Description
WSP is seeking an On Call Senior Paleontologist (Paleontological Resources Specialist – PRS) to manage paleontological monitoring and mitigation programs for major infrastructure and energy projects in California.
The successful candidate will serve as a resource lead, overseeing field teams and regulatory compliance for large-scale construction projects within Southern California. They will help build the larger paleontological monitoring program within the Southwestern United States and be responsible for the day-to-day operations of paleontological work on major construction and permitting projects throughout California.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as lead Paleontological Resources Specialist for construction projects throughout California.
- Develop and implement Paleontological Resources Monitoring and Mitigation Plans.
- Supervise qualified Paleontological Monitors and coordinate with construction teams.
- Give Worker Environmental Awareness Program (WEAP) training to construction staff.
- Assist in coordination with agencies including CEC, CPUC, and local jurisdictions.
- Evaluate paleontological discoveries and direct mitigation strategies in coordination with the environmental compliance team and in accordance with mitigation plans.
- Provide technical oversight and monitoring and discovery report preparation.
- Ensure compliance with project requirements, laws, and regulations.
- Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
- Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Geology, Paleontology, Archaeology, Anthropology, historic preservation, or a related field.
- 5 to 7 years of relevant post-education experience working in archaeological or paleontological fieldwork.
- Minimum three years of paleontological resource mitigation and field experience in California.
- At least one year of leading paleontological resource mitigation and field activities.
- Ability to recognize and collect fossils in the field.
- Local geological and biostratigraphic expertise.
- Proficiency in identifying vertebrate and invertebrate fossils.
- Strong project management and communication skills.
- Highly capable self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
- Developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, and identify the most effective solutions to accomplish objectives of assigned projects.
- Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety, and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
- Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
- Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree or PhD is preferred.
- Demonstrated experience leading regulated construction projects.
- Demonstrated established professional network and publication record.
- 40-Hour OSHA Health & Safety Training (HAZWOPER) (29 CFR 1910.120) preferred.
- Basic First Aid and Adult CPR training desired.
Benefits: WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.
Compensation: Expected Salary (all locations): $42.79 - $70.63 per hour