Staff Paleontologist (Temporary)

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Temporary Staff Paleontologist to support projects in our Rocky Mountain Plains region, based out of the Denver or Sheridan office.

This position will primarily support an ongoing paleontological mitigation project in southwestern Wyoming through October 2026, with potential extension into early 2027 and opportunities for future project work throughout the western United States.

The ideal candidate will have experience with paleontological resource mitigation, particularly in Wyoming. Preference will be given to candidates currently qualified as a Wyoming Paleontological Resource Use Permit Field Monitor or Field Agent.

Under the direction of a Paleontology Lead, the Staff Paleontologist will conduct construction monitoring, surveys, fossil identification and documentation, data collection, and related field activities. This role requires strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work independently in demanding field environments while collaborating with construction crews, agency personnel, clients, and other paleontology professionals.

Projects may involve energy transmission, oil and gas development, mining, and other infrastructure efforts throughout the western United States.

Field assignments typically involve:

• Extended travel and hotel stays, often three weeks or longer
• Work schedules of up to six days per week
• Long field days averaging 12 to 14 hours
• Work in remote locations, rugged terrain, and varied weather conditions

Project related travel, lodging, rental vehicles, per diem, and overtime pay will be provided as applicable.

Candidates located in Colorado, Wyoming, or Utah are preferred, although qualified applicants throughout the western United States will be considered.

Depending upon project assignments, this role may serve as the lead for field survey crews, independently directing daily work activities, promoting safe and productive work practices, communicating project and personnel issues to management, and providing performance-related feedback in support of successful project delivery.  

Application deadline: Our team will begin reviewing applications immediately, and interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The application process will remain open until we have received a robust pool of qualified candidates. Once we have identified suitable individuals, we may close the application process without prior notice. We appreciate the time and effort invested by all applicants and will carefully consider each submission.

About SWCA

SWCA is a growing, 1,700+ staff, employee-owned firm, providing a full-spectrum of environmental services. Our Vision (the North Star) is to make SWCA the best workplace and industry leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges while maintaining a dedication to employee-ownership. We live our core values: we collaborate as #OneSWCA; we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack. This is especially true for the Paleontology Team.

What you will accomplish

• Act as a paleontology professional on project teams, serving as a permitted Field Monitor, working under the direction of Field Agents, Principal Investigators, Project Managers, and/or Paleontology Leads.
• Prepare and complete accurate logs for field surveys, monitoring, fossil collection, fossil preparation, or other related efforts.
• Conduct fieldwork, including paleontological construction monitoring and survey, and ensure the quality and completeness of data you have collected in the field. Data QA/QC, organization, and tracking; field GPS data collection using tablets and GPS devices. 
• Communicate regularly and effectively with paleontology leads, project managers, field crews, resource monitors, subcontractors, construction crews, and clients to ensure reliable, consistent, and high-quality services.
• Comply with SWCA and client safety programs and drug testing requirements. Take responsibility for personal safety and anticipate potential safety hazards.
• Build collaborative relationships with other paleontologists in SWCA’s paleontology program.
• Uphold SWCA’s high standard of scientific ethics and assurance, demonstrating the ability to identify and creatively resolve challenges.

Experience and qualifications for success

Required Qualifications

• Qualifications consistent with Wyoming Paleontological Resource Use Permit requirements for Field Monitor or Field Agent status.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Paleontology, Geology, Biology, or a related field with relevant paleontological coursework and experience.
• Minimum of two years of professional paleontological consulting experience in Wyoming, or four years of professional paleontological consulting experience in general.
• Experience with paleontological mitigation and construction monitoring.
• Knowledge of Wyoming and Rocky Mountain Plains geology, paleontology, fossil identification, and field methods.
• Experience documenting, collecting, excavating, and assessing paleontological resources.
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate four wheel drive vehicles on rugged roads.
• Ability to travel extensively, work extended schedules, hike up to eight miles per day, lift up to 40 pounds, and work in challenging outdoor environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current Wyoming Field Monitor or Field Agent status.
• Experience on energy, transmission, mining, or oil and gas projects.
• MSHA, OSHA, CPR, and First Aid certifications.
• Additional experience throughout the Rocky Mountain Plains or broader western United States.

If you would like to contact SWCA regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the online application process due to a disability, please email [email protected] or call 480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response. 

SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees.  In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges on all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.

An employee in this Denver, CO-based position will have a pay rate of $24.90/hour to $31.86/hour. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law. 

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.  At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success

This position is eligible for our wellness paid time off, employee assistance program and wellness program activities.

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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