Field Director Paleontology

Hire Type: Full time, Hourly, pay dependent on experience

Salary Range: $30-$45 per hour 

Location: Remote, reporting to one of three operating regions:

Rocky Mountain Region; Pacific Northwest; West Coast

Job Description  

Lithos is seeking a full-time Field Director of Paleontology to support projects in the Western United States reporting into one of three main locations; Rocky Mountain Region, Pacific Northwest, and the West Coast. The Paleontological Field Director will have a strong background in field methods, site documentation, and leading field teams. This role involves serving as a Field Director leading fieldwork, managing compliance during project construction, and coordinating with clients and stakeholders while in the field. This position will play a key role in leading field crews, managing field logistics, and ensuring the successful execution of paleontological surveys, testing, excavation, and compliance programs. 

Required Qualifications:  

  • Bachelor’s degree in paleontology, geology, earth sciences, or a closely related field (e.g., environmental science, physical geography, biology, or geoarchaeology)  

  • Advanced paleontologic field skills including identifying fossils to a high taxonomic level and fossil excavation and collection 

  • Ability to be listed on federal paleontological resource use permits as a “Monitor” 

  • Valid driver’s license, with the willingness to drive in “off-road” conditions  

  • Ability and willingness to travel with extended overnight hotel stays, usually 2-weeks at a time 

  • Ability and willingness to endure adverse environmental conditions in remote locations, including hot and cold temperatures, precipitation, and challenging terrain for sustained durations  

  • Demonstrated experience in writing and communication skills 

Preferred Qualification 

  • Masters Degree in paleontology or Geology, or a closely related field 

  • Advanced knowledge of field geology skills including geologic mapping, sedimentology descriptions, depositional environment interpretations, and measuring stratigraphic columns 

  • Ability to be listed on federal paleontological resource use permits as an “Agent” 

  • Past Participation in geology or paleontology field school or equivalent type field work 

  • At least 2 yeara experience in paleontology mitigation 

  • Familiarity with a variety of methodologies in fossil collection and preparation  

  • Data management and GIS Experience