Paleontological Monitor

Company: SWCA Environmental Consultants
Location: Phoenix
Posted on: January 23, 2025

Job Description:

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking Paleontological Monitors [HR Titles: Compliance Technician, Assistant Staff Compliance Monitor, Staff Compliance Monitor] to join our offices in Colorado and Wyoming. You will act as a paleontological monitor for several projects in the region. Pay is commensurate with experience and role, with overtime paid at time-and-a-half. Per diem is $68 per day. This is an hourly, regular-status, benefitted position for the duration of the monitoring project, expected to run from mid-April to mid-November 2025. Additional benefits include paid wellness and holiday time accrual. Employment may extend to other projects upon seasonal completion, and the position has the potential for returning annual work. The candidate could fill one of our Staff Level roles based on skill and years of relevant experience:

• Compliance Technician: Typically up to 6 months of experience
• Assistant Staff Compliance Monitor: Typically up to 1 year of experience
• Staff Compliance Monitor Typically up to 2 years of experience You will be responsible for various project tasks, including working independently, coordinating with construction crews, monitoring construction progress, and keeping detailed records. You will inspect construction areas, independently identifying and fully recording paleontological material, with the assistance of the permitted paleontological monitor. This role will include other field tasks as necessary for project success (e.g., client coordination, vehicle maintenance, etc.). For Assistant Staff and Staff positions, a key element of your job may be to independently supervise a paleontological crew (monitoring) in the field. This is a mobile position, welcoming applicants from all SWCA office locations. In accordance with the construction schedule, daily work hours will typically vary between 10 to 12 hours, depending on the construction crew's schedule and needs. Work will typically occur Monday through Saturday, with Sundays off. Single-occupancy lodging and per diem are covered seven days a week, with 8-hour compensation for down days caused by weather or other project delays. Rental trucks will be provided, and all work time including travel between the lodging location and the project site will be fully compensated. 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.
  What you will accomplish
  
  
  • Work collaboratively with a construction crew to ensure safe and efficient monitoring practices.
  • Perform monitoring fieldwork and provide assistance to project managers with various field tasks.
  • Coordinate the progress of the field crew and facilitate daily data transfer.
  • Prepare accurate and detailed daily monitoring reports.
  • Collect, organize, and conduct quality assurance and quality control for field data.
  • Assist with technical reporting as needed.
  • Uphold SWCA's high standard of scientific ethics and assurance, demonstrating the ability to identify and creatively resolve challenges.
    Experience and qualifications for success
    
    Applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
  • Education and professional experience in paleontology.
  • Regional experience.
  • Technicians must demonstrate knowledge of various types of fossils, collection methods, basic field geology skills, such as rock descriptions, measuring stratigraphic columns, and recognizing fossils, including trace fossils.
  • 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 be comfortable conducting fieldwork in remote areas, if necessary based on project needs.
  • Must have the ability to use excavation tools
  • Must have valid driver's license and able to meet SWCA's driver requirements In addition, the following skills are preferred:
  • Degree in geology, paleontology, earth sciences or related field.
  • Fossil preparation and/or museum curation experience.
  • Data management and GIS experience.
  • Prior experience with paleontological mitigation projects, including construction monitoring, is highly desirable.
  • Ability to qualify as Monitor or Agent on federal permits is highly desirable.SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full spectrum of environmental services. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record's Top 200 Environmental Firms. 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 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 Sheridan, WY -based position as a Compliance Technician) an hourly pay rate of $21.84 - $27.56, Assistant Staff Compliance Monitor an hourly pay rate of $23.92 - $30.68/hour and an hourly pay rate of $27.04 - $34.32/hour for a Staff Compliance Monitor. 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 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

Keywords: SWCA Environmental Consultants, Prescott , Paleontological Monitor, Other , Phoenix, Arizona