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Archaeology Lab Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Archaeology Lab Manager information

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$32.5K

$92K

$149K

How much do archaeology lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for archaeology lab manager in the United States is $91,960.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $111,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Archaeology Lab Manager, you need a solid background in archaeology or anthropology, experience with artifact processing, and at least a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), artifact cataloging software, and analytical tools such as microscopes or XRF spectrometers is typically required, along with knowledge of curation standards. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective team leadership and communication abilities make an individual stand out in this role. These skills ensure accurate analysis, proper artifact handling, and efficient lab operations critical to the integrity of archaeological research.

What does an Archaeology Lab Manager do?

An Archaeology Lab Manager oversees the daily operations of an archaeology laboratory, ensuring that artifacts and samples are properly catalogued, analyzed, and stored. They supervise lab technicians, maintain lab equipment, and enforce safety protocols. Additionally, they may assist with research, manage data, and coordinate with field archaeologists to facilitate the processing of materials collected during excavations. Their work is crucial for preserving archaeological finds and supporting scholarly research.

What is the difference between Archaeology Lab Manager vs Archaeological Technician?

AspectArchaeology Lab ManagerArchaeological Technician
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Archaeology or related field; experience in lab managementAssociate's or Bachelor's in Archaeology or related field; fieldwork experience
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, overseeing collections, processing artifactsField sites and laboratory, assisting with excavation and artifact processing
Employer & IndustryMuseums, research institutions, archaeological firmsArchaeological field projects, research organizations, universities

The Archaeology Lab Manager primarily oversees lab operations, artifact curation, and team coordination, requiring management skills and lab experience. In contrast, the Archaeological Technician focuses on fieldwork and artifact recovery, with more emphasis on excavation and data collection. Both roles are essential in archaeological projects but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

What are some common challenges faced by Archaeology Lab Managers, and how can they be addressed?

Archaeology Lab Managers often encounter challenges such as maintaining accurate artifact inventories, ensuring proper conservation practices, and coordinating work among diverse team members, including students and researchers. Effective communication and robust documentation systems are essential to manage these responsibilities smoothly. Staying updated on the latest conservation techniques and fostering a collaborative team environment can help overcome these hurdles and ensure the integrity of the artifacts and the efficiency of lab operations.
What cities are hiring for Archaeology Lab Manager jobs? Cities with the most Archaeology Lab Manager 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 Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Archaeology Lab Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Archaeology Lab Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,960 per year, or $44.2 per hour.
Archaeologist

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson is a dynamic, 100% employee-owned consulting firm with more than 2,800 professionals, providing a full range of multidisciplinary engineering, architecture, information technology, and related services to public agencies and private clients throughout the United States. JMT is currently ranked #45 on Engineering News-Record’s list of the Top 500 Design Firms.

Position Summary:  Responsible for scheduling, managing, and conducting Phase I-III fieldwork, lab analysis, and research associated with archaeological projects. Responsible for writing all, or portions of, archaeological reports at the direction of the Senior Archaeologist. The qualified candidate for this position will assist JMT Senior Archaeologists during Phase I-III field work throughout the country, with a focus on Texas and adjacent states.  

Preference is for individuals willing to work from or relocate to JMT office locations in Houston, Longview, McKinney, or Tyler, Texas.

Why JMT: Our existing business portfolio provides many opportunities for your personal career trajectory while collaborating with JMT’s growing cultural resources group.

Benefits

JMT offers outstanding opportunities for career and professional growth. We are 100% employee-owned (ESOP) and offer outstanding health care coverage and other benefits, including:

  • Affordable Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Company paid Life and Disability Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Caregiver Leave Program
  • 401K Retirement Plan (Traditional and Roth options)
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Career Development Programs
  • And more…
  • Benefits | JMT

Compensation for this position is $70,000. - $80,000./year, commensurate with experience, education and certifications. The provided range is a good faith estimate based on the requirements described within the job description. We notice that we receive a wide variety of applicants and recognize that the person selected may be less experienced or more experienced. If so, the actual salary range may vary from the estimate provided.

After an initial training period, a hybrid work schedule is available.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

  • Conducts archaeological field work to locate and identify archaeological resources
  • Conducts archaeological monitoring during construction projects or pre-construction 
  • Collects data and field samples during archaeological investigations
  • Analyzes historic and pre-historic artifacts
  • Documents methodologies and findings of research and archaeological investigations
  • Takes daily notes of field progress 
  • Schedules fieldwork based on project schedule 
  • Instructs field crews on how to use equipment, technology and field methods, as required 
  • Assists in writing sections of archaeological reports and/or prepare archaeological site forms 
  • Uses the National Register Criteria for Evaluation to make site eligibility recommendations for the National Register of Historic Places 
  • Works with technical field, lab and office staff, managers and administrative staff to ensure that projects meet JMT and professional quality standards
  • Lead and manage team members by providing leadership and continuous performance management (setting expectations, goals, feedback, 1:1 meeting, coaching) that supports the growth and development of team.

Nonessential Functions and Responsibilities

  • Perform other related duties as assigned 

Required Skills
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word and Excel
  • Must successfully complete and pass JMT's Motor Vehicle screening
  • Valid Driver’s License Required

Required Experience
  • Master’s Degree from an accredited school in archaeology
  • Must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Qualification Standards for Archaeologists
  • 3+ years’ experience in cultural resources management of archaeology projects
  • 1+ year of leadership experience
  • Demonstrated experience in Phase I-III fieldwork
  • Proficiency in ESRI FieldMaps Application or similar applications 
  • Regional (Texas/Oklahoma/Louisiana) experience in historic and/or prehistoric archaeology 
  • Must be able to provide a writing sample from either a thesis, dissertation, or archaeological report

Preferred Experience

  • Registered Professional Archaeologist
  • Familiarity with ArcGISPro, Field Maps, Google Earth, and/or other GIS programs
  • Familiarity with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and with the Antiquities Code of Texas 
  • Experience obtaining a Texas Antiquities Permit
  • Significant lab and curation experience

Working Conditions

Work is performed in the field 50% of the time and requires the ability to extensively perform bending, kneeling, standing, shoveling, and lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 lbs as needed. Field work will require walking and carrying field equipment over typical outdoor terrain. Work may be conducted outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions. Out-of-town travel is expected, requiring driving and/or flying to project locations.

Office work is performed within a general office environment 50% of the time. Office work is generally sedentary in nature but may require occasional standing and walking. Office work is performed with adequate lighting and temperature, with no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.