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Associate Archaeologist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Department of Transportation

Archaeologist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$7.3K - $9.1K/mo

ASSOCIATE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER (ARCHEOLOGY) * ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER (ARCHEOLOGY) Additional Documents * Job Application Package Checklist * Duty Statement Position Details Job Code #: JC-524663 ...

LSA Associates INC

Archaeologist

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$83K - $114K/yr

Conducting archaeological fieldwork, including excavation, survey, mapping, and analysis. * Maintaining accurate field notes, and photographs. * Communicating effectively with clients and project ...

LSA Associates INC

Archaeologist

Roseville, CA · On-site

$83K - $114K/yr

LSA is seeking a skilled and experienced Archaeologist to join our team in the Sacramento Area. The successful candidate will have a strong background in archaeological fieldwork, including ...

LSA Associates, Inc.

Archaeologist

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$83K - $114K/yr

Conducting archaeological fieldwork, including excavation, survey, mapping, and analysis. * Maintaining accurate field notes, and photographs. * Communicating effectively with clients and project ...

LSA Associates, Inc.

Archaeologist

Roseville, CA · On-site

$83K - $114K/yr

LSA is seeking a skilled and experienced Archaeologist to join our team in the Sacramento Area. The successful candidate will have a strong background in archaeological fieldwork, including ...

Chumash Enterprises

Cultural Monitor III

Santa Ynez, CA · On-site

$29/hr

Associate or bachelor's degree in archaeology or anthropology, or related field or equivalent work experience. * OSHA's 40-Hour Hazardous Waste and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certified.. * Three ...

Monitoring

Cultural Monitor III

Santa Ynez, CA · On-site

$29/hr

Associate or bachelor's degree in archaeology or anthropology, or related field or equivalent work experience. * OSHA's 40-Hour Hazardous Waste and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certified.. * Three ...

LSA Associates INC

Field Archaeologists

Irvine, CA · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

The selected candidate(s) will work with a managing LSA archaeologist for conducting field surveys (either as part of a crew or individually), monitoring on construction sites, and assisting with ...

LSA Associates, Inc.

Field Archaeologists

Irvine, CA · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

The selected candidate(s) will work with a managing LSA archaeologist for conducting field surveys (either as part of a crew or individually), monitoring on construction sites, and assisting with ...

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All JobsAssociate Archaeologist JobsAssociate Archaeologist Jobs in California

Associate Archaeologist information

See California salary details

$20.2K

$43.6K

$71.6K

How much do associate archaeologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate archaeologist in California is $43,582.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27,100.00 and $55,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate archaeologist do?

An Associate Archaeologist assists in researching, excavating, and analyzing artifacts to understand past human cultures. They often work under the supervision of senior archaeologists, helping with field surveys, site recording, artifact cataloging, and preparing reports. Their responsibilities may also include ensuring compliance with cultural resource management regulations. This role is typically an early to mid-career position, requiring a relevant degree and some field experience.

What are some common challenges faced by associate archaeologists during fieldwork, and how can they be addressed?

Associate Archaeologists often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, difficult terrain, and the need to carefully document fragile artifacts during fieldwork. Managing these challenges requires flexibility, strong organizational skills, and a commitment to safety protocols. Effective communication with team members and supervisors is essential for addressing unexpected issues and ensuring that excavation or survey work remains on schedule. Adapting quickly and staying detail-oriented can help Associate Archaeologists contribute successfully to project goals.

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

To thrive as an Associate Archaeologist, you need a background in archaeology or anthropology, fieldwork experience, and often a relevant degree such as a BA or MA. Familiarity with GIS software, artifact cataloging databases, and compliance with cultural resource management (CRM) protocols is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective written and verbal communication skills help you excel in both field and office environments. These abilities are crucial for accurate data collection, regulatory compliance, and successful collaboration on archaeological projects.

What is the difference between Associate Archaeologist vs Field Archaeologist?

AspectAssociate ArchaeologistField Archaeologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in archaeology or related field; some roles may require fieldwork experienceBachelor's degree in archaeology or related field; extensive fieldwork experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentOffice-based tasks, research, report writing, and assisting in fieldworkPrimarily on-site excavations, survey work, and field data collection
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by archaeological firms, museums, and research institutions for entry to mid-level rolesCommonly used in excavation projects, cultural resource management, and field surveys

The main difference between an Associate Archaeologist and a Field Archaeologist lies in their focus and work environment. Associate Archaeologists often handle research, report writing, and assist in fieldwork from an office setting, while Field Archaeologists primarily conduct on-site excavations and surveys. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but the Field Archaeologist role emphasizes hands-on field experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Archaeologist jobs in California? The most popular types of Archaeologist jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Associate Archaeologist jobs? Cities in California with the most Associate Archaeologist job openings:
Associate Archaeologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Archaeologist job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,582 per year, or $21 per hour.

