Paleontological Technician
About The Position
SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a temporary Paleontological Technician to conduct paleontological resources monitoring and fieldwork for projects in the San Francisco Bay Area. The role may involve field surveys, construction monitoring, excavations, fossil salvages, and other field tasks, as well as related work in a laboratory or office. The position is hourly and non-exempt, with an intermittent, typical Monday-through-Friday schedule. Applicants based in the South Bay, East Bay, Peninsula, Santa Cruz, Salinas Valley, and around Carmel and Monterey are highly preferred. The technician assists with technical project tasks, including collecting, processing, documenting, and quality-checking data and information. The role emphasizes thorough, accurate, and efficient collection and recording of paleontologic, lithologic, and stratigraphic data. Technicians may also assist with data entry, data management, and data analysis. They communicate task needs, issues, and progress to team members, supervisors, or task leads; follow directions and established safety and quality procedures; and comply with applicable regulations, standards, and specifications. Work is regularly outdoors and may involve hiking over uneven, rugged terrain for long distances, carrying equipment, and working in varying or extreme weather. The position may require domestic travel, including commercial air travel. SWCA notes that the role offers flexibility, paid wellness time, and opportunities to build technical skills and gain experience across environmental projects.
Requirements
- Knowledge normally obtained through a bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of experience, performance, training, and/or education.
- B.S. or B.A. degree emphasizing paleontology or geology, or demonstrated equivalent experience.
- Knowledge of basic field geology skills, including rock descriptions, measuring stratigraphic columns, and recognizing fossils, including trace fossils.
- Proficiency in recognizing various types of fossils, collection methods, and other paleontological field techniques for monitoring work.
- Ability to conduct fieldwork for long hours, including in inclement weather, and walk up to 10 miles per day, often over rugged terrain.
- Ability to carry field equipment and supplies and use excavation tools.
- Valid driver's license, good driving record, and ability to meet SWCA driver requirements and comply with SWCA safety policies.
- Ability to obtain and maintain valid travel documents and identification required for work-related domestic travel.
Nice To Haves
- A few months of monitoring experience in California or in the 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.
- Demonstrated awareness and interest in one or more technical areas.
Responsibilities
- Assist with paleontological field surveys, construction monitoring, excavations, fossil salvages, and other field tasks as needed.
- Collect, process, document, and quality-check project data and information in the field, laboratory, or office.
- Collect and record paleontologic, lithologic, and stratigraphic data thoroughly, accurately, and efficiently.
- Assist with data entry, data management, and data analysis as needed.
- Communicate task needs, issues, and progress to team members, supervisors, or task leads, and collaborate to meet client requirements and project goals.
- Follow directions, safety and quality protocols, established procedures, and applicable regulations, standards, and specifications.
- Adhere to the safety program, look out for others' safety, and promptly communicate and mitigate hazards.
- Perform related work as assigned.
Benefits
- Paid wellness time
- Flexible work arrangements
- Opportunities to build technical skills and gain experience across a variety of environmental projects
- Career development programs and Career Landscape support resources
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
