Senior Paleontologist

Grounded in safety, quality, and ethics, our experts lead their fields with dedication, a creative spirit, and a vision for growth. We draw from more than 20 technical specialties worldwide and are devoted to fostering a community of diverse talents, backgrounds, and expertise. Here, you can apply your passion and collaborate with top environmental professionals on work that’s vital to our clients and the communities they serve.

Join a team that’s naturally committed to the environment.

Your Opportunity
The Senior Paleontologist will work as part of a dynamic team that is based in Southern California but includes staff members across the United States. Stantec Paleontology is one of the largest paleontological mitigation programs in the country, holding numerous statewide Bureau of Land Management and project-specific United States Forest Service and National Park Service paleontological permits. Our team includes over 30 paleontologists, including field technicians and field directors, fossil preparators, and principal investigators. Stantec supports a wide range of paleontology projects, from multi-state transmission, fiber, and pipelines to road improvements, solar fields, private development, and more. We offer support through all stages of a project’s lifespan, including preconstruction surveys and assessments in support of permitting, construction mitigation programs, and fossil treatment. Our Monrovia, California and Denver, Colorado offices include fossil preparation workspaces, with museum-quality preparation equipment.

Within this team, the Senior Paleontologist will manage projects, oversee field teams, coordinate with clients and regulatory agencies, and mentor junior staff. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading all aspects of paleontological resource investigations, including research, surveys, excavations, monitoring, analysis, and reporting, in compliance with CEQA, PRPA, and other federal, state, and local regulations. This position offers opportunities for career advancement, leadership development, and professional growth within a collaborative and supportive work environment.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Preparation and review of paleontological technical reports, CEQA/NEPA documents, impact mitigation plans, and annual permit reports.
• Preparation of cost proposals including budgets and scopes of work.
• Project management: implementation of projects from kickoff to completion, including client and agency coordination, project scheduling, coordination of support staff, and budget management.
• Oversight of the implementation of resource impact mitigation measures including monitoring and fossil collection projects of all types and sizes.
• Participation in and logistical planning for field projects from inception to completion across the western US.
• Supervision and training of field crews, management and QA/QC of field data, and coordination with land management agencies and clients.
• Participation in and supervision of existing 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.
• Promote health and safety standards in all field and office operations. 

Qualifications 

• Demonstrated professional experience and competency with paleontological resource mitigation procedures and techniques.
• Meet federal qualifications as a paleontological permittee (e.g., 43 Code of Federal Regulations Part 49.110)
• Working knowledge of how paleontological resources and their associated data are used in conducting and publishing professional paleontological research.
• Advanced understanding 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.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and as an integral part of a team.

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 seven years of paleontological mitigation experience. 

Field experience in sedimentary geology and paleontology.

Fossil preparation and museum curation experience.

Project management experience.

Must have good driving record and a valid driver’s license.

Typical office environment working with computers and remaining sedentary for long periods of time. Field work may include exposure to the elements including inclement weather and require 5-10 miles of hiking per day while carrying basic field equipment. Office to field work ratio is anticipated to be approximately 75:25 split, with some field work involving travel.

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.
About Stantec
Stantec is a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting. The diverse perspectives of our partners and interested parties drive us to think beyond what’s previously been done on critical issues like climate change, digital transformation, and future-proofing our cities and infrastructure. We innovate at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships to advance communities everywhere, so that together we can redefine what’s possible.

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