Staff Archaeologist

About the Role

• Conduct background research, including records and Sacred Lands File searches, and coordinate with Native American groups. • Perform archaeological desktop studies reviewing background data, project information, sensitivity, and land ownership. • Organize preliminary research and ensure field resources (equipment, staff) are ready before fieldwork. • Supervise fieldwork such as survey, testing, data recovery, and construction monitoring, ensuring data quality and completeness. • Monitor team productivity, provide performance guidance, and deliver corrective feedback when needed. • Communicate regularly with the Project Manager to meet budget and schedule requirements. • Take initiative to resolve problems and improve procedures for efficiency. • Organize report writing, coordinate production, and draft report sections. • Uphold SWCA’s scientific ethics and quality assurance, creatively identifying and solving issues. • Collaborate with the Cultural Resource Team Lead, project managers, directors, and leaders to align with SWCA’s mission, vision, and values. • Follow the safety program, watch for hazards, and communicate/mitigate safety issues. • Supervise and lead small crews in archaeological monitoring, survey, testing, and data recovery, assigning tasks and ensuring quality and on‑time delivery. • Ensure crew members understand responsibilities, hold them accountable for performance and safety. • Act as a communication conduit between field staff and senior managers, reporting issues and resolving complaints. • Apply standard archaeological survey and excavation techniques. • Provide QA/QC review of field documents, site forms, and reports (preferred). • Lead crews of field technicians on diverse project types, regions, and agencies (preferred). • Use industry‑standard word processing and spreadsheet software. • Prepare technical reports. • Travel for fieldwork, work long hours in inclement weather and rugged terrain, and carry equipment up to 40 lb.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸background research
• ▸survey techniques
• ▸field supervision
• ▸data recovery
• ▸report writing
• ▸qa/qc

What You Bring

• Demonstrate willingness to learn, have fun, and grow into greater management responsibilities. • Hold a Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archaeology, history, or a related field; Master’s preferred. • Complete an accredited field school or have equivalent experience. • Have at least two years of Cultural Resources Management experience in California or the Western U.S. • Work independently and collaboratively within a team. • Familiarity with ArcGIS, Trimble GPS, ArcPad/Terrasync, Android devices, and digital field data collection (preferred). • Maintain a valid driver’s license meeting SWCA’s driver requirements.

Requirements

• ▸arcgis
• ▸trimble gps
• ▸bachelor’s
• ▸crm experience
• ▸driver’s license
• ▸field school

Benefits

The Pasadena, CA‑based Staff Archaeologist position offers an hourly rate of $26.94 – $34.47, depending on experience, qualifications, location, client requirements, and other lawful factors. SWCA is committed to salary equity, transparency, and diversity, encouraging women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and candidates of all backgrounds to apply. For website accessibility or disability‑related application assistance, email [email protected] or call 480‑581‑5378 (disability accommodation requests only).

Work Environment

Field

Interview Process

-interviews scheduled with qualified candidates on a rolling basis.