1

Contract Archaeologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Project Archaeologist

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$64K - $100K/yr

Experience writing bid and proposal packages for large mutli-year state and federal government contracts. * Experience marketing archaeological services. * Experience managing a team of ...

Archaeologist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$7K - $9K/mo

... unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the headquartered location will be the ... Archaeologist Classification: ASSOCIATE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER (ARCHEOLOGY) $7,328.00 - $9,178.00 ...

18 Month Contract Required Qualifications: * Graduate degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related discipline. * Minimum of 3 years of experience in cultural resource management, including at ...

Experience writing bid and proposal packages for large mutli-year state and federal government contracts. * Experience marketing archaeological services. * Experience managing a team of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Contract Archaeologist information

See salary details

$31.5K

$60.7K

$97K

How much do contract archaeologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract archaeologist 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Contract Archaeologist position, and why are they important?

A Contract Archaeologist needs a solid background in archaeology, cultural resource management (CRM), and fieldwork methods, typically supported by a relevant degree such as anthropology or archaeology. Familiarity with GPS and GIS mapping tools, databases, and compliance with federal or state permitting procedures (like Section 106 of the NHPA) is frequently required. Strong communication, teamwork, adaptability to changing field conditions, and meticulous attention to detail help individuals excel in this role. These skills ensure accurate and efficient field surveys, proper documentation, and compliance with regulatory standards for projects of varying scope.

What is a Contract Archaeologist job?

A Contract Archaeologist conducts fieldwork, research, and artifact analysis for cultural resource management (CRM) projects. They typically work for private firms, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations, ensuring compliance with heritage preservation laws. Their duties often include site surveys, excavation, and reporting findings to stakeholders. The work is usually project-based and may require travel to different locations.

What does a typical day look like for a Contract Archaeologist, and how much fieldwork vs. office work is involved?

A typical day for a Contract Archaeologist can vary depending on the project phase, but most roles involve a mix of fieldwork and office-based tasks. Field days often include surveying sites, excavating test units, recording data with GPS devices, and collecting artifacts. Office work involves analyzing artifacts, preparing technical reports, and conducting research to support project findings. Many positions require flexibility, as work can be seasonal or project-based and may involve travel. Collaboration with project managers, environmental consultants, and governmental agencies is common, ensuring comprehensive compliance with cultural resource regulations.

More about Contract Archaeologist jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Archaeologist jobs? Cities with the most Contract Archaeologist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Archaeologist jobs? The most popular types of Archaeologist jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Archaeologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Archaeologist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Archaeologist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Archaeologist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Contract Archaeologist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,710 per year, or $29.2 per hour.
Project Archaeologist

Project Archaeologist

Texas State University

San Marcos, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Texas State University rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

457th of 535 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Information
Posting Information
Posting Number
2026569
Posting/Functional Title
Project Archaeologist
University Pay Plan Title
Grant Specialist
Location
San Marcos
Department
Center for Archaeological Studies
Recruitment Type
Open Recruiting
Job Type
Full-Time
Funding Source
Grant
Monthly Salary
Commensurate with experience
Job Category
Exempt
Required Qualifications: Applicants must specifically address how they meet these required qualifications to meet the requirements of the position.
  • Graduate degree in anthropology, archaeology, or related field
  • Experience with conducting faunal analysis performed for an M.A. thesis, Ph.D. dissertation, or cultural resources management report.
  • Archaeological field and laboratory experience in Texas or the surrounding region.
  • Demonstrated ability to write, review, and technically edit faunal or cultural resource management reports.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Formal coursework, internship, training, or graduate level (Master's or Ph.D.) specialization/research specific to zooarchaeology/faunal analysis.
  • Completion of multiple faunal analysis projects with involvement in all stages of identification, analysis, interpretation, and reporting.
  • Supervisory experience in an archaeological lab or field setting.
  • Past experience as a crew chief on large projects, higher consideration for experience with projects in rugged terrain or difficult conditions.
  • Meet qualifications to serve as a Project Archaeologist/Field Director on projects under Texas Antiquities Code or Archaeological Resources Protection Act permits.
  • GIS experience, in particular the use of ArcGIS.
  • Public Outreach; higher consideration for Public Outreach associated with k-12 education.

