How to hire a paleontologist

How to hire a paleontologist, step by step

Here's a step-by-step paleontologist hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a paleontologist job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new paleontologist
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a paleontologist, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a paleontologist to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a paleontologist that fits the bill.

   The following list breaks down different types of paleontologists and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Paleontologist	Description	Hourly rate
   Paleontologist	Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth, such as its composition, structure, and processes, to learn about its past, present, and future.	$30-62
   Geology Internship	In a geology internship, an intern has the opportunity to gain insights and practical experience while performing various support tasks under the directives and supervision of a geologist or manager. Their duties typically include working on different projects, conducting research, doing fieldwork, gathering and analyzing samples, collecting photographs or videos as evidence, completing surveys and assessments, and producing reports, submitting them according to protocols and standards... Show more	$38-70
   Geophysicist	A Geophysicist studies the Earth's physical properties. They also examine the effects of the atmosphere on radio and satellite communications.	$37-67

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Nepa
   • Natural History

   Responsibilities:

   • Develop and/or lead short courses and seminars on eolian sedimentology, the characterization of heterogeneous reservoirs and reservoir management.
   • Assist in excavations of dinosaurs, Champsosaurus, early reptiles and prehistoric fish.
   • Record field data using Trimble GPS and iPads to collect survey and monitoring data.
   • Prepare proposals, supervise monitoring and sampling activities and prepare annual and quarterly reports in accordance with Ohio EPA requirements.
   • Improve correlation of offshore wells from Gabon to Angola, which contribute to exploration success in Angola.
   • Install and troubleshoot specialize equipment and software to monitor drilling activity.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your paleontologist job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A paleontologist can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, paleontologists' average salary in arkansas is 50% less than in texas.
   • Seniority. Entry-level paleontologists 51% less than senior-level paleontologists.
   • Certifications. A paleontologist with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a paleontologist's salary.

   Average paleontologist salary

   $90,653yearly

   $43.58 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level paleontologist salary

   $63,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 19, 2026

4. Writing a paleontologist job description

   A paleontologist job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a paleontologist job description:

   Paleontologist job description example

   Grounded in safety, quality, and ethics, our experts lead their fields and guide our work with rigor, a creative spirit, and vision for growth. We draw from more than 20 technical specialties around the globe and are committed to fostering an inclusive community of diverse talents, backgrounds, and expertise. We're a place to apply your passion and collaborate with top environmental talents on work that's critical to our clients and the communities they support. Join a team that has the environment down to a science.
   **Your Opportunity**
   
   The Paleontologist is responsible for assisting Senior Paleontologists, Principal Investigators, Internal Project Managers, Project Coordinators, and Executive Staff with ensuring scientific quality and client satisfaction with paleontological resource projects.
   
   The scope of responsibilities includes assisting with proposals and budgets, training staff paleontologists, oversight of field work as assigned, data management, QA/QC of data and laboratory work, identification and pre-curation of fossil collections, assistance with preparation of deliverables as assigned, delivery of fossil collections, and project management support as assigned. Leading field surveys and some construction monitoring is also required.
   
   **Your Key Responsibilities**
   
   + Supervising and implementing survey, monitoring, and salvage procedures. Leading field surveys and some construction monitoring is required.
   
   + Working with our Project Coordinators to meet field schedule deadlines and staffing requirements.
   
   + Training and field supervision of staff paleontologists. This includes training on data collection, data management, fossil collection, and adherence to best practices in mitigation paleontology. Must be proficient with data collection technologies and field techniques in paleontology including stratigraphic documentation of project sites and fossil localities therein.
   
   + Performing QA and QC of field data.
   
   + Preparing client required daily, weekly, monthly, and annual reports.
   
   + Assisting with proposal scopes of works and budgets as assigned. This may include some communication with clients and agencies during scoping.
   
   + Working with the Principal Investigators, Senior Paleontologists, and Internal Project Managers to prepare deliverables or portions thereof as assigned. This includes paleontological technical reports, CEQA/NEPA documents, impact mitigation plans, worker environmental awareness programs, and annual permit reports.
   
   + Performing existing data analyses including museum and agency record searches, geologic map reviews, and literature-based research.
   
   + Implementing resource impact mitigation measures using appropriate fossil specimen collection and data recovery techniques.
   
   + Assisting with the designated timesheet reviewer and the Internal Project Manager to ensure that hours are correctly reported and billed.
   
   + Managing small projects or portions of projects as assigned.
   
   + Implementing, enforcing, and documenting Stantec's safety standards for self and crew.
   
   + Identifying a wide range of fossils to a basic taxonomic level, and a low taxonomic level depending upon specific technical expertise.
   
   + Maintaining a working knowledge of curation procedures for facilities that we work with.
   
   + Participating in scientific outreach as assigned.
   
   + Adhering to ethical business practices, professional standards, laws and regulations, and best practices in mitigation paleontology.
   
   **Qualifications**
   
   **Your Capabilities and Credentials**
   
   + Demonstrated professional experience and competency with paleontological resource mitigation procedures and techniques, including a working knowledge of best practices in mitigation paleontology.
   
   + Knowledge of how paleontological resources and their associated data are used in conducting and publishing professional paleontological research.
   
   + Basic level understanding of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedural guidelines that apply to paleontological resources.
   
   + Must be detail-oriented and be a motivated team member possessing good written and verbal communication skills and committed to professional excellence.
   
   + Data management, fossil preparation, and museum curation experience.
   
   + Ability to work independently and as an integral part of a team.
   
   + Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience with database software, and general competency with technology.
   
   + Must have a good driving record and valid driver's license.
   
   **Education and Experience**
   
   + A Master's degree or PhD in paleontology and sedimentary geology with a minimum 1 - 2 years of professional experience or a Bachelor of Science degree with 5 years of professional experience.
   
   + Must have prior paleontological and geological field experience working in North America.
   
   + Must have the experience necessary to be approved as a Field Monitor on a BLM Paleontological Resource Use Permit.
   
   Travel is required. Visiting study areas and/or may be exposed to outside elements and inclement weather conditions. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Hiking up to 8 miles per day.
   
   _This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice._
   
   Stantec is a place where the best and brightest come to build on each other's talents, do exciting work, and make an impact on the world around us. Join us and redefine your personal best.
   
   **Primary Location** : United States-California-Monrovia
   
   **Other Locations** : United States-California-Bakersfield, United States-California-San Diego, United States-California-Pasadena, United States-California-Santa Barbara, United States-California-Irvine, United States-California-Thousand Oaks, United States-California-San Bernardino
   
   **Job** : Paleontologist
   
   **Organization** : BC-2351 Environmental Services-US Pacific
   
   **Employee Status** : Regular
   
   **Job Level** : Individual Contributor
   
   **Travel** : Yes, 25 % of the Time
   
   **Schedule** : Full-time
   
   **Job Posting** : Jul 1, 2022, 3:54:12 PM
   
   
   Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. EEO including Disability/Protected Veterans

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5. Post your job

   To find the right paleontologist for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with paleontologists they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit paleontologists who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your paleontologist job on Zippia to find and recruit paleontologist candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting paleontologists requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new paleontologist

   Once you've decided on a perfect paleontologist candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new paleontologist. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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