1

Overnight Archaeological Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Project Archaeologist

Nashville, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... and Conservation Tennessee SHPO Standards and Guidelines for Archaeological Resource Management ... Ability to travel for overnight (including multiple days away) work assignments. Ability to pass ...

NC · On-site

$17/hr

... State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the ... The secondary role is to connect guests with the Zoo's conservation and animal welfare initiatives ...

Park Ranger

Rufus, OR · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

Participates in conservation, preservation, restoration and use of project natural and cultural ... Occasional overnight travel required (approximately 10%) for training, conferences and rotational ...

Park Ranger

Rufus, OR · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

Participates in conservation, preservation, restoration and use of project natural and cultural ... Occasional overnight travel required (approximately 10%) for training, conferences and rotational ...

Overnight Archaeological Conservation information

See salary details

$31.5K

$60.7K

$97K

How much do overnight archaeological conservation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for overnight archaeological conservation 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 is overnight archaeological conservation?

Overnight archaeological conservation involves the preservation and stabilization of artifacts and materials that have been excavated during night shifts or after regular working hours. This work is critical to ensure that sensitive items are protected from deterioration or damage immediately after their discovery. Overnight conservators often work in labs or on-site, using specialized techniques and materials to clean, document, and stabilize artifacts until further analysis can be conducted during regular hours. Their efforts help maintain the integrity and scientific value of archaeological finds.

What key skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an overnight archaeological conservationist?

To thrive as an Overnight Archaeological Conservationist, you need a background in archaeology or conservation science, experience with artifact handling, and relevant academic qualifications such as a degree in conservation or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory conservation techniques, chemical treatment tools, and digital documentation systems is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the accurate preservation and documentation of artifacts, often under time-sensitive or solitary working conditions.

What are some unique challenges faced by professionals working in overnight archaeological conservation roles?

Overnight archaeological conservationists often face challenges such as working with limited lighting or in isolated environments, which can make detailed conservation work more demanding. Additionally, they must be highly vigilant about environmental controls, as temperature and humidity fluctuations can be more pronounced at night and directly impact artifact preservation. Collaboration with daytime teams is crucial, requiring excellent communication to ensure continuity of conservation efforts and accurate documentation. Despite these challenges, the role offers a unique opportunity to work with fragile materials in a quieter setting, allowing for focused attention on delicate tasks.

What is the difference between Overnight Archaeological Conservation vs Field Archaeologist?

AspectOvernight Archaeological ConservationField Archaeologist
CredentialsRelevant conservation certifications, archaeology trainingArchaeology degree or fieldwork experience
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, conservation labs, sometimes on-site at excavation locationsExcavation sites, outdoor environments, fieldwork settings
Employer & IndustryMuseums, cultural heritage organizations, conservation labsArchaeological firms, research institutions, universities

Overnight Archaeological Conservation focuses on preserving artifacts in labs, often requiring conservation certifications, while Field Archaeologists conduct excavations and gather data directly from sites. Both roles are essential in archaeology but differ mainly in work environment and specific skill sets.

More about Overnight Archaeological Conservation jobs

What cities are hiring for Overnight Archaeological Conservation jobs?

Cities with the most Overnight Archaeological Conservation job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Archaeological Conservation jobs?

The most popular types of Archaeological Conservation jobs are:

What states have the most Overnight Archaeological Conservation jobs?

States with the most job openings for Overnight Archaeological Conservation jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Overnight Archaeological Conservation jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Overnight Archaeological Conservation jobs are:

Infographic showing various Overnight Archaeological Conservation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,710 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Project Archaeologist

TERRACON

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Terracon rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 119 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

Job Description: 
General Responsibilities: 
Project Archeologist / Principal Investigator to work in our Nashville, TN office under the direction of the Senior Archaeologist. This is a full-time position with benefits. 
Cultural Resources is part of our Environmental Planning group, which also includes NEPA Planning and full-service Natural Resources capabilities. Our team works collaboratively with these and other Environmental practice areas to support Terracon's regional, statewide, and national client base. As a Project Archeologist / