Senior Paleontologist

Pinyon Environmental
Our on-call staff are eligible for employer matching 401k, and spot bonus programs.
401(k)
United States, Colorado, Lakewood
3222 South Vance Street (Show on map)
Oct 06, 2026
Pinyon is different... ...and we want unique individuals to come learn, grow, and thrive within our employee-owned company, proudly serving our communities for over 30 years. Pinyon is a purpose-driven firm that does work which matters in the communities we live in. Our employee-owners are encouraged to drive their career paths toward their career goals, and we want you to be the next person to experience our welcoming culture where work is rewarding. Let us prove it! If you're excited about this opportunity to contribute to a workplace that values diversity and fosters inclusivity, please apply, even if you think you do not fully meet the qualifications. Pinyon is a company of opportunity About this Position Pinyon is seeking an experienced Paleontologist to provide on-call, as-needed support for client projects involving paleontological field investigations, resource evaluations, documentation, and technical reporting. The successful candidate will bring strong field and research experience and be comfortable working independently as well as supporting or leading multidisciplinary project teams. Work is assigned on an as-needed basis and will vary depending on project demand and client schedules. There are no guaranteed minimum hours, and assignments may be intermittent or scheduled on short notice. Fieldwork and travel may be required depending on project needs. Essential Responsibilities Conduct and lead paleontological field surveys, monitoring, investigations, and fossil resource evaluations. Identify, document, collect, and assess paleontological and faunal materials encountered during field investigations. Support or lead field crews and multidisciplinary project teams, including coordination of field activities, documentation standards, mapping, and quality control. Prepare detailed field records, maps, photographs, technical documentation, and paleontological reports in accordance with project and regulatory requirements. Analyze paleontological and faunal remains to support interpretation of past environments, ecosystems, and resource significance. Support development of technical approaches, scopes of work, project planning, and recommendations for paleontological resource management. Coordinate with project managers, clients, agency personnel, and other technical specialists as needed to support project delivery. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Advanced knowledge of paleontology, vertebrate paleontology, zooarchaeology, geology, or a closely related discipline. Demonstrated experience conducting paleontological field investigations and identifying fossil or faunal materials. Experience supporting or leading complex field investigations and multidisciplinary teams. Strong understanding of field documentation, mapping, data collection, and technical reporting practices. Ability to evaluate paleontological resources and clearly communicate findings and recommendations. Strong technical writing, research, analytical, and organizational skills. Ability to work independently in field settings with limited day-to-day oversight. Ability to manage multiple assignments and respond to changing project schedules and priorities. Graduate degree in paleontology, geology, anthropology, archaeology, or a related field preferred; advanced technical experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree. Ability to travel and perform fieldwork in a variety of terrain and environmental conditions, as required. Employment is contingent upon passing a background check. Application Process To submit your resume and cover letter visit our careers page at https://pinyon-env.net/careers/, select your desired position, click 'Apply Now' on the right, and complete the submission form. For any accommodation needs during the application process, please reach out to Employee Services via email at careers@pinyon-env.com or by phone at 303.980.5200. Application deadline: Our team will review applications upon receipt and will schedule interviews with qualified candidates. The application acceptance will stay open until we have a strong pool of candidates, or until a candidate is chosen. We appreciate the time and effort you've put into your application and will give each submission careful consideration. Summary of Benefits Our on-call staff are eligible for employer matching 401k, and spot bonus programs. EEO Statement Pinyon is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local law. About Pinyon Pinyon was established in 1993 by Lauren Evans, PE, and she has grown Pinyon from a one-woman outfit based out of her garage, to a thriving and growing environmental consulting firm. The firm now employs over 80 environmental professionals and support personnel and has expanded from its headquarters in Lakewood, Colorado (near Denver) to include a branch office Colorado Springs, Colorado, as well as a satellite offices in Phoenix, Arizona and Bozeman, Montana. Pinyon is a client-centric environmental consulting firm that works towards collaborative solutions to advance our clients' needs while protecting environmental health and safety. Pinyon supports private and public sector projects for commercial and industrial, energy, public works, federal, and transportation clients. Given the depth and breadth of our technical team, we are the go-to firm for permitting and compliance on the local level and looking to expand our NEPA qualifications across multiple market sectors. Pinyon is committed to continue to expand our portfolio of projects both in our current geographies and elsewhere in the United States.