Field Paleontologist; On-call

Bancroft Construction Services provides environmental compliance, biological monitoring, and construction support services for public and private infrastructure projects. Our team works closely with construction managers, contractors, and regulatory agencies to ensure projects are completed efficiently while maintaining full compliance with environmental permits and regulations.

We are seeking a qualified variable on-call Field Paleontologist to support paleontological resource compliance during active construction projects. This position plays a key role in monitoring ground-disturbing activities, protecting paleontological resources, and ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations while working collaboratively with construction and environmental teams in dynamic field settings.

This is an on-call, project-based position with variable hours depending on project needs.

The Field Paleontologist will provide on-site paleontological monitoring and compliance support during active construction activities. The position involves monitoring ground-disturbing work, identifying and documenting fossil resources, and ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local paleontological resource regulations and permit conditions.

The Field Paleontologist works closely with construction personnel, project managers, and paleontological resources leads to implement avoidance measures, respond to discoveries, and support uninterrupted project progress while maintaining regulatory compliance. This role requires independent field judgment, clear communication, and the ability to work safely in active construction environments.

The position requires the ability to work independently in the field, communicate effectively with construction personnel and project managers, and make sound, real-time decisions to maintain regulatory compliance.

• Monitor ground-disturbing construction activities for potential paleontological resource discoveries
• Conduct paleontological monitoring during grading, trenching, excavation, and utility installation
• Identify, document, and assess fossil materials and paleontological resources
• Implement unanticipated discovery and fossil salvage procedures in accordance with project permits and mitigation measures
• Coordinate in real time with construction crews, superintendents, and project managers
• Maintain compliance with paleontological resource permit conditions and environmental commitments
• Complete daily monitoring logs, field notes, and photographic documentation
• Collect GPS data and accurately record field observations
• Assist with preparation of monitoring summaries, fossil discovery documentation, and technical memoranda
• Communicate findings, compliance concerns, and work status to project managers and senior paleontologists
• Participate in construction worker paleontological resource awareness briefings as needed
• Support coordination with museums, repositories, and regulatory agencies, when applicable
• Perform additional field or office support tasks as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in Paleontology, Geology, Earth Sciences, or a closely related field
• Minimum of 2–3 years of professional experience in paleontological fieldwork or construction monitoring
• Experience monitoring construction or infrastructure projects
• Working knowledge of CEQA, NEPA, and paleontological resource compliance requirements
• Ability to identify common vertebrate and invertebrate fossil materials
• Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record
• Ability to work safely in active construction environments and outdoor field conditions

• Master’s degree in Paleontology, Geology, or a related field
• Experience with Southern California paleontological resources and regional geology
• Familiarity with Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP) guidelines and local agency permitting requirements
• Experience implementing fossil salvage, stabilization, and documentation procedures
• Experience using GPS units, Survey
  123, ArcGIS, or similar field data collection tools
• Experience preparing technical reports, monitoring summaries,…