Paleontologist (on-call)

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM is seeking experienced On-Call Paleontologist's to join our U.S. West Rockies Environmental Planning and Permitting team. 

*This remote position is a part-time, on-call role meaning hours will vary and will be dependent on our project-based needs. Candidates should ideally be located in Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, Montana or Colorado regions.

Duties and Responsibilities will include, but not limited to:

• Paleontological fieldwork experience in Western US.
• Ability to provide taxonomic identification of vertebrate and/or invertebrate fossils to genus- or species-level for various projects.
• Should possess expertise in field monitoring operations.
• Strong, concise writing, research and data management skills.
• Candidates must have the ability to travel and conduct fieldwork throughout Western US

About AECOM’s Environment Business Line
Join AECOM to be part of an expert global team who is connected through a well-developed, worldwide, internal technical practice network through which you can learn from and brainstorm with the best in the world. AECOM is an industry-leading, world class environmental firm, and we want you to succeed within it.  We respect and encourage your own pathway to excellence via our Freedom to Grow initiative.

AECOM is known for our award-winning technical excellence, leading-edge science and innovative project delivery. We provide sustainable solutions for some of the world’s most challenging issues. Our global clients and their projects span a variety of market sectors and geographies and require innovative technical solutions to solve wide-ranging environmental problems.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in paleontology or related field such as geology or biology.
• 2 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education focused on paleontological fieldwork and technical reports.
• Outdoor activity may involve walking/trekking in uneven terrain over long distances in extreme weather conditions for extended periods of time.
• Valid U.S driver's license is required for this role; and must be able to travel to job sites safely. 
• Due to the nature of the work, US Citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.S or Ph.D. in Paleontology preferred or related field such as geology or biology.
• 6+ years of relevant paleontology experience.
• Candidates may be dual qualified in Archaeology.
• Strong understanding of federal, state and local environmental regulations.
• Knowledge and understanding of the regional geology of the Western U.S.
• Ability to direct field recovery of fossil specimens in the field.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to read topographic maps, geological maps, and project maps.
• Able to work cooperatively with crew members, supervisors, and clients.

Additional Information

• Relocation is not available for this position.
• THIS POSTING IS FOR A CURRENT VACANCY, AND AECOM INTENDS TO FILL THIS POSITION BY NOVEMBER 30, 2026.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

 

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.