On-Call Paleontological Field Technician

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Hourly

Reports To: Project Manager II

Job Type: On-Call, Variable-Time

Compensation: $25 - $32 per hour, based on relevant experience

This position is primarily a field-based position with minimal office time anticipated.

About Eocene Environmental Group: 

Our team has spent the past two decades providing environmental, utility vegetation management (UVM), software and sustainability services. We are fortunate to be a part of the Wright Service Corp. family, which has helped us establish a strong foundation for continued growth and success. 

Through a strategic alignment of values and goals, four Wright Service Corp. entities joined and integrated into one, operating as Eocene Environmental Group. These four entities are: 

• Forestry & Utility Division 

• Environmental Division 

• Technology & Innovation Division 

• Sustainability Division 

JOB SUMMARY: The On-Call Paleontological Field Technician is responsible for conducting paleontological resource monitoring for large-scale utility line construction activities in Oregon and Idaho.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions:

• Monitor and observe construction activities in areas with potential presence of paleontological resources

• Complete daily monitoring reports

• Conduct field surveys

• Complete survey reports

• Participate in fossil excavation and salvages as needed

• Coordinate with construction crews regarding monitoring and discovery of paleontological resources

• Participate in safety trainings

• Maintain regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings

• Support, actively participate, and act in accordance with Wright’s and Eocene Environmental Group’s culture of safety and employee ownership

• Comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations; maintains knowledge of and follows all company policies and procedures

OTHER DUTIES:  Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• Position will require some outside travel

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in paleontology or geology or demonstrated equivalent experience is required

• Minimum of 1 year of paleontological monitoring or survey experience

• Demonstrate proficiency in recognizing various types of fossils, familiarity with collection methods, and basic knowledge of paleontological field techniques

• Knowledge of basic field geology and paleontology skills, such as:

  • Geologic descriptions

  • Measuring stratigraphic columns

  • Recognizing vertebrate, invertebrate, plant, and trace fossils in the field

• Must have the knowledge of using excavation tools

• Ability to work long hours in potentially extreme weather conditions and capable of walking/hiking long distances

• Ability to travel for extended periods of time or relocate

• Competence using global positioning system units, maps, tablets, and submeter accuracy devices

• Competence taking detailed field notes and photographs

• The ability to operate a four-wheel drive vehicle over rough terrain

• The ability to perform work duties independently or as part of a team

• Clear communicator, highly organized, motivated, thorough, accurate, and dependable

• Ability to read, write and speak English sufficient to perform job duties and to interact and communicate with employees and vendors

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s Degree in paleontology, geology, or related field

• Previous experience operating as a Field Agent on paleontological permits

• Fossil preparation and/or museum curation experience

• Familiarity with typical utility construction activities

• Familiarity with ESRI GIS applications (including desktop, ArcGIS, Field Maps, Survey123, etc.)

• Prior experience working in Oregon, Idaho, New Mexico, Arizona, or Utah

Eocene Environmental Group, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities