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Archaeological Monitor information

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$31.5K

$60.7K

$97K

How much do archaeological monitor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for archaeological monitor in the United States is $60,710.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $69,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an archaeological monitor?

Archaeological monitors are professionals who oversee construction or development projects to ensure that any archaeological resources, such as artifacts or features, are identified and properly managed if encountered. Their primary role is to observe excavation activities, assess potential impacts on cultural resources, and work with project managers and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with preservation laws. They document any findings and may recommend appropriate actions, such as halting work or conducting further archaeological investigations. Archaeological monitors help balance development needs with the protection of historical sites.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an archaeological monitor?

To thrive as an Archaeological Monitor, you need a background in archaeology or anthropology, experience with field survey techniques, and often a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with GPS/GIS mapping tools, field documentation systems, and sometimes OSHA safety certifications is typically required. Strong observation skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for accurately recording findings and coordinating with construction teams. These competencies ensure cultural resources are properly identified, protected, and reported during land development or excavation projects.

What are the main challenges archaeological monitors face during construction projects?

Archaeological Monitors often work on active construction sites, where balancing the pace of development with the need to protect and record cultural resources can be challenging. They must be vigilant and responsive, quickly identifying artifacts or features while ensuring minimal disruption to construction schedules. Effective communication with construction teams, flexibility in adapting to changing site conditions, and thorough documentation are crucial skills for overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Archaeological Monitor vs Archaeological Technician?

AspectArchaeological MonitorArchaeological Technician
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in archaeology or related fieldOften requires a degree or relevant experience in archaeology or fieldwork
Work EnvironmentOn-site during construction or excavation projects, observing and documentingFieldwork involving excavation, data collection, and lab work
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by construction firms, government agencies, and archaeological firmsEmployed by archaeological firms, research institutions, and government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for fieldwork roles in archaeologyRelated but more involved in excavation and analysis

The main difference is that an Archaeological Monitor primarily observes and documents during construction to prevent damage to archaeological sites, while an Archaeological Technician actively participates in excavation and data collection. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

Do archaeological monitors make good money?

Archaeological monitors typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $60,000 depending on experience, location, and project complexity. The role often requires fieldwork, knowledge of archaeological methods, and sometimes certification, which can influence earning potential.

What do archaeological monitors do?

Archaeological monitors oversee construction or excavation projects to ensure compliance with preservation laws and identify archaeological resources. They often work on-site, documenting findings, and may hold certifications in archaeology or cultural resource management. Their role helps prevent damage to archaeological sites during development activities.
More about Archaeological Monitor jobs

What cities are hiring for Archaeological Monitor jobs?

Cities with the most Archaeological Monitor job openings:

What states have the most Archaeological Monitor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Archaeological Monitor jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Archaeological Monitor jobs look for?

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Archaeological Monitor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Archaeological Monitor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,710 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Staff Archaeological Monitor

SWCA Environmental Consultants

Cary, NC • On-site

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Temporary Archaeological Monitor to join our Cultural Resources team in Western North Carolina. In this role, you will support archaeological monitoring activities for construction projects, including observing ground-disturbing activities associated with single-family residential development and documenting compliance with approved cultural resource monitoring plans, permits, and regulatory requirements.

This is a temporary, 40 hour/week opportunity supporting projects in Western North Carolina. Priority will be given to applicants located within approximately two hours of Asheville, NC. This assignment is expected to continue through the fall, with the potential to extend through December based on project needs.

You will work closely with Project Archaeologists, environmental inspectors, construction personnel, and project teams to support cultural resource protection measures and successful project delivery.

Depending upon project assignments, this role may serve as the lead for field survey crews, independently directing daily work activities, promoting safe and productive work practices, communicating project and personnel issues to management, and providing performance-related feedback in support of successful project delivery.


