Paleontologist

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is hiring an on-call Paleontologist (HR title = Paleontological Technician) for our Rocky Mountain Plains offices (Bismarck, ND, Denver and Fort Collins, CO, and Sheridan, WY), with a term ending as weather dictates in 2023. You will conduct paleontological resources fieldwork for various projects in the region.

This position is temporary and hourly, with overtime compensated at time and a half. Pay is dependent on experience. SWCA compensates all travel time and provides vehicles, single-occupancy lodging, and per diem.

What you will accomplish

SWCA paleontological field technicians assist with field surveys, construction monitoring, excavations, fossil salvages, and other field tasks.  We emphasize thorough, accurate, and efficient collection and recordation of paleontologic, lithologic, and stratigraphic data.  Technicians may also assist with data entry, management, and analysis.

Experience and qualifications for success

Applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Education and professional experience in paleontology.
• Regional experience.
• Technicians must demonstrate knowledge of various types of fossils, collection methods, basic field geology skills, such as rock descriptions, measuring stratigraphic 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

In addition, the following skills are preferred:

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

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.

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 position as a Paleontological Technician can expect an hourly pay rate of $19.69 - $25.99. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law.

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

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

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