Job Description
Will conduct faunal analysis for archaeological collections through species identification, data analysis, technical report writing, and preparation of materials for long-term curation in compliance with federal and state standards.
Will support cultural resource management (CRM) projects through archaeological fieldwork, artifact analysis, permit preparation, public outreach, and coordination with project staff and student workers on grant- and contract-funded research initiatives.
Job Duties
Texas State University invites applications for a Project Archaeologist/Faunal Analyst with the Center for Archaeological Studies (CAS). CAS is a research center located within the Department of Anthropology that provides research and consulting services to private, local, state, and federal partners in Texas, across the United States, and internationally. CAS's Curation Services Program is certified by the Texas Historical Commission to curate held-in-trust collections and meets federal standards in 36 CFR Part 79. We are experiencing significant growth and expansion and are seeking a highly motivated individual to direct faunal analyses and cultural resource management (CRM) projects.
The Project Archaeologist will serve as a Staff Archaeologist and Faunal Analyst assisting the Associate Director on Cultural Resource Management (CRM) projects. The main objective is to assist with analysis of faunal grants and contracts as well as to provide additional support on CRM lab and field projects.
Under the direction and supervision of the Associate Director, conduct identifications, data analysis, and report writing of faunal material recovered from archaeological sites. Serve as crew chief or junior Project Archaeologist on cultural resource management contract of grant funded field projects under the direction of the CAS Principal Investigator and/or Project Archaeologist. Aid in preparing archaeological permits and background studies; and conduct base analysis on artifacts, field data, and compile sections of technical reports as relevant. Assist Associate Director and other CAS staff in preparing materials for public outreach. Provide minimal support and direction to student workers on faunal projects. Prepare faunal material or other artifacts as needed for curation.
Additional Information to Applicants
Working hours are typically Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This position requires approximately 10-20% travel, which may occasionally require work outside of normal business hours, including weekends, related to project or operational needs.
Job Open Date
06/04/2026
Job Close Date (posting closes at midnight)
06/29/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Normal Work Days
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Normal Work Hours Start
8:00AM
Normal Work Hours End
5:00PM
Posting Notices
Applicant must have a valid Texas Driver's License and be a driver in good standing with less than ten (10) points deducted for driving infractions as determined by the employer driving standards system.
Legal and Required Notices
Texas State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law in employment, educational programs, and activities and admissions.
Employment with Texas State University is contingent upon the outcome of record checks and verifications including, but not limited to, criminal history, driving records, education records, employment verifications, reference checks, and employment eligibility verifications.
In accordance with federal law, all new employees must complete the Form I-9 and provide acceptable documentation verifying their identity and authorization to work in the United States. Texas State University participates in E-Verify, and employment is contingent upon the successful verification of work authorization. Employees are required to maintain valid work authorization to satisfy the conditions of Form I9 at all times during their employment and the university makes no implicit or explicit promises to financially support visa or permanent residency applications.
Why Choose Texas State University?
Join the Texas State Bobcat team and experience a career that offers more than just a job-it's a path to a brighter future. As a Texas State employee, you'll enjoy:
Exceptional Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance with 100% premium coverage for employees and 50% for dependents, starting on your first day.
Generous Time Off: Enjoy vacation, holidays, sick leave, and more to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Wellness and Balance: Access a FREE wellness program, plus mother and family-friendly resources to support your personal well-being.
Professional Growth: Explore a wide range of training, development courses, certifications, and educational support programs.
Welcoming Campus: Become part of a vibrant Bobcat community with numerous social and professional networks.
Tuition Benefits: Take advantage of tuition support for yourself and for your dependent children, making higher education more accessible for your family.
Retirement Security: Secure your future with TRS pension, retirement plans, and voluntary savings options with strong employer contributions.
At Texas State University, you're not just an employee-you're a valued member of a thriving and beautiful campus community. Start your journey with us today. https://www.hr.txst.edu/benefits.html
Quick Link
https://jobs.hr.txstate.edu/postings/57004

What Texas State University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom