JONATHAN M. HOFFMAN, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator, Paleontological Resources
Biography
Jonathan joined JMA in 2019. He holds a Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Wyoming and has 20 years of experience in environmental consulting. Jonathan meets the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology’s guidelines for a qualified Professional Paleontologist and has worked in paleontological mitigation in Wyoming and throughout southern California, in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). He has worked at all levels of paleontological mitigation, including project management, field surveying, resource monitoring and salvaging, research analysis, and report preparation.
As the Curator of Earth Science at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Jonathan is a museum professional with experience preparing, curating, and exhibiting fossils from southern California. He has published research on fossil mammals from southern California and is currently involved with research projects on the California Channel Islands.
Education
- Ph.D., Geology, University of Wyoming, 2017
- M.S., Geology, University of Florida, 2006
- B.A., Geology, Occidental College, 2003
Professional Experience and Accomplishments
2019 – Present – Principal Investigator, Paleontological Resources, JMA – Project experience includes assessing potential impacts to paleontological resources, developing a program for impact mitigation, ensuring implementation of mitigation measures, and preparation of interim and final reports.
2017 – Present – Dibblee Collection Manager of Earth Science, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History – Experience includes specimen accession and cataloging, fossil preparation, planning and supervising fossil excavations, supervising volunteers, management of field and laboratory materials and equipment, analysis of paleontological materials, and manuscript and report writing and editing.
2011 – 2017 – Graduate Assistant/Curatorial Assistant, University of Wyoming Geological Museum – Updated and revised fossil collections database, accessioned and catalogued specimens, and curated specimens in archival quality storage units. Also assisted with museum renovations and designing and installing exhibits.
2008 – 2009 – Paleontological Surveyor/Monitor, Uinta Paleontological Associates, Inc.– Conducted paleontological field surveys in southern Wyoming, collected fossils and stratigraphic data, and monitored earth-moving activities.
2004 – 2007 – Monitor and Crew Leader, GeoHazards, Inc. – Experience included training employees and supervising crews during the collection of geophysical and sedimentary data from potential sinkhole localities in northern and central Florida. Interpreted data and wrote reports assessing sinkhole risks and potential.
2002 – 2003 – Paleontological Monitor, SWCA Environmental Consultants – Monitored earth-moving activities for paleontological resources in southern California. Collected stratigraphic data and fossils and salvaged large vertebrate fossils.
Professional Affiliations
- Society of Vertebrate Paleontology
- Geological Society of America
- Coast Geological Society