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.
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 directors, fossil preparators, and principal investigators. Stantec supports a wide range of paleontology projects, from multi-state transmission and pipeline projects to road improvements, solar fields, private development, and more. We offer support through all stages of permitting and development, including preconstruction surveys and assessments, 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 direct compliance projects for state, federal, and commercial clients and is responsible for overseeing project development, direction, coordination, and quality control, under the guidance of the Principal Paleontologist. Additionally, the Senior Paleontologist will train staff, oversee field directors, produce quality reports, manage multiple projects and budgets, author proposals and participate in marketing, as required.
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.
Implementation of resource impact mitigation measures including fossil collection 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 crews, 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 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. Your Capabilities and Credentials
Demonstrated professional experience and competency with paleontological resource mitigation procedures and techniques.
Meet federal qualifications as a paleontological permittee (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.
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.
Fossil preparation and museum curation experience.
Project management experience.
Ability to work independently and as an integral part of a team.
Must have good driving record and a 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 seven years of relevant experience
Field work will include walking long distances and may include exposure to the elements including inclement weather. The nature of fieldwork and oversight of field staff necessitates occasional remote support on evenings, holidays, and weekends. Some travel is expected, typically 25%, but variable seasonally and with workflow.
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.
Additional Information Salary Range(s): Pay transparency laws require employers to provide the following information for positions that may be in the following jurisdiction(s): Location Description: Min/Max Pay Range for postings located in CO and HI Min Pay Range: $75,200 Max Pay Range: $112,900 Location Description: Min/Max Pay Range for postings located in CA (SF Area includes SF, SJS & WLC) Min Pay Range: CA Other Areas $75,200 Max Pay Range: CA Other Areas $121,100 Note: The final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. At Stantec certain roles are bonus eligible.