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Archaeology Lab Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Responsible for scheduling, managing, and conducting Phase I-III fieldwork, lab analysis, and ... The qualified candidate for this position will assist JMT Senior Archaeologists during Phase I-III ...

Archaeologist

Tyler, TX · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

The qualified candidate for this position will assist JMT Senior Archaeologists during Phase I-III ... Works with technical field, lab and office staff, managers and administrative staff to ensure that ...

Archaeologist

Tyler, TX · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

The qualified candidate for this position will assist JMT Senior Archaeologists during Phase I-III ... Works with technical field, lab and office staff, managers and administrative staff to ensure that ...

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Archaeology Lab Assistant information

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How much do archaeology lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for archaeology lab assistant in the United States is $20.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become an archaeology lab assistant?

To become an archaeology lab assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with knowledge of archaeological methods and laboratory procedures. Relevant skills include attention to detail, familiarity with lab equipment, and sometimes a background in archaeology, anthropology, or related fields. Gaining experience through internships or volunteering can also improve job prospects.

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

To thrive as an Archaeology Lab Assistant, you need a background in archaeology or anthropology, strong analytical skills, and attention to detail, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, artifact cataloging software, and basic conservation techniques is typically required. Excellent organization, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively and maintain precise records. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring accurate analysis, proper artifact handling, and the integrity of archaeological research.

What is an archaeology lab assistant?

Archaeology Lab Assistants are professionals who support archaeologists by processing, cataloging, and analyzing artifacts and samples collected from archaeological sites. Their responsibilities often include cleaning, sorting, labeling, and storing materials, as well as assisting with data entry and laboratory maintenance. They play a critical role in helping researchers interpret findings and preserve historical objects for further study and display.

What is the difference between Archaeology Lab Assistant vs Archaeology Field Technician?

AspectArchaeology Lab AssistantArchaeology Field Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer related courseworkHigh school diploma; fieldwork experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, indoors, analyzing artifactsOutdoor excavation sites, fieldwork
Job FocusProcessing, cataloging, and analyzing artifactsExcavating and recording archaeological sites
Employer & Industry UsageMuseums, research institutions, universitiesArchaeological firms, universities, government agencies

The main difference between an Archaeology Lab Assistant and an Archaeology Field Technician lies in their work environment and focus. Lab Assistants work indoors analyzing artifacts, while Field Technicians are involved in outdoor excavations. Both roles support archaeological research but specialize in different stages of the process.

How to work in an archaeology lab?

To work as an archaeology lab assistant, you should have a basic understanding of archaeological methods, be detail-oriented, and comfortable handling fragile artifacts. Skills in lab techniques, record-keeping, and familiarity with tools like microscopes and preservation materials are important. Typically, this role involves cleaning, cataloging, and analyzing artifacts in a controlled environment, often requiring adherence to safety and preservation protocols.

What does an archaeology lab assistant do?

As an Archaeology Lab Assistant, your day-to-day tasks often include cataloging artifacts, conducting preliminary cleaning and conservation, and recording detailed findings for analysis. You’ll work closely with archaeologists, conservators, and other lab staff to ensure artifacts are properly preserved and documented. Collaboration is key, as you may assist with preparing materials for research, supporting ongoing excavation projects, and sometimes training volunteers or students in lab protocols. This role provides valuable hands-on experience and insight into both the scientific and organizational aspects of archaeological research.
More about Archaeology Lab Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Archaeology Lab Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Archaeology Lab Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Archaeology Lab jobs? The most popular types of Archaeology Lab jobs are:
What states have the most Archaeology Lab Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Archaeology Lab Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Archaeology Lab Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,113 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Assistant Staff Archaeologist

