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Director Archaeology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Westland Resources

Archaeology Field Director

Reno, NV · On-site

$30 - $39.50/hr

WestLand is seeking full-time Archaeology Field Directors for our growing western Cultural Resources teams. Our crews can be found working for a variety of clients throughout the West where we ...

Westland Resources

Archaeology Field Director

Reno, NV · On-site

$30 - $39.50/hr

WestLand is seeking full-time Archaeology Field Directors for our growing western Cultural Resources teams. Our crews can be found working for a variety of clients throughout the West where we ...

WestLand Resources

Archaeology Field Director

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$30 - $39.50/hr

WestLand is seeking full-time Archaeology Field Directors for our growing western Cultural Resources teams. Our crews can be found working for a variety of clients throughout the West where we ...

Merjent

Staff Archaeologist - Bismarck, ND

Bismarck, ND · On-site

$72K - $111K/yr

position summaryMerjent, Inc. (Merjent) is seeking a full-time Staff Archaeologist/Principal Investigator to conduct, oversee, and direct archaeological field investigations, implementing field ...

Westland Resources

Archaeology Field Director

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$30 - $39/hr

WestLand is seeking a full-time Archaeology Field Director to join our Cultural Resources team in Tucson Arizona. The ideal candidate will have an expertise in southwestern cultural history ...

WSP

Senior Archaeologist

Cottonwood Heights, UT

Bachelor's degree or commensurate experience in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related discipline. * Minimum of five years of experience as a project archaeologist/field director in the Great Basin ...

WSP

Senior Archaeologist

Cottonwood Heights, UT · On-site

Bachelor's degree or commensurate experience in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related discipline. * Minimum of five years of experience as a project archaeologist/field director in the Great Basin ...

Merjent

Staff Archaeologist - Bismarck, ND

Bismarck, ND · On-site

$72K - $111K/yr

position summary Merjent, Inc. (Merjent) is seeking a full-time Staff Archaeologist/Principal Investigator to conduct, oversee, and direct archaeological field investigations, implementing field ...

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Director Archaeology information

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$13K

$83.8K

$172.5K

How much do director archaeology jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for director archaeology in the United States is $83,846.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $106,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main challenges a director of archaeology typically faces when managing multiple excavation projects?

A Director of Archaeology often encounters the challenge of balancing limited resources—such as budgets, staff, and equipment—across several concurrent projects. Coordinating with interdisciplinary teams, navigating regulatory requirements, and ensuring proper documentation and preservation of findings are also key aspects of the role. Effective communication with stakeholders, including local communities and governmental agencies, is essential to address logistical or cultural concerns that may arise. Successfully managing these complexities requires strong leadership, organizational skills, and adaptability.

Is archaeology a stressful job?

Archaeology as a profession can be stressful due to project deadlines, fieldwork conditions, and funding constraints. It often requires physical effort, attention to detail, and adaptability to changing environments, which can contribute to job-related stress.

What does a director of archaeology do?

A Director of Archaeology oversees archaeological projects, managing teams of archaeologists and ensuring that excavations and research comply with legal and ethical standards. They are responsible for securing funding, developing research strategies, and liaising with government agencies, academic institutions, and the public. Their role often includes supervising the documentation, preservation, and analysis of archaeological finds, as well as contributing to publications and educational outreach. This position requires strong leadership, organizational skills, and in-depth knowledge of archaeological methods and regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of archaeology?

To thrive as a Director of Archaeology, you need advanced knowledge in archaeological theory and methods, a relevant graduate degree (often a PhD), and extensive fieldwork experience. Familiarity with GIS software, heritage management systems, and relevant permits or certifications (such as Registered Professional Archaeologist) is common. Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills are vital for overseeing multidisciplinary teams and engaging stakeholders. These skills ensure effective research, compliance with regulations, and the successful preservation and interpretation of cultural heritage.

What is the difference between Director Archaeology vs Archaeologist?

AspectDirector ArchaeologyArchaeologist
CredentialsBachelor's or master's degree; often requires experience in leadership rolesBachelor's or master's degree in archaeology or related field
Work EnvironmentLeadership in research projects, managing teams, overseeing budgetsFieldwork, lab analysis, research, and excavation activities
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government agencies, cultural resource firmsResearch institutions, museums, government agencies, private firms

The main difference is that a Director Archaeology oversees projects and teams, focusing on management and strategy, while an Archaeologist conducts fieldwork and research. Both roles require relevant education, but the Director typically has more experience and leadership responsibilities.

Is there a high demand for archaeologists?

The demand for archaeologists, including those in director roles, is generally steady but varies by region and funding availability. Employment is often linked to academic, government, and cultural resource management projects, with opportunities increasing as heritage preservation and environmental assessments grow in importance.
More about Director Archaeology jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Archaeology jobs? Cities with the most Director Archaeology job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Archaeology jobs? The most popular types of Archaeology jobs are:
What states have the most Director Archaeology jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Archaeology jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Director Archaeology jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Director Archaeology jobs are:
Director Archaeology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Archaeology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,846 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

Archaeology - Principal Investigator

Atwell, LLC

Atwell, NY • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Atwell rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

82nd of 446 rated engineering

Job description

Atwell is seeking a full-time Archaeological Principal Investigator to conduct, oversee, and direct field investigations, implementing procedures established by our clients and our firm.  Projects range from small, self-performed field investigations or supervising a field crews. The Principal Investigator will be responsible for performing tasks associated with archaeological investigations and surveys within the archaeological project area; completing project documentation and reports; as well as coordinating fieldwork, scheduling, reporting, and any other project needs with leaders and clients. A successful candidate will be self-motivated, have time management skills, and have a working knowledge of both state and federal regulations. This position will be remote and can report to any of our 76 offices as needed.  

The Principal Investigator will be responsible for the following: Completing initial project reviews for our clients and project managers. Performing pedestrian walkover surveys, controlled surface surveys, and hand excavation (shovel testing), often times solo. Maintaining field records and paperwork. Directing archaeological site documentation. During pedestrian survey, determining types of appropriate survey coverage within the project area. Ensuring accurate digital recordation of survey data. Digital recordation and mapping of archaeological sites using an established data dictionary. Digital data quality control. Authoring reports, agency letters, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act request forms, and other documents. Overall safety of the field crew and ensuring adherence to project safety protocols. Adhering to all of Atwell and client-directed safety policies and procedures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Coordinate project needs between Project Managers and clients with the rest of the cultural resource group. Communicating with clients, Project Managers, and other team members.

Qualifications

Archaeology with a graduate degree in archaeology, anthropology, or related science required. Project-specific certifications and licensure may be required, if applicable. 

A graduate degree with a minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in a similar leadership capacity conducting pedestrian survey and evaluative site testing fieldwork is preferred. Knowledge of state-specific cultural resource guidelines is required Experience with leading field crews.

Working knowledge of word processing, internet browsers, photo management software, and email. Working knowledge of federal and various state regulations as they pertain to cultural resource management. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, area, ratio, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply basic mathematical concepts to practical situations. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general technical procedures and governmental regulations related to cultural and historic preservation. Ability to write detailed archaeological reports and business correspondence. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret technical instructions and work with abstract and concrete variables. 

Disclaimer 

While AI tools may support your application process, this role is built on human talent. Your judgment, experience, and character matter most, so we encourage you to showcase what makes you uniquely you.

Atwell does not accept unsolicited resumes from any 3rd party agencies. No fee will be paid to 3rd parties who submit unsolicited resumes to any Atwell employee. Resumes from approved vendors must be specifically requested by Atwell and approved by the Atwell Talent Acquisition Team.

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