Level Paleontologist; Temporary

About the Opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Staff-Level Paleontologist to join our Southern CA team. In this temporary position, you will primarily conduct paleontological resource monitoring and fieldwork for projects located in the San Diego County, as well as other areas in Southern California and the western United States. The ideal candidate will be able to work a typical field schedule and adapt to project needs.

You could fill one of our Staff Level roles based on skill and years of relevant experience:

• Paleontological Technician: up to 6 months of relevant experience and expertise
• Assistant Staff Paleontologist: up to 1 year of relevant experience and expertise
• Staff Paleontologist: up to 2 years of relevant experience and expertise

For assistant staff and staff Paleontologist positions, depending upon project, an element of your job may be to independently supervise a biological survey crew in the field. This includes:

• Independently assigning and directing the activities of others on behalf of SWCA, often in remote areas without immediate guidance from senior managers, to ensure quality and on‑time delivery;
• Ensuring that employees understand their responsibilities and delegated tasks and being held accountable if crew members under your supervision are not performing their activities correctly, productively, and safely;
• Serving as a conduit of communication between employees and senior managers, including communicating issues to relevant senior managers;
• Receiving and resolving complaints from employees in the field;
• Monitoring team productivity and offering timely performance guidance, including determining when corrective action is needed and delivering appropriate feedback

This position is temporary, non‑exempt, and hourly. Pay is dependent on experience.

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.

• Field surveys
• Construction monitoring
• Excavations
• Fossil salvages, and other field tasks as needed
• Travel is required, including overnight stays, weekend work, and out‑of‑state travel

We place an emphasis on thorough, accurate and efficient collection and recordation of paleontologic, lithologic and strati graphic data. Field technicians may also be required to assist with data entry and management, and data analysis.

• Education and professional experience in paleontology or geology. Possession of a B.S. or B.A. degree with an emphasis in paleontology, earth science, or geology or demonstrated equivalent experience is required.
• One year experience monitoring.
• Knowledge of basic field geology skills, such as rock descriptions, measuring strati graphic columns, and recognizing fossils including trace fossils.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork for long hours in sometimes inclement weather conditions, including walking up to 10 miles per day often in rugged terrain; must be able to carry various types of field equipment and supplies.
• Must have the ability to use excavation tools.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record; and must comply with SWCA safety policies.

Preferred skills:

• Fossil preparation and/or museum curation experience.
• Data management and GIS experience.
• Prior experience with paleontological mitigation projects including construction monitoring is highly desirable.

Hourly pay rates by role:

• Paleontological Technician: $21.52 - $28.40
• Assistant Staff Paleontologist: $24.10 - $30.98
• Staff Paleontologist: $26.68 - $34.14

Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law.

Benefits include wellness paid time off, employee assistance program, wellness program activities, and career development programs.

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. SWCA Environmental Consultants celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success.