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Archaeology State Jobs (NOW HIRING)

At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to ... The Archaeology Specialist works closely with the Archaeology and Collections teams at the Indiana ...

At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to ... The Archaeology Specialist works closely with the Archaeology and Collections teams at the Indiana ...

This On-Call Archaeology Field Technician position will work with supervisory field staff and ... These efforts require compliance with NEPA, NHPA, NAGPRA, and other federal, state and local laws ...

Archaeologist

Indianapolis, IN ยท On-site

$53K/yr

Experience in Midwestern archaeology, including fieldwork and laboratory methods and techniques, and general knowledge of state and federal preservation laws, including Section 106, preferred. Salary ...

Experience in Midwestern archaeology, including fieldwork and laboratory methods and techniques, and general knowledge of state and federal preservation laws, including Section 106, preferred. Salary ...

Stantec is seeking Archaeological Field Technicians to assist with upcoming fieldwork that will ... state and local law). Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock ...

Stantec is seeking Archaeological Field Technicians to assist with upcoming fieldwork that will ... state and local law). Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock ...

Knowledge of NAGPRA and relevant federal, state, and tribal cultural resource policies. * Strong ... Proficiency in archaeological survey and excavation methods, including identifying and recording ...

This position will work with senior archaeologists, field supervisors, architectural historians ... state, and/or federal law. #LI-GD1 About WSP WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of ...

Stantec is seeking Archaeological Field Technicians to assist with upcoming fieldwork that will ... state and local law). Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock ...

Stantec is seeking Archaeological Field Technicians to assist with upcoming fieldwork that will ... state and local law). Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock ...

Stantec is seeking Archaeological Field Technicians to assist with upcoming fieldwork that will ... state and local law). Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock ...

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Archaeology State information

See salary details

$31.5K

$60.7K

$97K

How much do archaeology state jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for archaeology state 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.

Which state pays the highest salary for an archaeologist?

California generally offers the highest average salaries for archaeologists due to its extensive archaeological sites and higher cost of living. Salaries can vary based on experience, education, and specific employers, but state-level pay tends to be highest in regions with significant archaeological activity and funding. Archaeologists working in government agencies, universities, or private firms in California often earn more than in other states.

What are the typical challenges faced by professionals working in a state archaeology office?

Professionals in a state archaeology office often navigate challenges such as balancing fieldwork with administrative duties, ensuring compliance with preservation laws, and managing multiple projects across diverse geographic areas. They frequently collaborate with government agencies, tribal representatives, and private developers to protect cultural resources, which can involve complex negotiations and tight deadlines. Additionally, adapting to varying field conditions and staying updated on regulatory changes are common aspects of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a State Archaeologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a State Archaeologist, you need an advanced degree in archaeology or anthropology, extensive experience in fieldwork, and knowledge of cultural resource management laws. Familiarity with GIS software, site survey tools, and compliance with state and federal preservation regulations is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, communication, and leadership skills are essential for coordinating research, engaging stakeholders, and managing teams. These skills and qualifications ensure accurate site assessments, legal compliance, and effective preservation of cultural heritage.

What states pay archaeologists the most?

Archaeologists tend to earn higher salaries in states with larger budgets for cultural and historical preservation, such as California, New York, and Massachusetts. Salaries can also vary based on experience, education, and the type of employer, with government agencies and universities often offering higher pay for experienced professionals. Overall, geographic location influences salary levels for archaeology jobs, but specialized skills and certifications can also impact earning potential.

What is archaeology at the state level?

Archaeology at the state level typically involves the study, preservation, and management of cultural resources and archaeological sites within a specific state. State archaeologists work for government agencies, universities, or museums, and they often oversee surveys, excavations, and compliance with heritage laws. Their job includes protecting historical sites, reviewing development projects for potential impact on archaeological resources, and educating the public about the state's history. They also play a key role in ensuring that archaeological research adheres to state and federal regulations.

What is the difference between Archaeology State vs Archaeology Technician?

AspectArchaeology StateArchaeology Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in archaeology or related field; often state-specific certificationsAssociate's or Bachelor's degree; fieldwork experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentState government agencies, field sites, labsField excavations, labs, museums
Employer & Industry UsageState agencies, public projectsResearch firms, museums, government projects
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles in archaeologyEntry-level to mid-level fieldwork position

In summary, Archaeology State roles typically involve working for government agencies with specific certifications and a focus on public projects, while Archaeology Technicians often perform fieldwork and lab tasks across various organizations. Both roles require related educational backgrounds but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

What does a state archaeologist do?

