigation project in southwestern Wyoming through October 2026, with potential extension into early 2027 and opportunities for future project work across the western United States, particularly in Arizona and New Mexico. The ideal candidate has at least two years of mitigation experience, preferably four years in a variety of locations and geologic settings, and preference is given to those who currently qualify as a Paleontological Resource Use Permit Field Monitor or Field Agent. Working under the direction of a Paleontology Lead, the Staff Paleontologist will conduct construction monitoring, surveys, fossil identification and documentation, data collection, and related field activities. This role requires strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work independently in demanding field environments while collaborating with construction crews, agency personnel, clients, and other paleontology professionals. Projects may involve energy transmission, oil and gas development, mining, and other infrastructure efforts throughout the western United States. SWCA is a growing, 1,700+ staff, employee-owned firm providing a full spectrum of environmental services, with a vision to be the best workplace and industry leader in sustainability while maintaining employee ownership and core values of collaboration, continuous learning, never settling, and giving back.
Responsibilities
- Act as a paleontology professional on project teams, serving as a permitted Field Monitor, working under the direction of Field Agents, Principal Investigators, Project Managers, and/or Paleontology Leads.
- Prepare and complete accurate logs for field surveys, monitoring, fossil collection, fossil preparation, or other related efforts.
- Conduct fieldwork, including paleontological construction monitoring and survey, and ensure the quality and completeness of data collected in the field.
- Perform data QA/QC, organization, and tracking; collect field GPS data using tablets and GPS devices.
- Communicate regularly and effectively with paleontology leads, project managers, field crews, resource monitors, subcontractors, construction crews, and clients to ensure reliable, consistent, and high-quality services.
- Comply with SWCA and client safety programs and drug testing requirements; take responsibility for personal safety and anticipate potential safety hazards.
- Build collaborative relationships with other paleontologists in SWCA’s paleontology program.
- Uphold SWCA’s high standard of scientific ethics and assurance, demonstrating the ability to identify and creatively resolve challenges.
Qualifications
- Qualifications consistent with Paleontological Resource Use Permit requirements for Field Monitor or Field Agent status.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Paleontology, Geology, Biology, or a related field with relevant paleontological coursework and experience.
- Minimum of two years of professional paleontological consulting experience.
- Preferred four years of professional paleontological consulting experience in general.
- Experience with paleontological mitigation and construction monitoring.
- Knowledge of Southwestern and Rocky Mountain Plains geology, paleontology, fossil identification, and field methods.
- Experience documenting, collecting, excavating, and assessing paleontological resources.
- Valid driver's license and ability to operate four‑wheel‑drive vehicles on rugged roads.
- Ability to travel extensively, work