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Contract Archaeologist Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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Contract Archaeologist information

See Oregon salary details

$33.3K

$64.2K

$102.6K

How much do contract archaeologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract archaeologist in Oregon is $64,188.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,700.00 and $73,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract archaeologist?

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 versus 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract archaeologist, 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 are the most commonly searched types of Archaeologist jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of Archaeologist jobs in Oregon are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Archaeologist jobs in Oregon?

For Contract Archaeologist jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Archaeologist jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Archaeologist jobs in Oregon are:

Contract Archaeologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Archaeologist job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,188 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Senior Archaeologist | Project Manager | Portland, OR

Chronicle Heritage

Hillsboro, OR • On-site, Remote

$85K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead technical studies and ensure high-quality, on-time deliverables for clients

  • Oversee and coordinate field investigations, desktop research, and impact analysis

  • Provide technical oversight, quality control, and ensure compliance with regulations

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 currently seeking a Senior Archaeologist to serve as a Project Manager based out of our Portland office, with an option for remote work. The successful applicant will work alongside our existing Office Principals and other senior staff to successfully navigate a variety of federal, state, and municipal ordinances for our clients.
Hire Type: Full-time (Hourly)
Schedule: Monday–Friday, normal business hours
Location: Oregon, remote
The Senior Archaeologist will:
  • Lead technical studies and ensure clients receive high-quality, on-time deliverables
  • Oversee and coordinate with teams conducting both field and desktop research and impact analysis
  • Provide technical oversight and interdisciplinary team oversight
  • Provide quality control for all deliverables and ensure compliance with applicable regulations
  • Train and mentor staff and actively engage in professional development
  • Interface with clients and external stakeholders
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulations affecting CRM and general industry trends
  • Demonstrate technical excellence in area of expertise and maintain knowledge of best management practices
  • Oversee field investigations of proposed project sites to assess or evaluate resources or the potential for resources
  • Direct collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; formulate recommendations and solutions to highly complex problems or those involving risk
  • Develop and maintain existing and new business relationships in collaboration with other senior staff and Office Principals
  • Strategically identify and pursue new leads, oversee the preparation of proposals, and procure project contracts
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in archaeology, anthropology, or a closely related field
  • 5+ years of experience managing survey, testing, and data recovery projects of various sizes and complexity, including technical, project, or program management roles within an environmental, engineering, or cultural consulting firm
  • 2+ years of experience serving as a Project Manager or Principal Investigator on survey, testing, and data recovery projects
  • Expert knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of CRM and relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations
  • Knowledge of and experience in applying research methods and forming and maintaining effective client and interagency internal-team relationships
  • Valid driver’s license
Preferred Skills
  • Advanced degree in archaeology, anthropology, or a closely related field
  • 7+ years of experience preparing a variety of technical reports, including treatment plans and comprehensive data recovery reports
  • Eligible to be an Oregon Qualified Archaeologist, or meet the SOI Standards for Archaeology, or meet the Washington State Statute 27.53.030
  • Professional accreditation
  • Ability to manage projects and teams as a leader and/or supervisor and to handle multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment
  • Excellent verbal and written skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work with a large, multi-disciplinary team and promote and sustain effective working relationships with clients, the public, and other agencies
  • Proficient organizational, schedule, and budget management skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project)
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.

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