Senior Paleontologist

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM is seeking an experienced Senior Paleontologist to join our Cultural Resources team.  This is a full-time, hybrid role that will report to our California teams and candidates should be Southern California based preferably in San Diego, Orange or Los Angeles.

Candidates should possess expertise leading field monitoring operations. Ability to provide taxonomic identification of vertebrate and/or invertebrate fossils to genus- or species-level for various projects a plus. In addition, the qualified candidate must have experience writing paleontological technical reports and CEQA/NEPA documents.

Duties and Responsibilities will include, but not limited to:

• Demonstrated professional experience preparing paleontological studies, reports, and plans, and successfully leading paleontological fieldwork throughout California.
• Strong, concise writing, research and data management skills (writing samples required).
• Strong communication skills (both with clients and coworkers).
• Ability to clearly communicate federal, state and local regulatory requirements to clients.
• Team-oriented attitude and approach.
• Demonstrated laboratory and technical analysis expertise a plus.
• The potential for additional work, for qualified individuals is available.
• Candidates must have the ability to travel and conduct fieldwork throughout southern California.

About AECOM’s Environment Business Line
Join AECOM to be part of an expert global team who is connected through a well-developed, worldwide, internal technical practice network through which you can learn from and brainstorm with the best in the world. AECOM is an industry-leading, world class environmental firm, and we want you to succeed within it.  We respect and encourage your own pathway to excellence via our Freedom to Grow initiative.

AECOM is known for our award-winning technical excellence, leading-edge science and innovative project delivery. We provide sustainable solutions for some of the world’s most challenging issues. Our global clients and their projects span a variety of market sectors and geographies and require innovative technical solutions to solve wide-ranging environmental problems.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in paleontology preferred or related field such as geology or biology.
• 6 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education focused on fieldwork, technical reports and CEQA/NEPA documents. 
• Outdoor activity may involve walking/trekking in uneven terrain over long distances in extreme weather conditions for extended periods of time.
• Valid U.S driver's license is required for this role; and must be able to travel to job sites safely. 
• Due to the nature of the work, US Citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.S or Ph.D. in Paleontology preferred or related field such as geology or biology.
• 10+ years of relevant paleontology experience focused on technical reports and CEQA/NEPA documents.
• Candidates may be dual qualified in Archaeology
• 10 years of experience in management work.
• Strong understanding of federal, state and local environmental regulations including NEPA, CEQA, Section 106 of the NHPA.
• Knowledge and understanding of the regional geology of southern California.
• Ability to direct field recovery of fossil specimens in the field.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to read topographic maps, geological maps, and project maps.
• Able to work cooperatively with crew members, supervisors, and clients.

Additional I