A state archaeologist is responsible for managing and protecting archaeological resources within a state, conducting research, overseeing excavations, and ensuring compliance with preservation laws. They often work with government agencies, use tools like GIS and excavation equipment, and may require specialized training or certification in archaeology or anthropology.

What is the 50 year rule in archeology?

The 50 year rule in archaeology states that artifacts and historical items are generally considered eligible for excavation and study if they are at least 50 years old. This guideline helps determine what objects are likely to be of historical significance and suitable for preservation and research by archaeologists. It is used to prioritize sites and artifacts for investigation and conservation efforts.
More about Archaeology State jobs
What cities are hiring for Archaeology State jobs? Cities with the most Archaeology State job openings:
What states have the most Archaeology State jobs? States with the most job openings for Archaeology State jobs include:
Infographic showing various Archaeology State job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 13% Temporary. Highlights an 88% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,710 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Archeologist (State Cultural Resource Specialist)

FSA, NRCS, RMA, FPAC Careers

Portland, OR โ€ข On-site

$96K/yr

Other

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

This position serves on a NRCS State Resource Technology Staff and is located in a State Office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
The incumbent provides leadership for Archeology and cultural resources activities of NRCS and is supervised by the Assistant State Conservationist for Water Resources and Planning.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. This position has a positive education requirement; therefore, a legible copy of your college transcripts is required to be attached to your application prior to the closing date of the announcement; applicants who fail to submit their transcripts will not be given credit for their education.
Basic Requirements:
A. Education
1.Degree: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study that included 3 semester hours each in the following course areas:
-History of archeology.-Archeology of a major geographical area such as North America or Africa.
-Regional archeology, archeological cultures, or sites in a specific part or portion of a major geographical area to acquire or develop a foundation for regional specialization for professional development.
-Theory and methods of archeology. Methods include, but are not limited to, typology, classification, sampling, cultural evolution, diffusion, dating, and analytical techniques.
-Archeological field school, to provide a basic understanding of theoretical and practical approaches to research design implementation, field preservation techniques, and report preparation by participation in actual field work. AND
Six semester hours of related course work in:
-geography, geology, or cultural geography;
-history, historiography, or historical archeology;
-environmental studies;
-scientific writing (nonfiction English composition); and/or
-surveying; AND
Archeological field school.
2. Related Curriculum -- Degree in anthropology (with emphasis on ethnology, physical anthropology, or scientific linguistics), history, American studies, or a related discipline may be accepted as satisfying in full the educational requirements, provided the curriculum supplied academic course work sufficiently similar to the requirements in A.1 (including archeological field school). OR
B. Combination of Education and Experience: College-level education or training that provided knowledge equivalent to that described above, plus appropriate technical experience or additional education. OR
C. Experience: Four years of archeological work experience that demonstrated a thorough knowledge of the fundamental principles and theories of professional archeology. The work experience must have included archeology field experience, which may include that gained in an archeological field school. Field experience should have included a combination of professional experience in archeological survey, excavation, laboratory analysis, and preparation of written materials. Applicants with such field experience should, after additional experience under the direction of a higher-grade archeologist, be able to demonstrate the ability to be a crew chief, directing the work of others at a single location as a part of a larger archeological project.
In addition to the requirements described above, the following additional experience is required:
Specialized experience GS-12:You must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience, equivalent to GS-11 level in the Federal Service or comparable experience not gained through Federal Service. For this position, Specialized experience is defined as experience assisting in conducting background studies and document reviews pertaining to archeological project development. This experience must include: 1. planning and carrying out the NRCS cultural resources management programs; 2. managing archeology field experience with a combination of archeological survey, excavation, laboratory analysis, and preparation of written materials; 3. Applying knowledge of specific historic preservation legislation 4. utilizing geographic information systems (GIS) to capture, store, manipulate and present spatial or geographic data; and 5. utilizing GPS software for mapping.
For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=GS-PROF
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Time-in-Grade Requirement: If you are a current federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirements of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. You must meet this requirement by the closing date of this announcement.Education:Note: There is no education substitution for the GS-12 level.
Employment Type: OTHER