Staff Level Paleontologist (Temporary)

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:

• Assistant Staff Paleontologist: Up to one (1) year of relevant industry experience and expertise
• Staff Paleontologist: Up to two (2) years of relevant industry experience and expertise

• →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

• 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.

• 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

• 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

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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