Associate Paleontologist

Energy Environmental Group (EEG) is a full-service environmental consulting firm specializing in all aspects of environmental permitting, inspection, and compliance monitoring. From a project’s inception to its final release, EEG’s knowledgeable staff utilizes a multifaceted plan of action to meet project milestones, maintain compliance regulations, and ensure a successful path to construction completion.  

Energy Environmental Group is a purpose-driven company. Our core values guide our strategy, performance, and culture. We believe in maintaining an environment where team members can make an impact, grow, and thrive. A place where they find meaning and purpose in doing the important work of ensuring communities have the vital energy, light, and communications to prosper. Our culture is inclusive and welcoming. Our teams are empowered with abundant training, tools, and opportunities to follow their curiosity and ambitions. Everyone has an equal chance to advance. Everyone is supported, respected, and challenged to be their best. We’re always looking for talented and dedicated people to join us and love where they work.  

Energy Environmental Group is a proud subsidiary of MasTec (NYSE: MTZ), a Fortune 500 Company ranked by Energy News-Record as one of the leading contractors in the country. EEG is part of the MasTec Power Delivery segment. We are certified as a minority-controlled company by the National Minority Suppliers Development Council (NMSDC). Our rich diversity of people and ideas makes us a stronger, more innovative organization. 

The Associate Paleontologist (II) independently supports paleontological compliance and pre-construction activities for electric transmission, substation, renewable energy and other energy infrastructure projects throughout the United States. This position prepares permit applications, environmental documentation, regulatory analyses and project deliverables while coordinating with multidisciplinary project teams and regulatory agencies to support successful project development.

Building upon the foundational skills developed as a Staff Paleontologist (I) , this role requires increasing technical expertise, sound professional judgment and the ability to independently manage routine planning and permitting assignments while contributing to project strategy, mentoring junior staff and supporting successful project delivery.

What you will experience in this position

• →Independently support planning and permitting efforts for some of the nation's largest energy infrastructure projects.
• →Develop practical permitting strategies that balance environmental requirements with engineering, construction and client objectives.
• →Coordinate directly with engineers, biologists, cultural resource specialists, environmental compliance teams, clients and regulatory agencies.
• →Prepare environmental documentation and permit applications that directly support project development and construction.
• →Gain experience leading agency coordination, permitting schedules and project planning efforts.
• →Expand your knowledge of NEPA, federal and state permitting requirements, utility crossings, environmental constraints analyses and project development.
• →Mentor Environmental Planner I personnel while strengthening your own technical and leadership capabilities.
• →Participate in client meetings, agency coordination and multidisciplinary planning discussions.
• →Continue building the technical and project management skills needed to advance into Environmental Planner III.
• →Help deliver practical, proactive solutions that keep projects moving while protecting natural resources.

Key responsibilities

• →Independently prepare environmental reports, permit applications, technical memoranda, and supporting documentation for federal, state, and local regulatory agencies.
• →Coordinate with technical specialists, including biology, cultural resources, GIS, engineering and environmental compliance staff, to develop complete and accurate project deliverables.
• →Prepare, submit and track environmental permits, utility crossing permits, agency authorizations and related regulatory approvals.
• →Perform environmental constraints analyses, desktop reviews, GIS mapping, routing evaluations and project planning analyses.
• →Interpret environmental regulations and permit requirements while applying them to project planning and permitting activities.
• →Coordinate directly with regulatory agencies, utility companies, clients and project stakeholders regarding routine permitting and project development activities.
• →Manage permit tracking, project schedules, regulatory commitments and project documentation to support successful project execution.
• →Review work prepared by Environmental Planner I personnel while providing technical guidance and mentorship.
• →Support project managers by identifying permitting risks, recommending practical solutions and helping maintain project schedules.
• →Demonstrate ownership, accountability, professionalism and proactive communication while supporting multiple concurrent projects.

Required qualifications

• Graduate degree in paleontology, geology, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated experience leading complex paleontological fieldwork and supervising teams
• Meet Society of Vertebrate Paleontology’s Professional Qualification Standards
• Strong understanding of paleontological resource regulations and compliance requirements
• Working knowledge of federal, state and local environmental regulations including NEPA and associated permitting processes
• Experience preparing paleontological reports, permit applications and regulatory documentation.
• Experience coordinating multiple assignments while meeting project schedules and client expectations.
• Strong technical writing, communication and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with GIS software, Microsoft Office applications and digital project management tools.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to travel as required to support projects and client needs

Preferred qualifications

• Advanced experience in technical report writing and editing
• Strong analytical and interpretive skills related to site significance
• Experience coordinating projects and supporting project management
• Familiarity with regional paleontological history and regulatory frameworks
• Proficiency with mapping and field technologies

Key skills

• Environmental planning and permitting expertise.
• Strong technical writing and document preparation.
• Research and regulatory interpretation.
• Construction-minded problem solving.
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills.
• Agency coordination and professional communication.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Mentoring and knowledge sharing.
• Accountability and ownership.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and exceptional client service.

Physical requirements

• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally perform field visits in varying weather and terrain conditions.
• Ability to travel up to 15%, or as project needs require