On-Call Paleontological Monitor

Jacobs is seeking a qualified Paleontological Monitor to support a variety of infrastructure and development projects across Southern California. This is a part-time, on-call position ideal for a San Diego-based professional with at least one year of paleontological monitoring experience. The role involves fieldwork during construction activities to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations.

This position offers the opportunity to work on high-profile projects in sectors such as transportation, renewable energy, military, and public infrastructure, with the potential for additional assignments throughout California.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct paleontological monitoring during ground-disturbing activities in compliance with project-specific mitigation plans.

Identify, document, and recover fossil resources in the field.

Maintain detailed field notes, fossil locality forms, and monitoring logs.

Coordinate with project managers, environmental teams, and construction personnel.

Ensure compliance with applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and guidelines including (but not limited to) :

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)

California Public Resources Code Sections 5097.5 and 30244

Paleontological Resources Preservation Act (PRPA)

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

American Antiquities Act

Caltrans Standard Environmental Reference, Paleontology guidelines

Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP) Guidelines

Travel to project sites across Southern California as needed

Bachelor's degree in geology, earth sciences, and / or biology with an emphasis in paleontology or closely related course-work (e.g., evolutionary biology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, micropaleontology, comparative anatomy, etc.). Or Anthropology / Archaeology or closely related field who meets the other requirements listed below.

Experience in field geology and / or paleontology, which should include field mapping, sedimentologic and stratigraphic data collection, fossil collection (ability to jacket large specimens a plus), and contextualize find location (with attention to taphonomy and depositional environment).

Minimum 1 year of professional paleontological monitoring experience in California.

Familiarity with California state regulations and local agency requirements for paleontological resources.

Proficiency in GPS technology, field documentation software, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Ability to work independently in remote field conditions for extended hours (8-10 hour days).

Must be based in or near San Diego, CA.

Strong communication, organizational, and observational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Cross-training or dual experience in archaeology and paleontology.

Experience conducting literature reviews, geologic mapping, and stratigraphic documentation.

Familiarity with Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP) standards, and SVP membership, or willingness to gain membership.

Experience contributing to technical reports and fossil recovery documentation.

Experience working in a consulting or compliance-driven environment.

Jacobs is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, medical condition, marital or domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression and transgender status, mental disability or physical disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship, low-income status or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law. Learn more about your rights under Federal EEO laws and supplemental language.