On-Call Paleontological Monitor

Overview

Join to apply for the On-Call Paleontological Monitor role at Jacobs
. Base pay range: $70,900.00/yr – $/yr. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing. We transform abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Jacobs is seeking a qualified Paleontological Monitor to support a variety of infrastructure and development projects across Southern California. This part‑time, on‑call position is ideal for a San Diego‑based professional with at least one year of paleontological monitoring experience. The role involves fieldwork during construction activities to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations. This position offers the opportunity to work on high‑profile projects in sectors such as transportation, renewable energy, military, and public infrastructure, with potential for additional assignments throughout California.

• Conduct paleontological monitoring during ground‑disturbing activities in compliance with project‑specific mitigation plans.
• Identify, document, and recover fossil resources in the field.
• Maintain detailed field notes, fossil locality forms, and monitoring logs.
• Coordinate with project managers, environmental teams, and construction personnel.
• Ensure compliance with applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and guidelines including (but not limited to)
  • California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
  • California Public Resources Code Sections 5097.5 and 30244
  • Paleontological Resources Preservation Act (PRPA)
  • National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
  • American Antiquities Act
  • Caltrans Standard Environmental Reference, Paleontology guidelines
  • Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP) Guidelines
• Travel to project sites across Southern California as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in geology, earth sciences, biology, or a related field with emphasis in paleontology (or equivalent anthropology/archaeology background).
• Experience in field geology and/or paleontology, including field mapping, sedimentologic and strati graphic data collection, fossil collection (ability to jacket large specimens a plus), and contextualization of find location (taphonomy and depositional environment).
• Minimum 1 year of professional paleontological monitoring experience in California.
• Must be based in or near San Diego, CA.
• Familiarity with California state regulations and local agency requirements for paleontological resources.
• Proficiency in GPS technology, field documentation software, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently in remote field conditions for extended hours (8–10 hour days).
• Strong communication, organizational, and observational skills.

• Cross‑training or dual experience in archaeology and paleontology.
• Experience conducting literature reviews, geologic mapping, and strati graphic documentation.
• Familiarity with Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP) standards, or willingness to gain membership.
• Experience contributing to technical reports and fossil recovery documentation.
• Experience working in a consulting or compliance‑driven environment.

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you and in the things you care about, including your health, well‑being, security, and future. Employees have access to a 401(k) plan and legally mandated benefits.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment.

We value collaboration and believe that in‑person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with a hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process, please contact the team via Careers Support.

Job posted on January 07, 2026; this position will be open for at least 3 days.