Staff Level Paleontologist (Temporary)

SWCA Environmental Consultants•Sheridan, WY

1d•$19 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Staff-Level Paleontologist to join our Sheridan, Wyoming team. This is a temporary position primarily focused on conducting paleontological resource monitoring and fieldwork for projects in Wyoming, Montana, and potentially other Rocky Mountain front range locations. The role requires adaptability to project needs and the ability to work a typical field schedule. Depending on qualifications, the candidate may fill an Assistant Staff Paleontologist role (up to one year of experience preferred) or a Staff Paleontologist role (one year of experience required, two years preferred). For Staff Paleontologist positions, there may be a requirement to independently supervise a field crew, which involves assigning and directing tasks, ensuring accountability for performance and safety, communicating between employees and senior managers, resolving employee complaints, and monitoring team productivity with timely feedback. This is a temporary, hourly position with pay dependent on experience. Applications will be reviewed immediately on a rolling basis until a robust pool of qualified candidates is identified, at which point the application process may close without prior notice.

Requirements

Possession of a B.S. or B.A. degree with an emphasis in paleontology, earth science, or geology, or demonstrated equivalent experience.
At least one (1) year of relevant industry experience and expertise required for a staff paleontologist.
Knowledge of basic field geology skills, such as describing rocks and sediments, measuring stratigraphic columns, and recognizing fossils including trace fossils.
Demonstrated proficiency or ability 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.
Ability to carry various types of field equipment and supplies.
Ability to use excavation tools.
Must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.
Must comply with SWCA safety policies.

Nice To Haves

Up to one (1) year of relevant experience and expertise preferred for an Assistant Staff Paleontologist.
Two (2) years of relevant industry experience and expertise preferred for a Staff Paleontologist.
Fossil preparation and/or museum curation experience.
Data management and GIS experience.
Prior experience with paleontological mitigation projects including construction monitoring is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Conduct paleontological resource monitoring and fieldwork.
Assist with field surveys.
Assist with construction monitoring.
Assist with excavations.
Assist with fossil salvages.
Perform other field tasks as needed.
Collect and record paleontological, lithological, and stratigraphic data.
Assist with data entry and management.
Assist with data analysis.
Adhere to the safety program and look out for the safety of others.
Promptly communicate and mitigate safety hazards.
Independently assign and direct the activities of others on behalf of SWCA, often in remote areas without immediate guidance from senior managers, to ensure quality and on-time delivery.
Ensure that employees understand their responsibilities and delegated tasks and being held accountable if crew members under your supervision are not performing their activities correctly, productively, and safely.
Serve as a conduit of communication between employees and senior managers, including communicating issues to relevant senior managers.
Receive and resolve complaints from employees in the field.
Monitor team productivity and offer timely performance guidance, including determining when corrective action is needed and delivering appropriate feedback.