On-Call Paleontological Monitor - Jacobs : Job Details

Jacobs is seeking a qualified Paleontological Monitor to support 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.

• 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:
  • 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

• Bachelors degree in geology, earth sciences, and/or biology with an emphasis in paleontology or related coursework, or Anthropology/Archaeology or closely related field with the other requirements met.
• Experience in field geology and/or paleontology, including field mapping, sedimentologic and stratigraphic data collection, fossil collection (ability to jacket large specimens is a plus), and contextualizing find locations (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 (810 hour days).
• Must be based in or near San Diego, CA.
• Strong communication, organizational, and observational skills.

• Cross-training or dual experience in archaeology and paleontology.
• Experience conducting literature reviews, geologic mapping, and stratigraphic documentation.
• Familiarity with 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.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.