PaleoServices Report Writer

Position Summary:

The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) is seeking a Report Writer to join the Department of PaleoServices. The Department of PaleoServices specializes in paleontological resource management, with a particular emphasis on mitigation paleontology. Our focus is on the recognition, recovery, and preservation of the significant and unique paleontological resources that occur in the greater southern California region. The activities of the Department of PaleoServices are helping to preserve significant fossil assemblages and are directly contributing to the growth of the important paleontological research collections at the Museum.

The Report Writer will produce a variety of technical reports (e.g., paleontological resource assessment technical reports, paleontological resource mitigation and treatment plans, and final paleontological mitigation reports) primarily associated with contracted paleontological mitigation work (e.g., mitigation of anticipated construction-related impacts resulting from residential and commercial development projects, public and private infrastructure projects, and energy generation and transmission projects). The various reports must be clearly and informatively written to convey the background, existing conditions, and findings of the paleontological assessment and/or mitigation work. Opportunities include paleontological field work in southern California and working with the extensive paleontological research collections of the San Diego Natural History Museum.

The Report Writer will collaborate closely with staff members of the Department of PaleoServices and our clients.

Location:

The Report Writer will be based at The Nat in San Diego’s historic Balboa Park and work under the supervision of the PaleoServices Senior Report Writer. There is some flexibility for remote work. The position may involve some travel within the greater southern California region.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare paleontological resource assessment technical reports, paleontological resource mitigation and treatment plans, and final paleontological mitigation reports in line with agency requirements and industry professional standards.
• Produce associated map figures and other report graphics.
• Complete field surveys and gather relevant field data (waypoints with fillable data fields/forms and photo attachments) for inclusion in paleontological resource assessment technical reports.
• Compile and review field data (field notes and photographs, geospatial data, annotated grading/shoring plans, and measured stratigraphic sections) to prepare fossil locality reports and locality data for entry into the SDNHM fossil collections database.
• Photograph fossil specimens and produce photo figures for inclusion in reports.
• Compile GIS data, which may include geologic mapping, paleontological sensitivity mapping, fossil localities, and survey waypoints.
• Communicate with clients to obtain project documents and provide status updates.
• Assist with preparation of proposal documents, as requested.
• Perform other functions for the museum, as appropriate.

 Qualifications:

• M.S. degree in Geology or Paleobiology or a closely related field, with relevant experience and coursework in sedimentary geology and/or paleontology, ideally focused on California and/or the southwestern United States. Past experience with paleontological/geological field work and/or paleontological mitigation is strongly preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficient with MS Office Suite (Word and Excel) and Adobe Creative Cloud (Acrobat, Photoshop, and Illustrator).
• Experience with ArcGIS applications (ArcGIS Pro, Field Maps, and ArcGIS Online) is preferred.
• Strong work ethic and attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, with experience collaborating in a team environment and interfacing with clients.
• Ability to adhere to schedules, meet deadlines, and work within an allotted budget.

In compliance with the San Diego Natural History Museum’s mandatory vaccination policy, the Museum requires proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Accommodations based on medical and religious exemptions will be considered.

Compensation and Benefits:

Annual compensation is $66,560.

This is a full-time, exempt position with benefits such as health insurance, vacation, 15 paid holidays, reciprocal free admission to all of Balboa Park’s museums, as well as to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.