Associate Archaeologist | Field Director | Southern California

Chronicle Heritage

San Diego, CA • On-site

$36 - $38/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Company Profile
Chronicle Heritage is a solution-driven heritage consulting firm that prides itself on employing the best cultural resource management (CRM) professionals in the industry. We place an emphasis on supporting our clients' needs, fostering new technologies that advance our industry, and leveraging those advancements toward the management of non-renewable cultural resources. Chronicle Heritage prioritizes professional development within the framework of innovation and forward thinking to encourage career advancement and research development.
Job Description
Chronicle Heritage is hiring an Archaeological Field Director to support our San Diego office in Southern California. This position offers support for job training, a positive and diverse work environment, and colleagues who are supportive, passionate, and collectively focused on work/life balance and producing high-quality CRM products.
Hire Type: Full-time (hourly)
Schedule: 40 hours, Monday-Friday: standard business hours; overtime and weekend work, as needed
Location: San Diego County, CA
Under the supervision of a Team Lead, Principal Investigator, and Project Managers, the Field Director will be responsible for the following duties:
  • Oversee and lead archaeological crews in all manner of fieldwork, including construction monitoring, pedestrian surveys, testing/data recovery projects
  • Provide training to new staff, especially for fieldwork
  • Complete office work, including technical writing related to pre- and post-field activities
  • Direct collection, analysis and interpretation of data as geared towards archaeology in a cultural resource management environment
  • Formulate recommendations and solutions to highly complex problems or those involving risk
  • Communicate project updates, field conditions, and personnel morale to Team Leads, Project Managers, and Principal Investigators
  • Work closely under the direction of Principal Investigators to complete fieldwork and reporting needs on highly variable projects.
  • Observe and uphold Chronicle Heritage's Fieldwork Procedures and Health and Safety requirements

Minimum Required Qualifications
  • Master's degree in anthropology, archaeology, or a closely related field
  • 2+ years of fieldwork in CRM projects, or equivalent (demonstrate)
  • 1+ years of experience supervising field crews during archaeological studies
  • Demonstrable experience conducting all archaeological surveys and excavation
  • Experience in identifying pre-contact and historic sites
  • Expertise in archaeological field methods and data collection
  • Familiarity with Section 106 processes and NRHP eligibility criteria for sites
  • Familiarity with the fundamentals of spatial data collection in the field, including but not limited to experience with GPS units, GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS, Codifi), and analog methods (pacing, map and compass).
  • Willingness to travel for both short- and long-term projects
  • Capable of walking several miles daily, over all types of terrain, and able to excavate in a variety of conditions
  • Valid driver's license

Preferred Skills/Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in anthropology, archaeology, or a closely related field
  • Listed or eligible to be listed on the Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA)
  • Experience with data analysis and technical report writing
  • Proficient organizational, schedule, and budget management skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project)
  • Excellent attention to detail, a positive work ethic, reliability, and commitment to working both independently and in a team environment
  • 2+ years of experience in a leadership role in CRM or academic archaeology
  • Meet or exceed the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualification Standards for Archaeology

Physical and Mental Requirements and Work Environment
  • Regular fieldwork or on-site inspections are required, which necessitates ability to frequently travel/drive a vehicle (sight, hearing, and manual manipulation of driving mechanisms), cognitive ability to plan travel, use maps or GPS navigation systems.
  • May require ambulation and movement to enable walking or hiking 10+ miles per day on rough and/or hazardous terrain and occasional climbing, crouching, kneeling, balancing on rough terrain. Fieldwork may involve exposure to conditions of rain, sun, heat, wind, dust, etc., with exposure to animals, plants, wet conditions, biting insects, poison ivy, etc. May require use of respiratory equipment and other personal protection equipment.
  • Some fieldwork may require carrying loads up to 25 pounds or work around heavy construction equipment.
  • Vision is required to observe environmental phenomena and record and translate observations into text (either keyboard entry on a computer or dictation and audio translation of recording to Standard English scientific text).
  • Mental requirements include ability to organize one's own work or that of crew members; ability to recognize and observe scientific data and analyze data as well as ability to perform calculations. Must also be able to observe social and professional interactions and respond appropriately.
  • Some work is performed primarily in an indoor environment and requires sustained sitting and use of fingers, hands, and arms to operate a computer and perform keyboard entry of data or document preparation (or equivalent with accommodation). Must also be able to operation standard office equipment (phone, copy machine, FAX machine, etc.).

Additional Information
Chronicle Heritage is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.
Chronicle Heritage complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and considers reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants/employees to perform essential functions. EEO/AA/M/F/Veteran/Disabled. If you require assistance with submitting the application, please contact accommodations@chronicleheritage.com.
Pay Range: $36 - $38 per hour

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