On-Call Paleontological Monitor

On-Call Paleontological Monitor

Join to apply for the On-Call Paleontological Monitor role at Jacobs.

$70,900.00/yr - $/yr

This position is part-time and on‑call, 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. You will work on high‑profile projects in transportation, renewable energy, military, and public infrastructure, with potential 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:
  • 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, and/or biology with an emphasis in paleontology or closely related coursework (e.g., evolutionary biology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, micropaleontology, comparative anatomy). Alternatively, a degree in Anthropology/Archaeology or a closely related field is acceptable if other requirements are met.
• 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 contextualizing find location with attention to 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, membership, 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 the things you care about. 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. Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment.

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.

Seniority level
:
Not Applicable

Employment type
:
Full‑time

Job function
:
Other