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Archaeological Science Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Join a team that has the environment down to a science. Your Opportunity Stantec is currently recruiting for three part-time on call Archaeological Field Technician to work out of our Central ...

Join a team that has the environment down to a science. Your Opportunity Stantec is currently recruiting for three part-time on call Archaeological Field Technician to work out of our Central ...

Join a team that has the environment down to a science. Your Opportunity Stantec is currently recruiting for three part-time on call Archaeological Field Technician to work out of our Central ...

Archaeology Technician

Richmond, VA · On-site

$40K - $54K/yr

Join a team that has the environment down to a science. Your Opportunity Stantec is seeking temporary/on-call Archaeological Field Technicians to assist with several projects in the Mid-Atlantic ...

Archaeology Technician

Richmond, VA · On-site

$40K - $54K/yr

Join a team that has the environment down to a science. Your Opportunity Stantec is seeking temporary/on-call Archaeological Field Technicians to assist with several projects in the Mid-Atlantic ...

Our professionals include environmental architects, archaeologists, biologists, engineers, geologists, historians, industrial hygienists, planners, and scientists. Working together in the field ...

Staff Scientist

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$62K - $87K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or related science field and a minimum of 3 years ... Our professionals include environmental architects, archaeologists, biologists, engineers ...

$109K/yr

... archaeological activities, and ecological surveys. * Provide clear environmental advice and ... Science, Ecology, Sustainability, or a related discipline. * Experience working in construction or ...

$42K - $57K/yr

Public Safety, Applied Sciences and Natural Resources, Law / Judiciary Title: Park Ranger - Public ... e.g., wildlife, plants, archaeological sites, historic buildings) * Support wildland fire ...

Bachelor's degree in Planning, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, Engineering, Geology, Biology, Environmental Science, Anthropology, Archaeology, or related field and 10 years relevant experience ...

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Archaeological Science information

See Virginia salary details

$31.2K

$60.2K

$96.2K

How much do archaeological science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for archaeological science in Virginia is $60,189.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,600.00 and $68,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does an archaeological scientist typically collaborate with other specialists during a project?

Archaeological Scientists often work closely with field archaeologists, conservators, and specialists like zooarchaeologists, geologists, or chemists to analyze materials and interpret findings. Collaboration might involve sharing laboratory results, contributing to excavation planning, or co-authoring research papers. Regular communication ensures that scientific analyses, such as radiocarbon dating or residue analysis, directly inform broader archaeological interpretations. This teamwork helps create a comprehensive understanding of past human activities and site formation processes.

What is archaeological science?

Archaeological science is a multidisciplinary field that applies scientific techniques and methods to the study of archaeological materials and sites. It includes areas such as bioarchaeology, geoarchaeology, archaeometry, and environmental archaeology. Specialists in this field analyze artifacts, human remains, soils, and other materials to answer questions about past human activities, environments, and cultures. By integrating scientific analysis with traditional archaeological methods, archaeological science helps to uncover detailed information about historical societies and their development.

What jobs can you do with archaeological science?

With a background in archaeological science, you can work as an archaeological scientist, lab technician, or research assistant, analyzing artifacts, samples, and data to understand historical contexts. Careers also include roles in cultural resource management, museum curation, conservation, and environmental consulting, often requiring skills in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and fieldwork. Advanced positions may involve project management or academic research, sometimes requiring specialized certifications or advanced degrees.

Is there a high demand for archaeological scientists?

The demand for archaeological scientists is moderate and varies by region and funding availability. Employment opportunities often depend on archaeological projects, government grants, and academic research, with skills in laboratory analysis, fieldwork, and data interpretation being valuable. Overall, job growth is steady but competitive in the field of archaeological science.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an archaeological scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Archaeological Scientist, you need a strong background in archaeology, chemistry, and earth sciences, typically supported by a relevant degree or postgraduate qualification. Experience with laboratory techniques, analytical instruments like mass spectrometers, and familiarity with GIS and statistical software is often required. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and strong communication skills set candidates apart in both fieldwork and collaborative research. These skills and qualifications ensure accurate analysis of archaeological materials, reliable research outcomes, and effective sharing of findings within the scientific community.

What jobs can an archaeological science degree get?

An archaeological science degree can lead to careers such as archaeological technician, laboratory analyst, conservation specialist, or cultural resource manager. These roles often involve fieldwork, lab analysis, and preservation of artifacts, requiring skills in excavation, scientific analysis, and report writing.

What is the difference between Archaeological Science vs Archaeology?

AspectArchaeological ScienceArchaeology
CredentialsDegree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or Geosciences; often includes specialized training in scientific analysisDegree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or History; focus on excavation and interpretation
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, field sites, research institutionsExcavation sites, museums, academic settings
Industry UsageUsed for analyzing artifacts, dating methods, and material compositionUsed for uncovering and interpreting historical sites and artifacts

Archaeological Science focuses on applying scientific techniques to analyze archaeological materials, while Archaeology involves the excavation and interpretation of historical sites. Both fields often collaborate but serve different roles within the study of the past.

What are popular job titles related to Archaeological Science jobs in Virginia? For Archaeological Science jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Archaeological Science jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Archaeological Science jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Archaeological Science job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,189 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

Archaeological Field Technician

Stantec

Hampton, VA • On-site

$52K - $76K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Stantec rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

112th of 441 rated engineering


Job description


"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
Stantec is currently recruiting for three part-time on call Archaeological Field Technician to work out of our Central Pennsylvania office on future projects throughout the country. The successful candidate should be located within normal commuting distance of our New Cumberland, Pennsylvania office. Stantec is also currently recruiting three part-time on- call Archaeological Field Technicians near our Hampton, Virginia office for future projects throughout the country. The successful candidate should be located within normal commuting distance of our Hampton, Virginia office.
Your Key Responsibilities
  • Survey transects up to fifteen miles in length on a daily basis
  • Recordation and delineation of archaeological sites
  • Completion of archaeological site forms, site sketches, profiles, logs, and other paperwork
  • Excavation of shovel test pits, test units, trenches, or other excavation as needed
  • Identification and description of soil profiles, horizons, artifacts, and cultural features
  • Artifact organization, processing, and inventory "

Qualifications
"Your Capabilities and Credentials
  • Excellent written, oral, and computer skills
  • Ability to exercise professional discretion and judgment
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Periodic travel required, including international travel
  • Candidate must be able to work in project locations remote from their home office for extended time periods. Such remote deployments may recur with as little as three calendar days intervening between deployments.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license with clean record
  • Drug screen required for position

Education and Experience
  • BA degree in Archaeology or Anthropology
  • Completion of an archaeological field school or a minimum of one year of professional archaeological experience (no academic experience may fill this requirement)
  • Experience in Mid-Atlantic archaeology preferred
  • Experience in Archaeological Survey
  • Experience with completing archaeological forms and paperwork
  • Experience identifying soil horizons, cultural features, and artifacts
  • Experience in organizing and inventorying data Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, talk, and hear.
  • The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/ or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include, close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • The employee may be required to walk up to 15 miles a day in rough and uneven terrain and transport up to 35 pounds of gear.
  • Will be required to perform other duties as requested, directed or assigned. 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. "

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