As-Needed Paleontologist

Location(s): Mission Viejo, CA
Practice/Department: Cultural
Internal Title: As-needed Paleontologist
Work Environment: Remote
Compensation: $21 - $33/hourly*

Dudek's journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California's water and wastewater agencies.
Today, we are a 100% employee-owned firm supporting clients nationwide and delivering projects that improve and protect the built and natural environments of communities throughout the United States. Our work has been recognized by leading industry organizations, and we've been honored with multiple national Top Workplace Awards.
Our employee-owners are unified by a singular commitment to supporting projects that address key societal issues, such as the transition to renewable energy, infrastructure hardening and repair, environmental protection, and community resilience.
Learn more about our award-winning culture, the benefits and perks of being a Dudekian, and the projects you will have the opportunity to shape.

Who You Are
As an employee-owner, you embrace accountability, working safely, and collaboration while thinking resourcefully and independently.
Like all Dudekians, you are curious and solution-oriented, with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and approach challenges with a spirit of innovation.

How You'll Make an Impact
As an As-Needed Paleontological Technician, you'll be responsible for paleontological field and laboratory work. This role is in our Cultural/Paleo Department reports to a Dudek Senior Paleontologist.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Ability to identify local paleontological specimens in the field and laboratory
• Ability to take comprehensive notes and fill out daily forms
• Ability to communicate effectively with Dudek Project Managers and construction personnel

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must possess a recognized certification in paleontology from an accredited institution or professional organization, demonstrating proficiency in fieldwork techniques, fossil preparation, and geological analysis.
• Practical experience through internships, volunteer work, or field courses in paleontology
• Proficiency with tools and techniques used in fossil excavation, preparation, and preservation.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by the first day of employment.

• Experience in Paleontological Resource Management work
• Strong understanding of federal, state and local environmental regulations including NEPA, CEQA, Section 106 of the NHPA
• Knowledge and understanding of the regional geology in California
• Knowledge and understanding of paleontological laboratory procedures
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently
• Read topographic maps, geological maps, and project maps
• Able to work cooperatively with crew members, supervisors, and clients
• Ability to work in extreme climatic conditions. Cold or hot weather.

• This job operates in an outdoor, laboratory, or office-based environment and this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc. and standard paleontological laboratory equipment such as hand tools, scalpels, chisels, air scribes, microscopes, etc.
• This job requires project site visits, based outdoors which can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, and moving vehicles and equipment.

• This job may require working on a computer, sitting or standing for long periods of time in an office or remote office setting.
• This job potentially requires attending meetings, both in person and virtually as well as speaking on the phone with government agency representatives, members of the public, and others. Speaking, hearing and listening are required.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Outdoor activity may involve walking/trekking in uneven terrain over long distances in extreme weather conditions for extended periods of time.

Dudek is committed to creating a workplace where all employees, regardless of their background, feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunities to succeed. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our business success, and we are dedicated to fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We are committed to fair and equitable processes, based on merit, free from any discrimination.

Dudek is genuinely committed to equal employment opportunities within our company and on our project teams. Dudek is also committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in Dudek's operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of Dudek, including supervisors and coworkers. Equal employment opportunities will be extended to all persons (including those with disability and veteran status) in all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination. Any employee who violates this policy and Dudek's commitment to equal employment opportunities will be subject to disciplinary action.

Dudek is a U.S.-based employer. All positions are based in the United States and require U.S. work authorization.