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Contract Archaeologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TERRACON

Project Archaeologist

Saint Louis, MO

Proven success developing proposals and pursuing large state or federal contracts. * Experience supervising and mentoring archaeological staff. * Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA) ...

TERRACON

Project Archaeologist

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

Proven success developing proposals and pursuing large state or federal contracts. * Experience supervising and mentoring archaeological staff. * Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA) ...

Valiant

Archaeologist II (China Lake)

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

Conduct archaeological monitoring, survey, testing, and data recovery. Conduct research to ... This position description is not a contract for employment and employment is "at-will" unless ...

FSA, NRCS, RMA, FPAC Careers

Archeologist

Jackson, MS · On-site

$89K/yr

AND Archeological field school. 2. Related Curriculum -- Degree in anthropology (with emphasis on ... Preparing and providing technical cultural resource content for contracts, environmental documents ...

DAWSON

Archaeologist

Yuma, AZ · On-site

LAUKOA is seeking archaeological candidates for field technicians, surveying, monitoring, and/or ... Location and pay will be based on contract needs. Responsibilities: * Daily monitoring of ...

Chloeta

Archaeological Laboratory Analyst

Asheville, NC · On-site

This role is anticipated to last 6 months, with the possibility of extension pending contract options. Duties/Responsibilities * Conduct archaeological laboratory analysis of precontact and historic ...

Fcs Co

Staff Archaeologist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $119K/yr

Mid-Career To Senior Archaeologist FirstCarbon Solutions (FCS), an ADEC Innovation, is seeking a ... Effectively negotiates sufficient fees and determines contract terms. * Prepares clear and ...

FirstCarbon Solutions

Staff Archaeologist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $119K/yr

Effectively negotiates sufficient fees and determines contract terms. * Prepares clear and ... Expertise in California Archaeology and general knowledge of the other Cultural Resources ...

ICF International, Inc.

Archaeologist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Archaeologist The Archaeologist position will provide cultural resource program support for major ... as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position. The pay range ...

FirstCarbon Solutions

Staff Archaeologist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $119K/yr

Effectively negotiates sufficient fees and determines contract terms. * Prepares clear and ... Expertise in California Archaeology and general knowledge of the other Cultural Resources ...

Stantec

Archaeologist

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$79K - $114K/yr

... including: archaeological survey, testing, evaluation, and construction monitoring, report and ... Construction contract administration and site inspection services * Participate in Health, Safety ...

Stantec

Archaeologist

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$79K - $114K/yr

... including: archaeological survey, testing, evaluation, and construction monitoring, report and ... Construction contract administration and site inspection services * Participate in Health, Safety ...

Stantec

Mid-Career Archeologist

Irvine, CA · On-site

Your Opportunity Stantec is seeking a skilled and motivated mid-career Staff Archaeologist with 3-5 ... Serve as a key team member (office/field) on major utilities compliance contracts and other ...

Stantec

Mid-Career Archeologist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Your Opportunity Stantec is seeking a skilled and motivated mid-career Staff Archaeologist with 3-5 ... Serve as a key team member (office/field) on major utilities compliance contracts and other ...

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Contract Archaeologist information

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$31.5K

$60.7K

$97K

How much do contract archaeologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 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 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.

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Contract Archaeologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Archaeologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,710 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Archaeologist II (China Lake)

Teya Development LLC

Ridgecrest, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Description
Purpose:
Conduct archaeological monitoring, survey, testing, and data recovery. Conduct research to reconstruct records of past human life and culture from human remains, artifacts, architectural features, and structures recovered through excavation, underwater recovery, or other means of discovery. Non-supervisory. May oversee the day-to-day work of Archaeological Technicians/Crew members.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Essential Duties and Responsibilities are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed for this position and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. Other duties may be assigned.
  • Assist senior archaeologists in conducting archaeological and historical site record searches.
  • Perform archival research, field surveys, site mapping, preparing California DPR-523 site forms.
  • Assist in writing reports that record site history, methodology, and artifact analysis results, along with recommendations for conservation and interpreting findings.
  • Study of objects and structures recovered by excavation to identify, date, to authenticate them and interpret their significance.
  • Consult site reports, existing artifacts, and topographic maps to identify archeological sites.
  • Record the precise location and conditions of artifacts uncovered in diggings or surveys, using drawings and photographs as necessary.
  • Create a grid of sites and draw and updates maps of unit profiles, stratum surfaces, features, and findings.
  • Describe artifacts' physical properties or attributes, such as the materials from which artifacts are made and their size, shape, functions, and decoration.
  • Conduct archaeological monitoring, survey, testing and data recovery.
  • Contribute to team efforts during field and lab work.
  • Take the initiative to resolve problems, and assist in creating improved procedures to ensure tasks are completed in the most effective manner.
  • Assist with mapping responsibilities in the field, including collection of GPS data using Trimble units (knowledge of ArcGIS Field Maps is a plus)

Required Qualifications and Experience:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology (or related field) and experience in the field of archaeology.
  • Minimum 1-year experience in archeology/Cultural Resources Management.
  • Must have a valid driver's license
  • Must be able to obtain access to military and other government facilities
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Secretary of Interior Standards Professional Qualification Standards Certificate

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Employee must maintain a constant state of mental alertness at all times. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Some sedentary work is performed in an office setting, while most work is performed outdoors in rugged terrain, extreme temperature ranges, and often in uninhabited areas.
  • Must be able to walk 8-10 miles a day with a field pack and ample water, over rough terrain in variable weather conditions which include high temperatures in summer months.
  • A portion of the duties require working outdoors under extreme temperature, strenuous physical effort associated with hiking during archaeological reconnaissance and surveys, such as climbing steep slopes, and physical labor such as stooping, bending, carrying loads weighing more than 50 pounds associated with archaeological excavation work.

Additional Position Duties:
This position description is intended to describe the general content and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Other duties may be assigned, and the company reserves the right to modify, interpret, and apply the job description as necessary. This position description is not a contract for employment and employment is "at-will" unless otherwise stated in a Union contract, employment agreement, or where prohibited by local, state, or federal regulations.
EEO Statement:
It is the company's policy to select, place, train and promote the most qualified individuals based upon relevant factors such as work quality, attitude, and experience, to provide Equal Employment Opportunity for all employees in compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws and without regard to non-work-related factors such as race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected status. When applicable, the company's policy of non-discrimination applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, transfer, promotion, placement, layoff, compensation, termination, reduction in force, and benefits. It is the company's business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodation, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities.

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