Paleontological Technician

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a temporary Paleontological Technician to join our Paleontology team in the San Francisco Bay Area.  Your role will be to conduct paleontological resources monitoring and fieldwork for various projects in the Bay Area. This is a temporary position, and you should be able to work a typical Monday through Friday schedule intermittently.  In addition, this is an hourly, non-exempt position.  Individuals based in the South Bay, East Bay, Peninsula, Santa Cruz, Salinas Valley, and around Carmel and Monterey are highly preferred. 

Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be scheduled as qualified candidates are identified. This position may close without prior notice once a strong candidate pool is established.

About SWCA

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm providing full spectrum environmental services across the United States. Our North Star is to be the best place to work and a leader in sustainability, delivering sound science and creative solutions to complex environmental challenges.

 We are guided by our core values every day. We collaborate as #OneSWCA, we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack to our communities. With offices nationwide, SWCA offers a collaborative, team focused environment where employees can build meaningful and long-term careers.

What you will accomplish

• Assists with the completion of technical project tasks in the field, laboratory, or office, including data and information collection, processing, and documentation, as well as quality control. Technicians are expected to work efficiently, in a manner that ensures accuracy and thoroughness in ethically applying the directed approach.
• Communicates effectively with team members and supervisors, soliciting and valuing their input to diligently meet client requirements and project goals. This involves clear articulation of task needs, issues, and progress to the field or laboratory supervisor or task lead, fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Follows directions, safety and quality protocols, and other established procedures to complete tasks successfully and with accountability.
• Follows applicable federal, Tribal, state, local, industry, contractual, and company regulations, standards, and specifications.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Additional Job-Specific Responsibilities

• SWCA paleontological field technicians assist with field surveys, construction monitoring, excavations, fossil salvages, and other field tasks as needed. 
• We place an emphasis on thorough, accurate and efficient collection and recordation of paleontologic, lithologic and stratigraphic data.  Field techs may also be required to assist with data entry and management, and data analysis.  

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge normally obtained through a bachelor's degree.
• Demonstrated awareness and interest in one or more technical areas is preferred; or any equivalent combination of experience, performance, training, and/or education.

Experience and qualifications for success

• Education and professional experience in paleontology - possession of B.S. or B.A. degree with an emphasis in paleontology or geology or demonstrated equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of basic field geology skills, such as rock descriptions, measuring stratigraphic columns, and recognizing fossils including trace fossils. Monitors must demonstrate proficiency in recognizing various types of fossils, in collection methods, and in other paleontological field techniques.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork for long hours in sometimes inclement weather conditions, including walking up to 10 miles per day often in rugged terrain; must be able to carry various types of field equipment and supplies
• Must have the ability to use excavation tools
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record; and must comply with SWCA safety policies

Preferred Qualifications

• A few months of experience monitoring in the state of California or geologic province of a specific project.
• Fossil preparation and/or museum curation experience.
• Data management and GIS experience.
• Prior experience with paleontological mitigation projects including construction monitoring is highly desirable.

Other Job Conditions

• Applicants must possess a valid driver's license and meet SWCA's driver requirements. 
•  This position may require domestic travel, including travel by commercial airline. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain all valid travel documents and identification required for work-related travel throughout the duration of employment.  
• Adheres to the safety program and looks out for the safety of others, promptly communicating and mitigating safety hazards.   
• Work is regularly performed outdoors and involves hiking over uneven terrain, lifting and carrying equipment up to 25–50 pounds, and working in varying/extreme weather conditions. Employees may be exposed to vegetation, wildlife, insects, dust, chemicals, sharp or heavy tools, and other environmental conditions while following required safety procedures. 

Pay Range

SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency. The expected pay range for this Northern California-based position is $22.95 per hour to $32.05 per hour. Actual pay may vary based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law.

This position offers flexibility, paid wellness time, and opportunities to build technical skills and gain experience across a variety of environmental projects. 

Closing

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact [email protected] or call 1 480 581 5378. If you require assistance with the application process, please contact [email protected].

Use of Technology in Hiring 

SWCA may use approved technology, including AI-assisted tools, to support parts of the application and recruiting process. All selection and hiring decisions are made by SWCA employees, and candidates are not selected or rejected by automated systems. We are committed to a fair, transparent, and human-centered hiring experience. 

Candidate Use of AI 

Candidates may use AI tools to help prepare application materials and interviews. However, all application materials, assessments, and interview responses must accurately reflect their own experience, skills, and qualifications. AI must not be used to fabricate experience, complete assessments on their behalf, or otherwise misrepresent their background or abilities. 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

SWCA Environmental Consultants is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive. 

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.

#LI - LP1