Paleontologist; Temporary

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 invovled 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.

Final date to receive applications:
Our team will begin reviewing applications immediately, and interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The application process will remain open until we have received a robust pool of qualified candidates. Once we have identified suitable individuals, we may close the application process without prior notice. We appreciate the time and effort invested by all applicants and will carefully consider each submission.

• 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.

• Qualifications consistent with Paleontological Resource Use Permit…