Staff Level Paleontologist (Temporary)

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

• Receiving and resolving complaints from employees in the field; and
• Monitoring team productivity and offering timely performance guidance, including determining when corrective action is needed and delivering appropriate feedback
• 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;
• 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;

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 Inland Empire, 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.

• Fossil preparation and/or museum curation experience.
• Paleontological Technician: Typically up to 6 months of relevant experience and expertise
• 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
• Education and professional experience in paleontology or geology - possession of B.S. or B.A. degree with an emphasis in paleontology, earth science, or geology or demonstrated equivalent experience is required.
• Knowledge of basic field geology skills, such as rock descriptions, measuring stratigraphic columns, and recognizing fossils including trace fossils. Monitors must demonstrate proficiency or ability in recognizing various types of fossils, in collection methods, and in other paleontological field techniques.
• Data management and GIS experience.
• Travel is required for this position, including overnight stays, weekend work, and out-of-state travel.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record; and must comply with SWCA safety policies
• Prior experience with paleontological mitigation projects including construction monitoring is highly desirable.
• Must have the ability to use excavation tools
• Staff Paleontologist: Typically up to 2 years of relevant experience and expertise.
• One year experience monitoring.
• Assistant Staff Paleontologist: Typically up to 1 year of relevant experience and expertise

This position is temporary and hourly. Pay is dependent on experience.

SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees. In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges on all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.

An employee in this Pasadena, CA-based position as a Paleontological Technician an hourly pay rate of $21.52 - $28.40, Assistant Staff Paleontologist an hourly pay rate of $24.10 - $30.98/hour and a Staff Paleontologist an hourly pay rate of $26.68 - $34.14/hour. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law.

This position is eligible for our wellness paid time off, employee assistance program and wellness program activities.

SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA’s continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.