Principal Technical Consultant, Paleontologist

ERM

. Serve as Principal Investigator, Permit Administrator, or technical lead on paleontological resource investigations and permitting programs .

Posted 10/6/2026full-timeUnited StatesLead💰 $108,200 - $144,800 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in paleontological resource management, regulatory compliance, and project leadership, with a strong focus on collaboration and mentorship within multidisciplinary teams.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Paleontological Resource ManagementProject ManagementNEPA ComplianceBusiness DevelopmentTechnical Leadership

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

PaleontologyGeologyEnvironmental StudiesField InvestigationsFossil RecoveryResource Management PlanningQA/QC ReviewAgency ConsultationMitigation EffortsSurveys

Soft Skills

LeadershipCommunicationCollaborationMentoringClient Relationship Management

Certifications & Qualifications

Graduate Degree in PaleontologyGraduate Degree in GeologyGraduate Degree in Earth SciencesGraduate Degree in BiologyGraduate Degree in AnthropologyGraduate Degree in Archaeology

Industry Keywords

Environmental ComplianceCultural Resource ManagementEnergy ProjectsMining ProjectsTransportation ProjectsTechnology ProjectsWater ProjectsInfrastructure Projects

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as Principal Investigator, Permit Administrator, or technical lead on paleontological resource investigations and permitting programs
Provide QA/QC review of deliverables prepared by paleontologists, archaeologists, and cultural resources specialists
Lead desktop studies, field investigations, monitoring, mitigation, fossil recovery efforts, and resource management planning
Collaborate with archaeologists and cultural resources specialists on multidisciplinary projects
Lead, mentor, and support mid-level and junior staff
Serve as primary author or senior reviewer for environmental studies and technical reports
Support business development, proposals, and client relationship management
Provide technical leadership and oversight for paleontological and cultural resource projects
Manage project teams, schedules, budgets, and deliverables
Ensure regulatory compliance and technical excellence
Help clients navigate paleontological, cultural resource, and environmental compliance challenges throughout North America

Requirements

What you’ll need

Graduate degree in Paleontology, Geology, Earth Sciences, Biology, Anthropology, Archaeology, or related discipline
8+ years of professional experience related to paleontological resources
Experience leading assessments, surveys, monitoring programs, mitigation efforts, and agency consultation
Strong understanding of NEPA and related environmental review requirements
Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills
Experience supporting integrated paleontological and archaeological resource management projects (preferred)
Experience supporting energy, mining, transportation, technology, water, or infrastructure projects (preferred)
Demonstrated success in business development and proposal preparation (preferred)
Resume and brief cover letter required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Paid time off (vacation, sick, and floating holidays)
Parental leave
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Disability insurance
AD&D insurance
401(k)
Bonus pay may be available at ERM’s discretion