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, including project leadership, regulatory compliance, and technical oversight. Proven ability to mentor staff and manage multidisciplinary teams while supporting business development and client relationships.

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 ComplianceField InvestigationsFossil RecoveryMonitoring ProgramsMitigation EffortsTechnical Report WritingAgency ConsultationResource Management Planning

Soft Skills

LeadershipCommunicationCollaborationMentoringClient Relationship Management

Industry Keywords

Cultural ResourcesEnvironmental StudiesIntegrated Resource ManagementEnergy ProjectsMining ProjectsTransportation 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
Support strategic business development and client relationship management
Ensure regulatory compliance and technical excellence
Help clients navigate complex 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
10+ years preferred
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
Please submit a resume and brief cover letter

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