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Entry Level Archaeologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Staff Archaeologist

Billings, MT ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Cultural Resources Technician - Typically an entry level role with a bachelor's degree preferred * Assistant Staff Archaeologist -- Typically with at least one year of relevant industry experience ...

New

Staff Archaeologist

Sheridan, WY ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Cultural Resources Technician - Typically an entry level role with a bachelor's degree preferred * Assistant Staff Archaeologist -- Typically with at least one year of relevant industry experience ...

Staff Archaeologist

Sheridan, WY ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Cultural Resources Technician - Typically an entry level role with a bachelor's degree preferred * Assistant Staff Archaeologist - Typically with at least one year of relevant industry experience and ...

On Call Field Archaeologist

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$23.13 - $31.78/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... entry-level technical assistance on various preservation and environmental issues. * Generate ... Archaeological field school or similar archaeological field experience. * 0-2 years of ...

On Call Field Archaeologist

Reno, NV ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... entry-level technical assistance on various preservation and environmental issues. * Generate ... Archaeological field school or similar archaeological field experience. * 0-2 years of ...

On Call Field Archaeologist

Reno, NV ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... entry-level technical assistance on various preservation and environmental issues. * Generate ... Archaeological field school or similar archaeological field experience. * 0-2 years of ...

On Call Field Archaeologist

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$23.13 - $31.78/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... entry-level technical assistance on various preservation and environmental issues. * Generate ... Archaeological field school or similar archaeological field experience. * 0-2 years of ...

Archaeological Technician

Alpharetta, GA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This position is considered entry level and hourly. Part-time roles are intended to be flexible in schedule and as needed; students who have completed their archaeological field school training are ...

Archaeological Technician

Alpharetta, GA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This position is considered entry level and hourly. Part-time roles are intended to be flexible in schedule and as needed; students who have completed their archaeological field school training are ...

On Call Field Archaeologists

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$34.86 - $49.86/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... entry-level technical assistance on various preservation and environmental issues. * Generate ... Archaeological field school or similar archaeological field experience. * 5-7 years of ...

On Call Field Archaeologists

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$34.86 - $49.86/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... entry-level technical assistance on various preservation and environmental issues. * Generate ... Archaeological field school or similar archaeological field experience. * 5-7 years of ...

Archaeological Technician

Alpharetta, GA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This position is considered entry level and hourly. Part-time roles are intended to be flexible in schedule and as needed; students who have completed their archaeological field school training are ...

Environmental Technician I

Bismarck, ND ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Joining Terracon as an Entry-Level Environmental Technician is a great opportunity to begin your ... Our professionals include environmental architects, archaeologists, biologists, engineers ...

Environmental Technician I

Bismarck, ND ยท On-site

$19.50 - $23.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Joining Terracon as an Entry-Level Environmental Technician is a great opportunity to begin your ... Our professionals include environmental architects, archaeologists, biologists, engineers ...

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Entry Level Archaeologist information

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$31.5K

$60.7K

$97K

How much do entry level archaeologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level 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 does an entry level archaeologist do?

An entry level archaeologist assists with fieldwork, lab analysis, and research under the supervision of more experienced archaeologists. Their tasks often include surveying and excavating sites, recording findings, cleaning and cataloging artifacts, and helping with data entry and report writing. They may also be responsible for maintaining excavation equipment and following safety protocols. This role is a stepping stone to more advanced positions and provides valuable hands-on experience in archaeological methods and practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level archaeologist?

To thrive as an Entry Level Archaeologist, you need a bachelor's degree in archaeology or anthropology, a solid grasp of archaeological methods, and fieldwork experience. Familiarity with GIS software, GPS units, and artifact cataloging systems is commonly expected. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective written and verbal communication skills help you excel in both field and lab environments. These skills ensure accurate data collection, effective collaboration, and proper documentation, which are vital for successful archaeological research and compliance projects.

What are the typical fieldwork expectations for an entry level archaeologist, and how often will I be working on-site versus in the office?

As an entry level archaeologist, you can expect to spend a significant portion of your time in the field, especially during active excavation seasons. Fieldwork often involves tasks such as surveying, mapping, collecting samples, and recording site data, which may require travel and working in various weather conditions. When not in the field, you will likely be involved in processing artifacts, conducting research, and preparing reports in an office or laboratory setting. The balance between field and office work can vary by project and employer, but early-career archaeologists generally gain substantial hands-on field experience to build a strong foundation for advancement.

What is the difference between Entry Level Archaeologist vs Field Technician?

AspectEntry Level ArchaeologistField Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in archaeology, anthropology, or related fieldHigh school diploma or associate's degree, some may have relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentExcavation sites, labs, museumsExcavation sites, fieldwork environments
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, cultural resource firms, museumsConstruction companies, archaeological consulting firms

Entry Level Archaeologists typically hold a bachelor's degree and focus on archaeological research, excavation, and analysis. Field Technicians often have less formal education and assist with excavation and site documentation. Both roles work in similar environments but differ in educational requirements and job responsibilities.

Are entry level archaeologists still in demand?

Entry level archaeologists are in steady demand in fields such as cultural resource management, environmental consulting, and academia, especially for projects requiring field surveys and excavation skills. Employment opportunities often depend on project funding, regional development, and the ability to obtain relevant certifications like GIS or survey licenses.

How to become an entry level archaeologist with no experience?

To become an entry level archaeologist with no experience, individuals should pursue a relevant bachelor's degree in archaeology, anthropology, or a related field. Gaining practical skills through internships, volunteering on excavations, and learning to use tools like GIS and survey equipment can improve job prospects; obtaining certifications such as first aid or safety training is also beneficial.

What can I do to get started as an entry level archaeologist?

