As-Needed Paleontologist

Southern California, CA
Seasonal
Experienced

Who We Are

Dudek is a leading environmental, planning, and engineering firm that helps public and private clients achieve compliance, practicality, and innovation through our project work. Founded in 1980, Dudek has grown steadily to more than 800 professionals across the U.S. and received the Top Workplace Award for 2023.

As a 100% employee-owned company, Dudek’s culture rewards smart, productive team members with ownership, professional development, and financial benefits. Our work communities are designed to encourage collaboration, sustainability, and connectivity with the surrounding communities.

At Dudek, we understand the best problem solving happens when diverse viewpoints and experiences are shared. We recognize that different perspectives, inclusivity, and trust build a stronger culture and add value to our firm. We celebrate our differences and strive to make meaningful progress toward becoming a more diverse company.

Learn more about our culture.

About The Job

As-needed qualified paleontologist must possess expertise leading field monitoring operations. Ability to provide taxonomic identification of vertebrate and/or invertebrate fossils to genus- or species-level for various projects a plus. In addition, the qualified candidate must have experience writing paleontological technical reports and CEQA/NEPA documents and be able to provide examples. The potential for additional work, for qualified individuals is available.  Competitive wages are based on level of education and experience. This position will be based in southern California.

Learn more about the projects you will have the opportunity to shape.

 

Who You Are

To thrive at Dudek, you should be comfortable with freedom and accountability. We value collaborative, resourceful, and independent thinkers. We look for curious, solution-focused people who are able to adapt quickly to an ever-changing industry. There is no single way to solve a problem, so we support your creative approaches to solve problems.

Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Demonstrated professional experience preparing paleontological studies, reports, and plans, and successfully leading paleontological fieldwork throughout California
  • Strong, concise writing, research and data management skills (writing samples required)
  • Strong communication skills (both with clients and coworkers)
  • Ability to clearly communicate federal, state and local regulatory requirements to clients
  • Team-oriented attitude and approach
  • Ability to travel
  • At least two professional references
  • Demonstrated laboratory and technical analysis expertise a plus

Education and Essential Skills

  • Ph.D. or M.S. in Paleontology, or a related field such as Geology or Biology
  • Minimum of 10 years’ experience in management work
  • Strong understanding of federal, state and local environmental regulations including NEPA, CEQA, Section 106 of the NHPA
  • Knowledge and understanding of the regional geology of southern California
  • Ability to analyze fossil specimens in the field and laboratory
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
  • Ability to read topographic maps, geological maps, and project maps
  • Able to work cooperatively with crew members, supervisors, and clients
  • Willing to travel, with a Valid CA Driver’s license in good standing and reliable transportation
  • Ability to work in extreme climatic conditions. Cold or hot weather.
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by first day of employment

* As a federal contractor, successful candidates are required to pass the following pre-employment requirements prior to beginning employment: pre - employment drug test and background check.

Physical Requirements

Working Conditions:

  • This job may require occasional project site visits-based outdoors which can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, moving vehicles and equipment.

 

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met in order to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

  • This job requires working on a computer, sitting or standing for long periods of time in an office or remote office setting.
  • This job requires attending meetings, both in person and virtually as well as speaking on the phone with peers, clients, etc. Speaking, hearing and listening are required.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Proposed Salary Range: $38.25-$46.75 hourly*

*Final agreed upon compensation will be based on a variety of factors including but not limited to an individual’s related experience, education, certifications, skills, and work location.

Perks of Being a Dudekian

Not only will Dudek provide you with a competitive salary, but we also strive to create an environment that promotes growth, career development, and a flexible work–life balance. Dudek offers an array of benefits, from your typical medical, dental, and vision coverage to the opportunity to share in Dudek’s success through discretionary bonuses, based on firmwide, divisional, and individual performance. We also offer a yearly merit review, an employee stock ownership program, and dog friendly offices! Since we encourage our colleagues to take time off when needed, Dudek also provides a generous vacation package. If you’re tired of an overly structured environment and decision-making process to get your job done, Dudek is a place where your ideas are heard and your initiative is rewarded. Speak with your recruiter to learn more about the great perks of being a Dudekian.

*As-needed and part-time employees are eligible for our 401(k) plan, sick leave, and our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). As-needed and part-time employees have the option of additional benefits like medical benefits and ESOP participation provided they meet minimum hours worked during the 12-month look back measurement period.  Speak with your recruiter to learn more.

Dudek is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

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