Staff Level Paleontologist

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is looking for a Staff Level Paleontologist for our Pasadena, CA office.  Your role will be to conduct paleontological resources monitoring and fieldwork for various projects in Southern California. You should be able to work a typical Monday through Friday schedule intermittently.

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

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

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

What you will accomplish

SWCA paleontological field 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 techs may also be required to assist with data entry and management, and data analysis.

Experience and qualifications for success

Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of the following criteria:

• Education and professional experience in paleontology - possession of B.S. or B.A. degree with an emphasis in paleontology or geology or demonstrated equivalent experience is required.
• One year experience monitoring in the state of California or geologic province of a specific project.
• Knowledge of basic field geology skills, such as rock descriptions, measuring stratigraphic columns, and recognizing fossils including trace fossils. Monitors must demonstrate proficiency in recognizing various types of fossils, in collection methods, and in other paleontological field techniques.
• 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:

• 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 Pasadena, CA-based position as a Paleontological Technician an hourly pay rate of $21.09 - $27.84, Assistant Staff Paleontologist an hourly pay rate of $23.63 - $30.38/hour and a Staff Paleontologist an hourly pay rate of $26.16 - $33.47/hour. 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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Seniority Level

Entry level

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