To start as an entry level archaeologist, obtaining a bachelor's degree in archaeology, anthropology, or a related field is essential. Gaining field experience through internships, volunteering on excavations, and learning to use tools like GIS and survey equipment can improve job prospects. Certification or training in safety and excavation techniques can also be beneficial.
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What cities are hiring for Entry Level Archaeologist jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level 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 Entry Level Archaeologist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Archaeologist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Entry Level 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.

Staff Archaeologist

SWCA Environmental Consultants

Billings, MT โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

About the opportunity

SWCA's Environmental Consultants is seeking multiple Staff Archaeologists to join our Wyoming/Montana office based in Sheridan, WY. Hiring will be for temporary positions to assist with upcoming cultural resources management work across Wyoming, Montana, and the surrounding region.

Under the supervision of a Cultural Resources Lead, this position will perform office and field tasks while working with and supervising crew members. In this role, you will assist a variety of office and field-based tasks. Office tasks include laboratory work, the preparation of site forms, and technical reports. Field tasks include managing all aspects of fieldwork, supervising one or more crews of archaeological technicians during survey, site recording, monitoring, or excavation projects.

This is a temporary, hourly, non-exempt (eligible for overtime) field-based assignment, with variable hours. This assignment is anticipated to last six months, with the possibility of extension based on project needs.

This requisition can hire at three levels -

  • Cultural Resources Technician - Typically an entry level role with a bachelor's degree preferred
  • Assistant Staff Archaeologist -- Typically with at least one year of relevant industry experience and expertise preferred; relevant bachelor's degree required
  • Staff Archaeologist - Typically with at least one to two years of relevant industry experience and expertise required; two or more years preferred; relevant master's degree required.

Application deadline: Our team will begin reviewing applications immediately, and interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The application process will remain open until we have received a robust pool of qualified candidates. Once we have identified suitable individuals, we may close the application process without prior notice. We appreciate the time and effort invested by all applicants and will carefully consider each submission.

What you will accomplish
  • Assist with office-based tasks, including laboratory work, performing literature reviews, research, site form preparation, and technical report preparation, as needed;
  • Work independently in a responsible manner, within defined schedules, and meet deadlines;
  • Communicate effectively when reporting to Project Archaeologists, Principal Investigators, clients, and client representatives in the field, such as land agents, to facilitate successful project planning and logistics;
  • Ensure that appropriate preliminary research is conducted and organized before fieldwork, and that necessary equipment, staff, and other resources are ready for fieldwork;
  • Accurately identify historic-era and precontact artifacts and features, and train less experienced field crew members in their identification.
  • Adheres to the safety program and looks out for the safety of others, promptly communicating and mitigating safety hazards.
  • As a staff archaeologist, depending upon the project, an element of your job may be to independently supervise an archaeological survey crew in the field. This includes:
    • independently assigning and directing the activities of others on behalf of SWCA, often in remote areas without immediate guidance from senior managers, to ensure quality and on-time delivery;
    • ensuring that employees understand their responsibilities and delegated tasks and being held accountable if crew members under your supervision are not performing their activities correctly, productively, and safely;
    • serving as a conduit of communication between employees and senior managers, including communicating issues to relevant senior managers;
    • receiving and resolving complaints from employees in the field; and
    • monitoring team productivity and providing timely performance feedback, including deciding when disciplinary action is necessary and delivering discipline.

Experience and qualifications for success

Minimum Qualifications:

  • A master's degree in anthropology, archaeology, or a closely related field
  • Two (2) years of experience conducting field assessments with a cultural resources focus
  • Current valid driver's license and the ability to safely operate a 4wd vehicle on rugged, backcountry roads
  • Ability to travel to a location, walk and conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather, rugged terrain, and ability to carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds
  • Ability and willingness to work at least 75% of the time in the field.

Preferred qualifications:

  • An accredited Field School Certification.
  • Two (2) years of experience conducting a wide range of field methodologies, including archaeological survey, testing, excavation, methodology and/or monitoring.
  • Meets the qualifications of a Secretary of the Interior Qualified Archaeologist
  • CPR and First Aid certified.
  • Can pass drug testing and alcohol screening as some projects require such screenings

Why Work at SWCA:

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full-spectrum of environmental services. Our Vision (the North Star) is to make SWCA the best workplace and industry leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges while maintaining a dedication to employee-ownership. We live our core values: we collaborate as #OneSWCA; we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack.

We are 100% employee-owned, and we build our success together. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record's Top 200 Environmental Firms. We offer a supportive, team-oriented work environment and competitive wages and benefits, including an 100% employee stock ownership plan (retirement).

At SWCA, we support our team members in developing their careers to make them leaders in their industry. Our Career Landscape initiative is a process and guide designed to help develop chart rewarding career paths for employees at SWCA. We encourage professional conference attendance, internal and external professional development and training programs, education reimbursement, and bonuses for publications meeting certain criteria. All regular status employees are eligible to participate in SWCA medical, dental, vision, employee assistance, wellness, life and disability plans, and are eligible to participate in the SWCA 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust.

If you need assistance accessing SWCA's website, completing the online application, or require accommodations at any point during the hiring process due to a disability, please contact us at accommodations@swca.com or call 1-480-581-5378. We're committed to providing an inclusive and supportive experience for all candidates. This contact information is specifically for accommodation requests; other inquiries will not receive a response.

SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees. In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges in all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.

An employee in this Wyoming/Montana position can expect an hourly rate pay rate of:

  • Cultural Resources Technician: $19.31-$25.49
  • Assistant Staff Archaeologist: $21.63-$27.81
  • Staff Archaeologist: $23.95-$30.64

Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law.

SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA's continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.

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#IND-SWCA