Archaeology Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Job ID: 36699
Agency: Department of Education
Location:Rapid City, SDSalary: $23.56-$26.50/hr, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: H
Closing Date: 07/31/2026
The archaeologist in this position works closely with the Contracts Manager, generally on projects in Archaeological Research Center's (ARC's) contracts program. This position will:

• Conduct archaeological field surveys, testing, monitoring, and site evaluations.
• Conduct lab work including artifact cataloging and analysis and photo cataloging.
• Conduct background research such as record searches and courthouse documentation.
• Prepare technical reports or contribute to larger reports as necessary.

The archaeologist works closely with all Archaeological Research Center staff, project clients, state and federal agency representatives, Tribal Historic Preservation Office personnel, private landowners, and other public entities to complete projects on time and within budget. Working knowledge of cultural resources management principles, South Dakota archaeology, and the basics of GIS will greatly benefit the person in this position.
The position is located at the Archaeological Research Center (ARC) in Rapid City, a growing city known for its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and dynamic local culture. The Archaeological Research Center is a program of the South Dakota State Historical Society and is the Office of the State Archaeologist. Archaeologists from ARC have provided cultural resource consulting services to hundreds of clients in the region since 1973, and work on a wide range of CRM, grant-funded, mitigation, and research-based projects. The Center has a permanent staff of 14, plus a varying number of seasonal employees.
What to expect beyond the paycheck:

• Health insurance (HSA and FSA options available)
• Well-being programs
• Employee assistance
• Dental
• Membership in South Dakota Retirement System
• Vacation leave
• Sick Leave
• 11 paid holidays
• Flexibility in work schedules
• State-provided laptop for remote work
• Longevity pay
• Meal per diems during travel
• Use of fleet vehicles
• State-covered hotel expenses

During the field season (generally April through November), work requires frequent overnight travel, with crews working four 10-hour days. Therefore, a valid driver's license is required. Applicants should be in physical condition for strenuous outdoor work conditions typical of archaeological survey and excavation, such as hiking long distances over rough terrain, carrying heavy equipment, hand excavation by trowel and shovel, transporting up to 50lbs of soil in buckets, and screening. The Archaeologist will need to be prepared to work in a variety of weather conditions, including heat and cold, rain, wind, and snow, often for multiple weeks in a row. The position requires full-time office work during off-season periods, which will include preparing technical reports, cataloging artifacts or photographs, artifact analysis, waterscreening, processing soil, and conducting research. Depending on the project and office needs, the incumbent can expect both team-based work and independent work.
This is a full-time position with the Department of Education - Archaeology Research Center. For more information on the Archaeology Research Center, please visit https://history.sd.gov/archaeology/default.aspx.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
A bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, or cultural resources management, or equivalent experience. Practical field and lab experience through a certified field school or equivalent training is required. Strong proficiency in writing, especially in technical survey or evaluation reports, is desired. Background and experience in Northern Plains prehistoric and historic artifact identification is also preferred. The ideal candidate will be equally proficient in field-based skills as well as office skills (i.e., writing and communicating).
Knowledge of:

• archaeological theory and methods;
• ArcPro or ArcMap and GNSS survey equipment;
• Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Access, and Excel; and
• Plains archaeology, including South Dakota or surrounding states.

Skill to:

• identify prehistoric and historic artifacts and site types;
• effectively communicate with other staff members, clients, landowners, or other necessary personnel;
• think critically;
• plan ahead;
• closely follow instructions and learn quickly;
• complete assigned work in a timely manner; and
• understand and follow administrative requirements established by the State for all employees.

Ability to:

• understand state and federal historic preservation laws, rules, and guidelines;
• take detailed field notes and apply those notes to report preparation;
• work on sites or surveys that may sometimes be mundane;
• solve problems and anticipate project needs;
• work responsibly both individually and as part of a team;
• be flexible and adaptable to ever-changing project needs, assignments, and deadlines; and
• maintain a positive and problem-solving attitude.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your official (or unofficial) transcripts showing relevant degree and coursework, resume, and three professional references with current phone numbers and affiliations. A cover letter and writing sample are optional but encouraged.
This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.
NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.
The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.
The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.
Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=4DY
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"
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