Principal Technical Consultant – Paleontology

ERM

. Serve as Permit Administrator and/or Principal Investigator on BLM Paleontological Resources Use Permits and applicable state permits .

Posted 9/23/2026full-timeUnited StatesLead💰 $110,000 - $161,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in managing paleontological resource projects, including oversight of field investigations and quality assurance. Proven ability to lead teams, develop client relationships, and navigate regulatory requirements within the Great Basin and Rocky Mountain regions.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Permit AdministrationPrincipal Investigator ExperienceProject ManagementField Investigation OversightClient Relationship Development

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

PaleontologyGeologyBiologyAnthropologyEnvironmental Due DiligenceTechnical Report WritingData RecoveryMitigation PlanningField Survey TechniquesQuality Assurance

Soft Skills

Team LeadershipMentorshipCollaborationCommunicationBusiness Development

Tools & Technologies

GPS EquipmentArcGIS Field MapsSurvey123Mapping Technologies

Certifications & Qualifications

Valid Driver’s License

Industry Keywords

BLM Paleontological Resources Use PermitsCultural ResourcesEnvironmental ConsultingRegulatory ComplianceMulti-Disciplinary Projects

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as Permit Administrator and/or Principal Investigator on BLM Paleontological Resources Use Permits and applicable state permits
Provide technical-level quality assurance and quality control of deliverables prepared by qualified paleontologists and resource specialists
Oversee teams conducting desktop studies and field investigations, including reconnaissance and pedestrian surveys, fossil salvage and collection, and construction monitoring
Lead, manage, mentor, and develop mid-level and junior paleontologists and cultural resources specialists
Participate in hiring, mentorship, engagement initiatives, and coordination across the cultural and paleontological resources practice
Collaborate with Paleontology Principal Investigators, Regional Leads, the Consulting Director for Archaeology, Area Managers, and Managing Partners
Serve as primary author, senior reviewer, or task manager for paleontological resource studies supporting large-scale capital projects
Ensure work is completed within scope, budget, schedule, and quality expectations
Manage projects ranging from multi-state linear infrastructure developments to site-specific investigations
Strengthen existing client relationships and develop new client partnerships contributing to revenue growth
Identify opportunities to cross-sell cultural and paleontological resources services
Collaborate with environmental planners, archaeologists, biologists, wetland specialists, GIS specialists, and engineers
Represent ERM in communications and meetings with clients, regulatory agencies, stakeholders, teaming partners, and subcontractors
Identify subcontractor needs and manage subcontractor quality, schedules, and deliverables

Requirements

What you’ll need

Graduate degree in Paleontology, Geology, Biology, Anthropology, or a closely related field of study
6–8 years of related mitigation and environmental due diligence experience, or equivalent experience
Ability to be listed as Principal Investigator on BLM Paleontological Resources Use Permits, state permits, and similar authorizations within the Great Basin and/or Rocky Mountain subregions
Candidates who have served as a BLM Field Agent (Field Director) on permits are encouraged to apply
Demonstrated field experience and principal-level project oversight within the Great Basin or Rocky Mountain subregions, including inventory, survey, salvage, and data recovery efforts
Experience serving as primary author and/or third-party reviewer of agency-reviewed technical reports, including paleontological resource reports, mitigation plans, and environmental review documents
Experience working directly with regulatory agency personnel while representing clients
Ability to work effectively within teams of cultural heritage specialists and multidisciplinary technical professionals
Ability and willingness to travel occasionally to project sites throughout Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, and other locations
Previous experience using mapping and field technologies, including GPS equipment, ArcGIS Field Maps, Survey123, and related applications
Valid driver’s license and/or ability to operate a company vehicle
Preferred: Experience serving as Field Director or Principal Investigator on cultural resources federal and state permits throughout California and the Southwestern United States
Preferred: Previous laboratory analysis, fossil screening, plaster jacketing, and curation processing experience
Preferred: Previous experience supervising personnel and direct reports
Preferred: Demonstrated business development experience and success growing client relationships and project portfolios
Preferred: Experience managing complex, multi-disciplinary environmental consulting projects

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 eligibility, subject to ERM’s discretion and policies
Remote work option within the Great Basin or Rocky Mountain regions
Comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees