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Director Archaeology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

BA/BS degree (MS/MA preferred) in Archaeology, Anthropology, or related field. * 5 - 7 + years of ... Ability to apply methods, techniques and practices used to direct archaeological and historic site ...

Archaeological data collection (GPS, photographs, site forms, site sketch, artifact sketch ... Interest in a temporary post-field office position should be communicated to the field director or ...

Senior Archaeologist

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$78.10 - $113.85/hr

BA/BS degree (MS/MA preferred) in Archaeology, Anthropology, or related field. * 5 - 7 + years of ... Ability to apply methods, techniques and practices used to direct archaeological and historic site ...

BA/BS degree (MS/MA preferred) in Archaeology, Anthropology, or related field. * 5 - 7 + years of ... Ability to apply methods, techniques and practices used to direct archaeological and historic site ...

Showing results 21-40

Director Archaeology information

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$13K

$83.8K

$172.5K

How much do director archaeology jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 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 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 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.

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.

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:

Infographic showing various Director Archaeology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,846 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

Senior Archaeologist

WSP

Cottonwood Heights, UT • On-site

$78K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


WSP rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description


This Opportunity
WSP USA Inc. is seeking a Senior Archaeologist for our Cultural Resources Group based in our Salt Lake City, Utah, Portland, Oregon, or Seattle, WA offices. This individual will work with a multidisciplinary team of archaeologists, biologists, and ecologists on a variety of project scales. This is a full-time position. The successful candidate must possess at least five years of experience plus excellent research and writing skills.
Your Impact
  • Assist with managing complex projects, maintaining client relations, supporting proposal writing efforts, and directing archaeological fieldwork and report preparation.
  • Possess and apply strong leadership, technical, and communication skills in support of project and team objectives.
  • Travel frequently throughout the region while also performing office-based responsibilities as required by project needs.
  • Meet experience and permit requirements for work conducted in Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and/or Wyoming.
  • Conduct pedestrian field inventory, evaluative testing, site mitigation, and monitoring activities as part of fieldwork responsibilities.
  • Lead field crews and coordinate effectively with subcontractors during field operations.
  • Conduct office tasks including pre-field preparations, preparation of site forms, technical report writing, and other related assignments.
  • Coordinate frequently with Federal and State agencies as well as project stakeholders to support compliance and project execution.
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Who You Are
Required Qualifications
  • 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, Intermountain West, and/or Southwest of the United States, supervising Cultural Resource Management field investigations.
  • Ability to be listed as a Field Director (at a minimum) on the regional BLM Cultural Resource Use Permits is required.
  • Extensive knowledge and understanding of equipment, technology, and paperwork used in the recording and documentation of archaeological sites and artifacts.
  • Demonstrated experience in archaeological analysis and report writing.
  • Ability to work independently, and to fully plan and execute personal assignments with minimal instruction.
  • Knowledge of health and safety standards.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license.
  • Ability to work long hours, in harsh environments, and in varying weather conditions.
  • Ability to successfully lead teams composed of diverse personalities.
  • Candidates may expect to be subject to client or project specific formal background checks or drug test regimens.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related discipline.

WSP Benefits:
WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.
Compensation:
Expected Salary (all locations): $78,100 - $129,800
WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.
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