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Assistant Archaeologist Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Archaeology Technician

Laurel, MD · On-site

$44K - $59K/yr

Your Opportunity Stantec is seeking temporary/on-call Archaeological Field Technicians to assist with several projects in the Mid-Atlantic region (mainly Maryland and Virginia) with additional work ...

Archaeology Technician

Laurel, MD · On-site

$44K - $59K/yr

Your Opportunity Stantec is seeking temporary/on-call Archaeological Field Technicians to assist with several projects in the Mid-Atlantic region (mainly Maryland and Virginia) with additional work ...

They include Stormwater Infrastructure Resilience and Justice (SIRJ) Lab, Archaeology and Historic Preservation Lab, and Bostwick House. The Program assistant will support and report to the Director ...

Partners with Client Service Leaders and pursuit champions to assist with business development ... Anthropology, Archaeology, or related field and 10 years relevant experience * 2 years of ...

Assistant Archaeologist information

See Washington salary details

$9

$28

$54

How much do assistant archaeologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant archaeologist in Washington is $28.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.07 and $35.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant archaeologist?

Assistant Archaeologists are entry- or mid-level professionals who support archaeologists in the field, laboratory, or office. Their responsibilities often include helping with surveys, excavations, artifact processing, data recording, and report preparation. Assistant Archaeologists work under the supervision of senior archaeologists to ensure projects comply with legal and scientific standards. This role is essential for preserving historical and cultural resources and can be a stepping stone to more advanced positions in archaeology.

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

To thrive as an Assistant Archaeologist, you need a background in archaeology or anthropology, experience with fieldwork, and often a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with GIS software, GPS devices, and archaeological recording systems is typically required for documenting and analyzing finds. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set top candidates apart in this role. These competencies are essential for ensuring accurate data collection, efficient field operations, and successful collaboration during archaeological projects.

What are some typical challenges an assistant archaeologist might face during fieldwork?

Assistant Archaeologists often encounter challenges such as working in remote locations with varying weather conditions, adapting to irregular schedules, and handling physically demanding tasks like excavation and artifact transport. They must also ensure meticulous documentation and follow strict protocols to preserve sensitive sites. Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team is essential, requiring clear communication and adaptability to shifting project priorities.

What is the difference between Assistant Archaeologist vs Archaeologist?

AspectAssistant ArchaeologistArchaeologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in archaeology or related fieldBachelor's degree; often a master's or Ph.D. preferred
Work EnvironmentField excavations, labs, museumsFieldwork, research, report writing
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, museums, government agenciesResearch institutions, cultural resource management, academia
Common Search & Comparison IntentEntry-level, assisting rolesLead roles, independent research

The main difference between an Assistant Archaeologist and an Archaeologist lies in experience and responsibilities. Assistant Archaeologists typically support fieldwork and research under supervision, while Archaeologists lead excavations, analyze findings, and publish research. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but Archaeologists often have more advanced degrees and experience, enabling them to work independently and take on more complex projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Archaeologist jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Archaeologist jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Archaeologist jobs in Washington?

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

What job categories do people searching Assistant Archaeologist jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Archaeologist jobs in Washington are:

Infographic showing various Assistant Archaeologist job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,700 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Tenure Track Assistant Professor - Public or Community-Based Archaeologist

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$70 - $120/hr

Other

Medical, Life

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Department: Col of Humanities and Soc Science

Classification: 9-month Instructional Faculty

Job Category: Instructional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The Department of Sociology and Anthropology (SOAN) is a dynamic, collegiate department of 22 full-time faculty committed to rigorous scholarship, engaged teaching, and public‑fac] research. Faculty research spans a wide range of areas including globalization, inequality, migration, health, social movements, urban life, social change, institutions, technology, and the environment, with regional expertise extending across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. SOAN is housed within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS), one of the largest academic units at George Mason University, an R1 institution. In recognition of the university’s commitment to accessibility, return on investment, and upward mobility, it was recently named to the highest tier of the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education (ACE) list of Opportunity Colleges and Universities.

The Anthropology program features a robust undergraduate program, as well as an MA program with specializations in cultural anthropology and bioarchaeology. The anthropology faculty take a holistic approach to the discipline, with faculty research spanning the subfields of biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, and archaeology. Key areas of emphasis include interrelated questions of human‑environment and human‑disease interactions; social memory and place; death and mortuary practices; religious practices; foodways and subsistence; urbanism and everyday life; social and political transformation; and governance, colonialism, dispossession, and resistance.

About the Position:

The Tenure‑Track Assistant Professor position in public or community‑based archaeology (geographic area open) will begin August 25, 2027. The position holder should have an interest in historic archaeology, the archaeology of colonialism, and/or the archaeology of the recent past.

The Assistant Professor is expected to engage in scholarly activities, contribute to teaching courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels (including introductory‑level and general‑education courses), and to provide service at the departmental level.

Responsibilities
  • Maintains an active research program with a sustained record of publication in peer‑reviewed sources;
  • Teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in archaeology and contributes to curricular and program development in archaeology;
  • Participates in service to the department.
Required Qualifications
  • PhD in Anthropology or Archaeology (PhD must be in hand at the time of application);
  • Experience teaching (or support teaching) in an Anthropology department or a related field;
  • Active engagement in public or community‑based archaeology;
  • Demonstrated record of scholarly achievement;
  • A research program characterized by strong theoretical grounding with a focus in one or more of the following areas:
    • historic archaeology;
    • the archaeology of colonialism, and/or
    • the archaeology of the recent past;
  • Ability to teach an upper‑division undergraduate/graduate course on archaeological theory.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses in archaeology;
  • Demonstrated record of success at obtaining extramural funding;
  • Methodological approach that complements, but does not duplicate, existing faculty strengths;
  • Ability to develop an archaeological field school that would serve George Mason University’s undergraduate student body.

Equity Statement

George Mason University is an equal‑opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

Mason’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/

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