On Call Senior Paleontologist (Paleontological Resources Specialist)

This Opportunity 

WSP is currently seeking an On Call Senior Paleontologist (Paleontological Resources Specialist – PRS) to manage paleontological monitoring and mitigation programs for major infrastructure and energy projects in California. This role serves as a resource lead and would be responsible for oversight of field teams and regulatory compliance for large-scale construction projects within Southern California. The successful candidate would help build the larger paleontological monitoring program within the Southwestern United States and would be responsible for the day to day operations of paleontological work on major construction and permitting projects throughout California.  

The successful candidate would need to meet the minimum qualifications for a Qualified Professional Paleontologist as defined in the Code of Federal Regulations, CFR, Title 43, Subtitle A, Part 49 – Paleontological Resources Preservation and in the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology’s Standard Procedures for the Assessment and Mitigation of Adverse Impacts to Paleontological Resources (SVP 20210). 

Your Impact 

• Serve as lead Paleontological Resources Specialist for construction projects throughout California. 
• Develop and implement Paleontological Resources Monitoring and Mitigation Plans. 
• Supervise qualified Paleontological Monitors and coordinate with construction teams.  
• Give Worker Environmental Awareness Program (WEAP) training to construction staff. 
• Assisting in coordination with agencies including CEC, CPUC, and local jurisdictions. 
• Evaluate paleontological discoveries and direct mitigation strategies in coordination with environmental compliance team and in accordance with mitigation plans. 
• Provide technical oversight and monitoring and discovery report preparation. 
• Ensure compliance with project requirements, laws and regulations.  
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures. 
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs. 

Who You Are 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Geology, Paleontology, Archaeology, Anthropology, historic preservation, or a related field. 
• 5 to 7 years of relevant post-education experience working in archaeological or paleontological fieldwork to include site recordation, survey, construction monitoring, and excavation. 
• Minimum three years of paleontological resource mitigation and field experience in California 
• At least one year of leading paleontological resource mitigation and field activities.  
• Ability to recognize and collect fossils in the field.  
• Local geological and biostratigraphic expertise.  
• Proficiency in identifying vertebrate and invertebrate fossils.  
• Strong project management and communication skills. 
• Highly capable self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment. 
• Developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, and identify the most effective solutions to accomplish objectives of assigned projects. 
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies. 
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek. 
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master’s Degree or PhD is preferred. 
• Demonstrated experience leading regulated construction projects. 
• Demonstrated established professional network and publication record. 
• 40-Hour OSHA Health & Safety Training (HAZWOPER) (29 CFR 1910.120) preferred. 
• Basic First Aid and Adult CPR training desired. 
   

WSP Benefits:  

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.  

Compensation:

Expected Salary (all locations): $42.79 - $70.63 per hour

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law. 

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