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Archaeologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The successful candidate will lead archaeological field investigations, prepare and review technical documentation, coordinate with the Puerto Rico State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and other ...

The successful candidate will lead archaeological field investigations, prepare and review technical documentation, coordinate with the Puerto Rico State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and other ...

ARCHAEOLOGIST FOR THE AAIHS, OEHE JOB LOCATION: Albuquerque Area Office 4101 Indian School Rd NE Suite 225 Albuquerque, NM 87110 SCHEDULE: TO BE DETERMINED DUTIES: The candidate shall: * Researching ...

ARCHAEOLOGIST FOR THE AAIHS, OEHE JOB LOCATION: Albuquerque Area Office 4101 Indian School Rd NE Suite 225 Albuquerque, NM 87110 SCHEDULE: TO BE DETERMINED DUTIES: The candidate shall: * Researching ...

Job Summary The Archaeologist Writer provides technical expertise in archaeological research, laboratory analysis, cultural resource documentation, and technical report development in support of ...

The archaeologist will conduct research, field surveys, and data recovery initiatives to assist in the identification and evaluation of archaeological sites and will complete project tasks within ...

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Archaeologist information

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$31.5K

$60.7K

$97K

How much do archaeologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for archaeologist 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 does an archaeologist do?

Archaeologists investigate historic and prehistoric sites and physical remains to understand human links to the past and to preserve past cultures. Archaeologists find clues about the past. They use a variety of extraction or digging techniques. Equipment like trowels, pick-axes, and even bulldozers help archaeologists coordinate and participate in fieldwork to attempt to unearth artifacts, such as pottery, ancient tools, seeds, or animal bones. Archaeologists are also responsible for the conservation of the artifacts they recover. This usually involves bringing the items back to a lab to clean, restore, and stabilize them properly. Data collection is another key duty of the archaeologist. Before, during, and after the dig, the archaeologist records notes, images, soil samples, maps, measurements, and other information about the archaeological site. Archaeologists not only to find information but to use it to educate. Many archaeologists are professors and are involved in publishing and teaching.

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

To thrive as an Archaeologist, you need a solid background in anthropology, history, and field research methods, usually supported by a degree in archaeology or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, excavation tools, and laboratory analysis techniques is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and communication skills help distinguish top professionals in this role. These competencies are vital for accurately uncovering, interpreting, and preserving historical artifacts and sites.

What are some common challenges archaeologists face when working on field excavations?

Archaeologists often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, remote or difficult-to-access dig sites, and the need to meticulously document findings under tight deadlines. Fieldwork may require extended periods away from home and working in physically demanding conditions. Additionally, archaeologists must adhere to strict protocols to preserve artifacts and collaborate closely with specialists, local communities, and governmental agencies to ensure ethical and legal compliance throughout the excavation process.

What is the difference between Archaeologist vs Paleontologist?

AspectArchaeologistPaleontologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Archaeology, Anthropology, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Paleontology, Geology, or related field
Work EnvironmentExcavation sites, museums, research labsFossil sites, research labs, museums
Industry UsageHistory, cultural heritage, museumsNatural history, fossil research, museums
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for fieldwork and research focusOften compared for fossil discovery and study

Both Archaeologists and Paleontologists work in research environments and require similar academic backgrounds. However, Archaeologists focus on human history and artifacts, while Paleontologists study fossils of ancient plants and animals. Their work settings often overlap, especially in museums and research labs, but their specific expertise and research focus differ significantly.

Do archaeologists make good money?

Archaeologists' salaries vary depending on experience, location, and employer, with median annual wages around $63,000. Professionals working for government agencies or in academia may earn less than those in private consulting or research roles, and advanced degrees or specialized skills can increase earning potential.

Is it hard to get a job as an archaeologist?

Getting a job as an archaeologist can be competitive, especially for positions in popular locations or with well-funded organizations. Candidates typically need a relevant degree, fieldwork experience, and sometimes specialized certifications, which can influence job availability and ease of entry.

What jobs do archaeologists get?

Archaeologists typically work in fields such as cultural resource management, academic research, museums, government agencies, and private consulting. They conduct excavations, analyze artifacts, and prepare reports, often requiring skills in fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and report writing. Job opportunities may involve field seasons, travel, and specialized certifications depending on the employer and project.

What kind of work does an archaeologist do?

An archaeologist studies human history and prehistory through the excavation and analysis of artifacts, structures, and sites. They conduct fieldwork, often using tools like trowels and brushes, and analyze findings in laboratories to understand past cultures and societies.

What cities are hiring for Archaeologist jobs?

Cities with the most Archaeologist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Archaeologist jobs?

The most popular types of Archaeologist jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Archaeologist jobs?

The top employers for Archaeologist jobs are:

What states have the most Archaeologist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Archaeologist jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Archaeologist jobs?

For Archaeologist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Archaeologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,710 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

SOI Archaeologist

Tetra Tech, Inc.

