Paleontologist
Grounded in safety, quality, and ethics, our experts lead their fields and guide our work with rigor, a creative spirit, and vision for growth. We draw from more than 20 technical specialties around the globe and are committed to fostering an inclusive community of diverse talents, backgrounds, and expertise. We’re a place to apply your passion and collaborate with top environmental talents on work that’s critical to our clients and the communities they support. Join a team that has the environment down to a science.
Stantec’s paleontology group is one of the largest in the country, with over 40 paleontologists supporting projects across the Western United States, many of which are in Southern California. This job can be remote, with the ability to travel to required locations.
Your Opportunity
The Paleontologist will support compliance projects for state, federal, and commercial clients and is responsible for overseeing portions of project delivery, including reporting, field work, and fossil collections management. Additionally, the Paleontologist will train and oversee field technicians and contribute to proposals and marketing, as needed.
Your Key Responsibilities
- Preparation of paleontological technical reports, CEQA/NEPA documents, impact mitigation plans, and annual permit reports.
- Preparation of cost proposals including budgets and scopes of work.
- Implementation of resource impact mitigation measures including fossil collection for projects of all types and sizes.
- Participation in and logistical planning for field projects from inception to completion wherever they are located.
- Supervision and training of field technicians, management and QA/QC of field data, and coordination with land management agencies and clients while in the field.
- Detailed and accurate field data collection (including ability to collect using table computers and Trimble GPS units) with an emphasis on stratigraphic documentation of project sites and fossil localities therein.
- Participation in data analyses including museum and agency record searches, geologic map reviews, and literature-based research.
- Assistance with marketing and business development efforts.
- Adherence to ethical business practices, professional standards, laws and regulations, and best practices in mitigation paleontology.
- Travel on average 25 to 50 percent, varying seasonally.
Your Capabilities and Credentials
- Demonstrated professional experience and competency with paleontological resource mitigation procedures and techniques.
- Working knowledge of how paleontological resources and their associated data are used.
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and procedures that apply to all aspects of mitigation paleontology.
- Candidates must be motivated team members, possess exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and are ready to make a commitment to professional excellence.
- Field experience in sedimentary geology and paleontology, including the collection of a variety of types of fossils.
- Ability to work independently and as an integral part of a team.
- Good driving record and valid driver’s license
Education and Experience
- Possession of graduate level academic training (M.S. or Ph.D.) in paleontology and sedimentary geology or equivalent professional experience.
- Minimum of three years of relevant experience
Field work will include walking long distances (5 to 7 miles) while carrying 5 to 10 pounds of equipment and may include exposure to the elements including inclement weather. Occasionally lab work or field work will require lifting heavier objects.
This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.
Stantec is a place where the best and brightest come to build on each other’s talents, do exciting work, and make an impact on the world around us. Join us and redefine your personal best.