Independent Contractor Archaeology Lab Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Grounded in safety, quality, and ethics, our experts lead their fields and guide our work with rigor, a creative spirit, and a vision for growth. We draw from more than 20 technical specialties worldwide and are committed to fostering an inclusive community of diverse talents, backgrounds, and expertise. We're a place to apply your passion and collaborate with top environmental talents on work critical to our clients and the communities they support. Join a team that has the environment down to a science.
Your Opportunity
Join Stantec's Environmental Services Cultural Resources Team in Southern California. We are seeking motivated team members to help grow our Cultural Resources program, which currently supports a variety of clients and projects, including statewide utility compliance programs, hydroelectric relicensing studies, as well as a wide range of CEQA and Section 106 projects involving desktop review, pedestrian survey, and construction monitoring. We strive to provide each cultural team member with a diverse range of work experiences and mentorship to help them advance in their careers. Stantec offers a flexible work schedule to maintain a work-life balance.
Stantec seeks on-call archaeologists to support our growing portfolio of fieldwork. We have offices throughout southern California, including Pasadena, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Monrovia, San Diego, Bakersfield, Fresno, Ventura, Santa Maria, and Santa Barbara. We welcome applications from archaeologists located in southern California.
Your Responsibilities

• Directly support archaeological Field Directors and Project Managers by assisting with pre-field planning, cultural surveys, shovel test pits (STPs), test excavations, and monitoring of construction activities.
• Identify, document, and record precontact and historic-era cultural resources, including built-environment resources, in accordance with state and federal standards.
• Complete detailed field documentation, including site records, feature forms, Munsell soil descriptions, sketch maps, and photographic logs.
• Employ digital site mapping tools (ESRI Field Maps, Survey123, ArcGIS Online, etc.) and GPS/GNSS units with sub-meter accuracy.
• Conduct desktop research as needed, including record searches, archival reviews, and preparation of DPR 523 forms or equivalent state records.
• Support archaeological impact assessments and contribute observations to site significance evaluations under NRHP/CRHR criteria.
• Prepare accurate, timely deliverables, including daily logs, monitoring reports, and HSSE documentation.
• Follow company safety protocols and field procedures, and contribute to a safe, respectful, and professional work environment.
• Work effectively as part of a team or independently in a variety of field conditions, often under limited supervision.
• Provide logistical support in the field, including equipment care, vehicle use, and coordination of supplies.

Your Capabilities

• Willingness to learn, flexibility in assignments, ability to follow directions, and strong communication skills to work effectively as part of a team.
• Residence in southern California with availability for moderate out-of-town travel.
• Completion of an archaeological field school or demonstrable equivalent training.
• Familiarity with GPS/GNSS units and smart devices for geospatial data collection, including applications such as Survey123, Collector, and Fulcrum.
• Working knowledge of California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) 523 site forms.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks in remote areas and hot, dry climates, including walking or hiking long distances, carrying up to 50 pounds, and excavating.
• Strong technical writing skills and proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Valid driver's license and good driving record.
• Knowledge of California and/or Great Basin archaeology.

Your Credentials and Experience
Bachelor's degree or higher in Anthropology or Archaeology from an accredited university
1-year minimum relevant experience (i.e., field school, internship, lab experience, CRM field work)
Archaeological experience in California, preferred.
Experience working on both small and large archaeological crews, preferred.
Although this position is primarily field-based, you may also engage in typical office tasks, such as working with computers and remaining sedentary. Field work may include exposure to the elements, including inclement weather.
This description is not an exhaustive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that may be required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may be assigned or changed at any time, with or without notice.
Stantec is a place where the best and brightest come to build on each other's talents, do exciting work, and make an impact on the world around us. Join us and redefine your personal best.
About Stantec
Stantec is a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting. The diverse perspectives of our partners and interested parties drive us to think beyond what's previously been done on critical issues like climate change, digital transformation, and future-proofing our cities and infrastructure. We innovate at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships to advance communities everywhere, so that together we can redefine what's possible.
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Pay Range:
• Locations in CO, HI, IL, MD & Various CA, NJ, VA Areas-$50,100.00 - $70,100.00 Annually
• Locations in WA, DC & Various CA, MA, VA Areas-$53,700.00 - $75,200.00 Annually
Pay Transparency: In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are provided for positions in locations where required. Please note, the final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. At Stantec certain roles are bonus eligible. Actual compensation for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on the agreed number of working hours per week.
Benefits Summary: Regular full-time and part-time employees (working at least 20 hours per week) have access to medical, dental, and vision plans, a wellness program, health saving accounts, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase program, life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short-term/long-term disability plans, emergency travel benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional membership fee coverage and paid family leave. Regular full-time and part-time employees will receive ten paid holidays in each calendar year. In addition, employees will be eligible to accrue vacation between 10 and 20 days per year and eligible for paid sick leave (and if more generous, in accordance with state and local law).
Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid leave, in accordance with state and local law.
The benefits information listed above may not apply to union positions because benefits for such positions are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements
Primary Location: United States | CA | Pasadena
Other Locations: United States | CA | Monrovia
Organization: 1858 EnvSvcs-US West S California-Bakersfield CA
Employee Status: Temporary
Business Justification: New Position
Travel: Yes
Schedule: Full time
Job Posting: 23/06/2026 09:06:01
Req ID: 1006462
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Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. At Stantec we are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process then please inform a member of our Talent Acquisition team.