Staff Level Paleontologist (Temporary)

About the opportunity:

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking an Assistant Staff or Staff Paleontologist to join our Paleontology team in the San Francisco Bay Area.  Your role will be to conduct paleontological resources monitoring and fieldwork for various projects in Bay Area.

 

This is a  temporary non-exempt position that will report to our Half Moon Bay, CA office.  Individuals based in the South Bay, East Bay, Peninsula, Santa Cruz, Salinas Valley, and around Carmel and Monterey are highly preferred.

This requisition can be hired at two levels:

• AssistantStaffPaleontologist: Up to one (1) year of relevant industry experience and expertise
• StaffPaleontologist: Up to two (2) years of relevant industry experience and expertise

 

Field Supervisory Responsibilities: Depending upon project assignments, this role may serve as the lead for field survey crews, independently directing daily work activities, promoting safe and productive work practices, communicating project and personnel issues to management, and providing performance-related feedback in support of successful project delivery.

 

Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be scheduled as qualified candidates are identified. This position may close without prior notice once a strong candidate pool is established.

About SWCA:

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm providing full spectrum environmental services across the United States. Our North Star is to be the best place to work and a leader in sustainability, delivering sound science and creative solutions to complex environmental challenges.

 

 We are guided by our core values every day. We collaborate as #OneSWCA, we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack to our communities. With offices nationwide, SWCA offers a collaborative, team focused environment where employees can build meaningful and long-term careers.

What you will accomplish:

• Conducts field investigations and pedestrian surveys to gather data on paleontological and geological resources, ensuring appropriate agency approvals and curation agreements are in place.
• Analyzes and tests collected paleontological samples to determine their composition and significance, preparing them for final curation at approved facilities, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
• Observes and interprets geological and paleontological features to support resource management, project planning, and mitigation efforts.
• Collaborates with geospatial scientists and technical editors to complete technical reports, survey plans, and mitigation planning documents.
• Prepares detailed plans to minimize impacts on protected paleontological and geological resources during project development and execution.
• Works closely with interdisciplinary teams to incorporate paleontological resources into broader evaluation and planning documents.
• Provides recommendations on project clearance, resource avoidance, fossil collection, microfossil testing of matrix samples, and monitoring of ground disturbances.
• Follows applicable federal, Tribal, state, local, industry, contractual, and company regulations, standards, and specifications.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Additional Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Assist with paleontological field investigations, including surveys, construction monitoring, excavations, fossil recovery/salvage, and other field-related activities as needed.
• Collect, document, and record paleontological, lithologic, and stratigraphic data with a high degree of accuracy, attention to detail, and efficiency.
• Support data entry, database management, quality control, and analysis of field and project data.
• Maintain detailed field notes and contribute to the preparation of technical documentation and project deliverables, as appropriate

Minimum Qualifications:

• Knowledge normally obtained through a bachelor's degree or higher, with demonstrated awareness and interest in one or more technical area.
• One year of related experience is preferred; or any equivalent combination of experience, performance, training, and/or education.

Experience and qualifications for success:

• Bachelor’s (B.S. or B.A.) degree with an emphasis in paleontology or geology or demonstrated equivalent experience.
• Up to one (1) year of related Paleontology experience.
• 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

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two (2) years of related Paleontology experience.
• A few months of experience monitoring in the state of California or geologic province of a specific project.
• Fossil preparation and/or museum curation experience.
• Data management and GIS experience.
• Prior experience with paleontological mitigation projects including construction monitoring is highly desirable

Other Job Conditions:

Applicants must possess a valid driver's license and meet SWCA's driver requirements. 

 

This position may require domestic travel, including travel by commercial airline. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain all valid travel documents and identification required for work-related travel throughout the duration of employment.  

 

Adheres to the safety program and looks out for the safety of others, promptly communicating and mitigating safety hazards.   

  

Work is regularly performed outdoors and involves hiking over uneven terrain, lifting and carrying equipment up to 25–50 pounds, and working in varying/extreme weather conditions. Employees may be exposed to vegetation, wildlife, insects, dust, chemicals, sharp or heavy tools, and other environmental conditions while following required safety procedures. 

Pay Range:

SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency. The expected pay range for this Northern California-based position is:

 

• Assistant Staff Paleontologist: $25.70 to $35.64 per hour
• Staff Paleontologist: $28.46 to $39.89 per hour.

 Actual pay may vary based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law. Eligible employees may also receive performance-based bonuses.

 

This position offers flexibility, paid wellness time, and opportunities to build technical skills and gain experience across a variety of environmental projects. Learn more about our On-Demand Employee Benefits and Career Development Guide.

Closing:

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact accommodations@swca.com or call 1 480 581 5378. If you require assistance with the application process, please contact recruiting@swca.com.

 

Use of Technology in Hiring 

SWCA may use approved technology, including AI-assisted tools, to support parts of the application and recruiting process. All selection and hiring decisions are made by SWCA employees, and candidates are not selected or rejected by automated systems. We are committed to a fair, transparent, and human-centered hiring experience. 

 

Candidate Use of AI 

Candidates may use AI tools to help prepare application materials and interviews. However, all application materials, assessments, and interview responses must accurately reflect their own experience, skills, and qualifications. AI must not be used to fabricate experience, complete assessments on their behalf, or otherwise misrepresent their background or abilities. 

 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

SWCA Environmental Consultants is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive. 

 

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.

 

#LI-LP1