What you will accomplish

Essential Job Duties

  • Implements resourcespecific monitoring activities in accordance with approved monitoring plans, permits, and regulatory requirements to verify compliance during project activities.
  • Assists with implementation and verification of mitigation measures and best management practices intended to prevent or minimize environmental impacts associated with assigned resources.
  • Conducts resource monitoring and inspection to verify adherence to environmental commitments and standards.
  • Supports compliance inspections or audits (e.g., stormwater pollution prevention plan or spill prevention, control, and countermeasure plan) by collecting field observations and documentation relevant to assigned monitoring responsibilities.
  • Coordinates with environmental inspectors or project leads to conduct resource monitoring activities and document compliance with applicable environmental requirements and mitigation measures.
  • Documents monitoring results, observations, and incidents and communicates findings to environmental inspectors, project leads, or clients as required.
  • Maintains regular communication with environmental inspectors, project teams, and technical specialists to support implementation of monitoring requirements and mitigation measures.
  • Provides field observations and documentation to support project teams in evaluating potential compliance issues or requests related to permit conditions or mitigation measures.
  • Performs resource monitoring in accordance with project requirements and approved plans to support overall environmental compliance during project activities.
  • Follows applicable federal, Tribal, state, local, industry, contractual, and company regulations, standards, and specifications.
  • Performs related work as assigned.

Additional Job-Specific Responsibilities

  • Implements archaeological monitoring requirements during ground-disturbing activities to identify and protect cultural resources.
  • Evaluates archaeological resources encountered during construction and assists with avoidance, protection, or treatment recommendations.
  • Implements unanticipated discovery procedures for archaeological materials, cultural features, and human remains.

Experience and qualifications for success
  • Must meet the U.S. Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualification Standards (SOI-qualified) for Archaeology.
  • Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a closely related field, or equivalent education and experience that meets SOI qualification requirements.
  • Experience conducting archaeological fieldwork, monitoring, survey, excavation, or other cultural resource management (CRM) activities.
  • Experience identifying, documenting, and evaluating archaeological resources in the field.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experience performing archaeological monitoring during construction activities, particularly residential, infrastructure, or other ground-disturbing projects.
  • Experience implementing inadvertent discovery procedures and documenting archaeological discoveries.
  • Experience working with construction personnel, environmental inspectors, and project teams in the field.
  • Familiarity with cultural resource monitoring plans, field documentation standards, and CRM reporting procedures.

Additional Information

  • Applicants must be willing to participate in drug and alcohol screening as part of the pre-employment process, when required by project or client requirements.

  • Applicants must possess a valid driver's license and meet SWCA's driver requirements.

  • This position may require domestic travel, including travel by commercial airline. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain all valid travel documents and identification required for work-related travel throughout the duration of employment.

  • Adheres to the safety program and looks out for the safety of others, promptly communicating and mitigating safety hazards.

  • Work is regularly performed outdoors and involves hiking over uneven terrain, lifting and carrying equipment up to 25-50 pounds, and working in varying/extreme weather conditions. Employees may be exposed to vegetation, wildlife, insects, dust, chemicals, sharp or heavy tools, and other environmental conditions while following required safety procedures.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm providing full spectrum environmental services across the United States. Our North Star is to be the best place to work and a leader in sustainability, delivering sound science and creative solutions to complex environmental challenges.

We are guided by our core values every day. We collaborate as #OneSWCA, we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack to our communities. With offices nationwide, SWCA offers a collaborative, team focused environment where employees can build meaningful and long-term careers.

SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency. The expected pay range for this North Carolina-based position is $27.04 to $34.32 per hour. Actual pay may vary based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law. This position offers flexibility, paid wellness time, and opportunities to build technical skills and gain experience across a variety of environmental projects. Learn more about our On-Demand Employee Benefits and Career Development Guide.

SWCA continues to invest in our people. We value the skills and experience of our internal team members and strongly encourage qualified employees to apply for open positions. We believe in promoting from within whenever possible, offering meaningful opportunities for career growth.

Application Deadline: We will begin reviewing applications immediately and schedule interviews with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The position will remain open until we identify a strong pool of candidates and may close without prior notice. We sincerely appreciate the time and effort of all applicants and will thoughtfully review each submission.

If you need assistance accessing SWCA's website, completing the online application, or require accommodations at any point during the hiring process due to a disability, please contact us at accommodations@swca.com or call 1-480-581-5378. We're committed to providing an inclusive and supportive experience for all candidates. This contact information is specifically for accommodation requests; other inquiries will not receive a response.

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success.

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