On-Call Paleontological Monitor at Jacobs

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

Jacobs is seeking a qualified Paleontological Monitor to support a variety of infrastructure and development projects across Southern California. This is a part-time, on-call position ideal for a San Diego-based professional with at least one year of paleontological monitoring experience. The role involves fieldwork during construction activities to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations.

This position offers the opportunity to work on high-profile projects in sectors such as transportation, renewable energy, military, and public infrastructure, with the potential for additional assignments throughout California.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct paleontological monitoring during ground-disturbing activities in compliance with project-specific mitigation plans.
• Identify, document, and recover fossil resources in the field.
• Maintain detailed field notes, fossil locality forms, and monitoring logs.
• Coordinate with project managers, environmental teams, and construction personnel.
• Ensure compliance with applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and guidelines including (but not limited to)
• California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
• California Public Resources Code Sections 5097.5 and 30244
• Paleontological Resources Preservation Act (PRPA)
• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
• American Antiquities Act
• Caltrans Standard Environmental Reference, Paleontology guidelines
• Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP) Guidelines
  

Travel to project sites across Southern California as needed

Here's what you'll need

• Bachelor’s degree in geology, earth sciences, and/or biology with an emphasis in paleontology or closely related course-work (e.g., evolutionary biology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, micropaleontology, comparative anatomy, etc.). Or Anthropology/Archaeology or closely related field who meets the other requirements listed below.
• Experience in field geology and/or paleontology, which should include field mapping, sedimentologic and stratigraphic data collection, fossil collection (ability to jacket large specimens a plus), and contextualize find location (with attention to taphonomy and depositional environment).
• Minimum 1 year of professional paleontological monitoring experience in California.
• Familiarity with California state regulations and local agency requirements for paleontological resources.
• Proficiency in GPS technology, field documentation software, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently in remote field conditions for extended hours (8–10 hour days).
• Must be based in or near San Diego, CA.
• Strong communication, organizational, and observational skills.
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Cross-training or dual experience in archaeology and paleontology.
• Experience conducting literature reviews, geologic mapping, and stratigraphic documentation.
• Familiarity with Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP) standards, and SVP membership, or willingness to gain membership.
• Experience contributing to technical reports and fossil recovery documentation.
• Experience working in a consulting or compliance-driven environment.
  
  
  

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Job posted on July 18, 2025. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

At Jacobs, we’re partnering across the globe to create the best project outcomes by maximizing the design, digital technology, and support capabilities of our Global Integrated Delivery (GID) teammates. By joining Jacobs, you’ll commit to supporting and engaging with these teams, as we work to build a company like no other.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.