Paleontologist; Temporary

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Temporary Staff Paleontologist to support projects in our Rocky Mountain Plains region, based out of the Denver or Sheridan office.

This position will primarily support an ongoing paleontological mitigation project in southwestern Wyoming through October 2026, with potential extension into early 2027 and opportunities for future project work throughout the western United States.

The ideal candidate will have experience with paleontological resource mitigation, particularly in Wyoming. Preference will be given to candidates currently qualified as a Wyoming Paleontological Resource Use Permit Field Monitor or Field Agent.

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.

• 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 Colorado, Wyoming, or Utah are preferred, although qualified applicants throughout the western United States will be considered.

Depending upon project assignments, this role may serve as the lead for field survey crews, independently directing daily work activities, promoting safe and productive work practices, communicating project and personnel issues to management, and providing performance-related feedback in support of successful project delivery.

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.

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 #Always Learning, we #Never Settle, and we #Give Back. This is especially true for the Paleontology Team.

• 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…