Paleontological Technician - On Call

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking multiple Paleontological Field Technicians to support field work on an as-needed basis for projects in the Rocky Mountain Region (e.g., Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, North Dakota, Arizona).  You should be able to work alone or on small teams; and depending on workload overtime is possible. Lodging and per diem may be provided while onsite for fieldwork lasting multiple days.

Positions will be filled as soon as a qualified applicants are identified.

To be considered, please submit a resume and cover letter along with contact information for three professional references.

What you will accomplish

SWCA Paleontological Technicians assist with field surveys, construction monitoring, excavations, fossil salvages, and other field tasks as needed.  We place an emphasis on thorough, accurate and efficient collection and recordation of paleontologic, lithologic and stratigraphic data.  Field technicians may also be required to assist with laboratory fossil preparation, data entry and management, and data analysis.  They will conduct field and lab work per project and agency requirements, and coordinate work and findings with a Principal Paleontologist.

Experience and qualifications for success

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Geology or Biology with education or equivalent training in paleontology and sedimentary geology is required; although a graduate degree in Geology or Biology or equivalent training in paleontology and sedimentary geology is desirable
• Must have the necessary experience and minimal qualifications to be approved as a Field Agent (preferred) or Field Monitor by the BLM
• Prior paleontological field experience including looking for, finding, and documenting fossils is necessary with preference for experience in the Rocky Mountain Region
• Prior experience with paleontological mitigation projects and the ability to describe sedimentary rocks is highly desirable
• Paleontological lab and collections experience is preferred, including fossil preparation, picking fossils from matrix, fossil sorting, and collections management
• Prior experience with paleontological mitigation projects, including active construction monitoring, and the ability to describe sedimentary rocks is highly desirable.
• Ability to identify vertebrate, invertebrate, plant, and trace fossils to Class or lower taxonomic level in the field is desirable
• Ability to conduct fieldwork for long hours in sometimes inclement (e.g., hot, cold, wet) weather conditions, including hiking long distances (up to 7 miles per day) often in rugged terrain; must be able to carry of various types of field equipment and supplies weighting up to 40 pounds
• Must have the ability to use excavation tools (e.g., shovels, picks) and kneel, potentially in tight spaces, for extended periods of time.
• Knowledge of ArcGIS applications is a plus.
• Current eligibility to work in the U.S
• A valid driver’s license

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full spectrum of environmental services. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms.

If you would like to contact SWCA regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the online application process due to a disability, please email accommodations@swca.com or call 480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.

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Seniority Level

Entry level

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