Paleontology Technician (Entry-Level, As-Needed)
The Paleontology Technician role at Confidential Client offers an entry-level opportunity to gain hands-on field and laboratory experience in paleontological resource management across Southern California. Responsibilities include construction monitoring, fossil salvage, field surveys, and supporting technical reporting, providing valuable exposure to California geology and paleontology in a flexible, project-based position.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Scientific & QA.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role overview
Confidential Client is hiring an entry-level, as-needed Paleontology Technician to support field and lab work on environmental and construction projects in and around Casa Blanca, CA. This project-based position is ideal for recent graduates, field-school alumni, and early-career geoscientists who want hands-on monitoring and fossil salvage experience.
What You’ll Do
- Conduct paleontological construction monitoring under project leadership.
- Assist with paleontological surveys and fossil salvage efforts.
- Support laboratory work including fossil processing, labeling, and cataloging.
- Maintain accurate field notes, maps, locality records, and documentation.
- Help prepare technical report sections and project deliverables.
- Participate in worker environmental awareness and safety trainings.
- Deliver high-quality, timely work on schedule and within budget.
Minimum qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Paleontology, Geology, or a closely related field.
- Experience documenting stratigraphy (coursework, field studies, research, or work experience).
- Ability and willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including high heat.
- Valid California driver’s license and reliable transportation.
- Willingness to travel and stay overnight as required by project schedules.
Preferred qualifications
- 1+ years of construction monitoring experience.
- Familiarity with paleontological mitigation practices and relevant regulations.
- Eligible to perform fieldwork on BLM lands in CA and other western states under supervision.
Compensation & logistics
- Pay range: $25.00 – $35.00 per hour (based on experience and qualifications).
- Employment type: As-needed / project-based assignments (schedule depends on project demand).
- Work locations: Primarily field sites in and around Casa Blanca and throughout Southern California.
- Candidates must be able to walk on uneven terrain, work outdoors for extended periods, and follow site safety requirements.
Skills & attributes that will help you succeed
- Strong observational and note-taking skills.
- Basic field mapping and stratigraphic interpretation.
- Attention to detail in lab processing and cataloging.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
- Professionalism on client sites and ability to follow PI/Field Agent directions.
Why join this team
- Gain practical field experience and mentorship from experienced paleontologists.
- Exposure to a variety of environmental consulting projects and California geology.
- Flexible, project-based assignments that build your resume and technical skills.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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