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Contract Archaeologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DAWSON

Archaeologist

Campo, CA · On-site

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

DAWSON

Archaeologist

Nogales, AZ

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

DAWSON

Archaeologist

El Paso, TX

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

DAWSON

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

DAWSON

Archaeologist

Yuma, AZ · On-site

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

FirstCarbon Solutions

Staff Archaeologist

Irvine, CA

$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 ...

DAWSON

Archaeologist

Sierra Blanca, TX · On-site

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

DAWSON

Archaeologist

Douglas, AZ · On-site

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

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 ...

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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 Jun 10, 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:
Contract Archaeologist jobs near you
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.
Archaeologist

Archaeologist

DAWSON

Campo, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Mahalo for your interest in this role! Please see the full position description below and click Start Your Application when ready. For more information about DAWSON, please visit dawsonohana.com.

SUMMARY:

DAWSON is seeking archaeological candidates for field technicians, surveying, monitoring, and/or excavating projects throughout the US, but mostly along the US/Mexico Border. Per diem (lodging, subsistence) provided at federal rates. Compensation is paid hourly, with overtime available. Open positions include full and part time assignments. Several projects are up to two years in duration.

Work for this position will be located at one of the following sites:

  • Sierra Blanca, TX
  • Laredo, TX
  • El Paso, TX
  • Douglas, AZ
  • Nogales, AZ
  • Yuma, AZ
  • Campo, CA
  • Jacumba, CA
  • El Centro, CA

*Location and pay will be based on contract needs.

Responsibilities:

  • Daily monitoring of construction activities
  • Completion of daily monitoring logs
  • Recordation of cultural resources
  • Phase I (Class III) pedestrian survey
  • Testing and data recovery tasks as needed
  • Communication and coordination with DAWSON senior team members

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Anthropology, Archaeology or closely related field.
  • 2+ years of relevant archaeological experience or professional internships.
  • Ability to identify historical and pre-contact artifacts and features.
  • Effective written/verbal communication and organization/analytical skills; experience recording/writing technical data and reports a plus.
  • Detail-oriented and hands-on troubleshooting/problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to multi-task, maintain flexibility, travel, and work independently as well as with supervision.
  • Familiarity with environmental regulations including but not limited to the NHPA, NEPA, ARPA and NAGPRA.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license.
  • Able to pass a federal and state background check for project-based assignments.
  • Working knowledge of GIS software a plus.
  • Ability to stand for long periods.
  • Ability to walk in inclement weather, at high altitudes and in rugged terrain
  • Ability to carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds.
  • Ability to operate a 4wd vehicle
  • Ability to withstand high outdoor temperatures

DAWSON is an Equal Opportunity/VEVRAA federal contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

DAWSON offers a best-in-class benefits program including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) program with employer match; paid vacation and sick leave; employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance; an Employee Assistance Program; and a flexible work environment. Additionally, employees can choose from several voluntary benefits including critical illness coverage; accident insurance; identity theft coverage; pet insurance, and more.

DAWSON gives preference to internal candidates. If no internal candidate meets our qualifications, external candidates will be given consideration.

DAWSONs career portal utilizes a third-party applicant tracking system that allows us to send and receive messages, along with our official DAWSON email addresses. Recruiting emails from DAWSON will only come from @dawsonohana.com or @msg.clrco.com. DAWSON will never: Ask you to send money or purchase equipment as part of the hiring process; Require you to download any apps to interview such as Teams, WhatsApp, etc.; Conduct interviews via Teams chat or messaging-only platforms; or Request banking information outside of secure onboarding steps. To verify current opportunities, use this official careers page. If you are ever unsure about DAWSON roles and communications, contact us at recruiting@dawsonohana.com before taking action.

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