SWCA Environmental Consultants

Las Vegas, NV • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

About the opportunity
SWCA has an opportunity for four Assistant Staff Archaeologists working in Nevada, reporting into our Las Vegas, Nevada office. You will communicate with Field Directors, Project Managers, and GIS staff through regular, scheduled field status reports. The Assistant Staff Archaeologist will participate in technical research, writing, and data QA/QC for reporting efforts, and assist with survey and excavation projects in the field, including collecting GPS data using tablets and/or iPads, taking photographs, and documenting resource characteristics.
Our Las Vegas office specializes in cultural and natural resources services within a relaxed work environment. We take pride in rapidly delivering on client needs, which can lead to extended field efforts with overtime compensation. With our network of offices across the US, we have the ability to move our field staff rapidly to meet these needs, and the selected technician may have the opportunity to assist on a wide variety of projects across the country as a result.
This position is a regular (with benefits), hourly, and non-exempt position with a strong preference for individuals within driving distance of Las Vegas, NV. Project work will occur primarily in Nevada, although opportunities to work in the SW USA may also arise. You should be able to work flexible hours with the potential for long-term field mobilizations for specific projects. Per diem and lodging are provided for all project work requiring overnight stays away from the home office.
Application deadline: Our team will begin reviewing applications immediately, and interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The application process will remain open until we have received a robust pool of qualified candidates. Once we have identified suitable individuals, we may close the application process without prior notice. We appreciate the time and effort invested by all applicants and will carefully consider each submission.
What you will accomplish
  • Conduct archaeological fieldwork under the direction of a Project Manager or Field Director on projects including monitoring, survey, testing, and data recovery.
  • Conduct archaeological survey, excavation, and associated field recording, including completion of field forms, digital photography, and in-field mapping.
  • Thrive in our team-oriented approach to project execution.
  • Maintain a strong commitment to customer service and to producing quality work.
  • Identify historic and prehistoric artifacts accurately.
  • Conduct archaeological lab work, including artifact washing, analysis, and curation preparation.
  • For Assistant Staff Archaeologists, depending upon project, an element of your job may be to independently supervise a small crew while conducting archaeological fieldwork. This includes:
      • Use SWCA-provided personal protective equipment and comply with all SWCA and client safety policies.
      • independently assigning and directing the activities of others on behalf of SWCA, often in remote areas without immediate guidance from senior managers, to ensure quality and on-time delivery;
      • ensuring that employees understand their responsibilities and delegated tasks and being held accountable if crew members under your supervision are not performing their activities correctly, productively, and safely;
      • serving as a conduit of communication between employees and senior managers, including communicating issues to relevant senior managers;
      • receiving and resolving complaints from employees in the field; and
      • monitoring team productivity and providing timely performance feedback, including deciding when disciplinary action is necessary and delivering discipline.

Experience and qualifications for success
Required Qualifications
  • Minimum of a bachelor's degree in Anthropology, Archaeology or a closely related field required.
  • Current valid driver's license and the ability to safely operate a 4wd vehicle on rugged, backcountry roads.
  • Ability to travel to a location, walk and conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather, rugged terrain, often at high altitudes, and ability to carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds.
  • Willing to travel overnight for extended periods of time. Travel percentage within Nevada is expected to be 95%.

Preferred qualifications:
  • Minimum of one (1) year of experience with a wide range of field methodologies, including archaeological survey, testing, and monitoring.
  • At least 3 to 6 months of experience with Nevada and/or desert SW resource definitions and recording guidelines.
  • Experience authoring cultural resources technical reports following Nevada reporting guidelines.
  • Familiarity with ArcGIS, Field Maps software, Ipads, and digital field data collection.
  • Ability to be listed on federal and state cultural resource permits in Nevada.

Why Work at SWCA:
SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full-spectrum of environmental services. Our Vision (the North Star) is to make SWCA the best workplace and industry leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges while maintaining a dedication to employee-ownership. We live our core values: we collaborate as #OneSWCA; we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack.
We are 100% employee-owned, and we build our success together. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record's Top 200 Environmental Firms. We offer a supportive, team-oriented work environment and competitive wages and benefits, including an 100% employee stock ownership plan (retirement).
At SWCA, we support our team members in developing their careers to make them leaders in their industry. Our Career Landscape initiative is a process and guide designed to help develop chart rewarding career paths for employees at SWCA. We encourage professional conference attendance, internal and external professional development and training programs, education reimbursement, and bonuses for publications meeting certain criteria. All regular status employees are eligible to participate in SWCA medical, dental, vision, employee assistance, wellness, life and disability plans, and are eligible to participate in the SWCA 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust.
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.
SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees. In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges in all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.
An Assistant Staff Archaeologist in this Las Vegas, NV-based position can expect a rate of $21.63/hour to $27.81/hour. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law. Regular-status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses. Candidates are also encouraged to consider SWCA's Total Rewards package, which includes a competitive benefits package (https://www.swca.com/careers/benefits-wellness/), forward-thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award-winning career development, and more.
SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA's continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.
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