Guaynabo, PR • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Tetra Tech rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

405th of 453 rated engineering


Job description

The Opportunity:
Tetra Tech is seeking an experienced Secretary of the Interior (SOI) Qualified Archaeologist to support cultural resource management and environmental compliance projects throughout Puerto Rico. This position serves as the technical lead for archaeological investigations, historic resource evaluations, and regulatory compliance activities supporting infrastructure, environmental, resilience, and community development projects.
The successful candidate will lead archaeological field investigations, prepare and review technical documentation, coordinate with the Puerto Rico State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and other regulatory agencies, and ensure compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Section 106, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and applicable Commonwealth of Puerto Rico requirements.
Why Tetra Tech:
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world's most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.
Your Impact:
As an SOI Qualified Archaeologist, you will play a critical role in preserving Puerto Rico's cultural heritage while supporting responsible infrastructure development and environmental stewardship. Your expertise will guide archaeological investigations, regulatory compliance, and historic preservation efforts that enable projects to move forward while protecting significant archaeological and historic resources.
Position Summary:
The SOI Qualified Archaeologist provides technical leadership for archaeological investigations and cultural resource management projects. This position is responsible for planning and conducting archaeological fieldwork, evaluating cultural resources for National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility, preparing and reviewing technical reports, supporting environmental compliance documentation, and coordinating with federal, Commonwealth, and local regulatory agencies.
The Archaeologist also provides technical oversight to Archaeological Technicians and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams of environmental scientists, planners, engineers, and project managers to support successful project delivery.
Essential Job Functions:
The following duties are considered essential to the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions:
  • Lead archaeological field investigations, reconnaissance surveys, pedestrian surveys, shovel testing, test excavations, archaeological monitoring, and other cultural resource investigations.
  • Evaluate archaeological sites and historic resources for eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
  • Prepare and review archaeological descriptions, historic contexts, Historic Resource Survey Reports, Assessments of Effects, and other technical documentation.
  • Prepare Section 106 documentation and support consultation activities in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).
  • Support preparation of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation and related environmental compliance reports.
  • Coordinate with the Puerto Rico State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), federal agencies, and other regulatory stakeholders throughout project planning and implementation.
  • Supervise, mentor, and provide technical oversight to Archaeological Technicians and field personnel.
  • Ensure archaeological investigations comply with professional standards, project requirements, and applicable federal and Commonwealth regulations.
  • Review field documentation, mapping, photography, data collection, and technical deliverables to ensure quality and accuracy.
  • Collaborate with environmental professionals, planners, engineers, GIS specialists, and project managers to integrate cultural resource considerations into project planning and permitting activities.
  • Utilize GIS applications, digital field collection tools, and project management systems to document investigations and maintain project records.
  • Complete project documentation, time reporting, expense reporting, and other administrative requirements in a timely manner.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
    .

Required Qualifications:
  • Meet the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualification Standards for Archaeology (36 CFR Part 61, Appendix A).
  • Graduate degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a closely related field.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in cultural resource management (CRM).
  • Demonstrated experience leading archaeological field investigations and supervising field personnel.
  • Experience evaluating archaeological sites and historic resources for National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility.
  • Working knowledge of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), including Section 106, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and applicable federal and Commonwealth cultural resource regulations.
  • Demonstrated experience preparing archaeological reports, historic contexts, Historic Resource Survey Reports, Assessments of Effects, preservation planning documents, and other regulatory documentation.
  • Experience coordinating with regulatory agencies, including the Puerto Rico State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), and supporting environmental permitting efforts.
  • Strong technical writing, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Professional proficiency in both English and Spanish, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to lead field teams while working collaboratively with multidisciplinary project teams.
  • Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
  • Must reside in Puerto Rico.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience supporting federally funded infrastructure, transportation, environmental, resilience, or disaster recovery programs.
  • Experience preparing Environmental Assessments (EA), Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), and other NEPA documentation.
  • Experience working with FHWA, USACE, FEMA, DOE, EPA, HUD, or other federal agencies.
  • Proficiency with ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro, Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Acrobat, and digital field data collection platforms.
  • Experience managing multiple cultural resource projects within a consulting environment.

Physical Requirements:
The employee must be able to conduct archaeological field investigations in remote or undeveloped locations, including walking over uneven terrain, hiking, bending, kneeling, lifting up to 35 pounds, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Work Environment / Environmental Factors:
This is a remote position based in Puerto Rico with periodic travel throughout the island to support archaeological surveys, monitoring activities, field investigations, and project meetings.
Compensation:
The anticipated salary range for this position is $70,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and geographic location. Actual compensation will be determined based on education, experience, certifications, and internal equity.
Additional Information:
  • Employment Type: Full-time
  • Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM (no expected overtime)
  • Travel Requirements: 5%-10% (for archaeological monitoring activities)
  • Work Location: Puerto Rico

Life at Tetra Tech:
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
  • Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
  • Merit-based financial rewards.
  • Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
  • Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
  • Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.

About Tetra Tech:
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor, and we request priority referral of veterans.
We invite applications from all interested parties.
Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers. Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:
LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers
X (Twitter): @TetraTechJobs
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
Please no phone calls or agencies.

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About Tetra Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Tetra Tech combines the resources of a global, multibillion-dollar company with local, client-focused delivery in more than 450 locations around the world. Our reputation rests on the technical expertise and dedication of our employees-21,000 associates working together to provide smart, scalable solutions for challenging projects. We are proud to be home to leading technical experts in water, environment, infrastructure, resource management, energy, and international development.

Industry

Civil engineering construction and environmental consulting services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Pasadena, CA, US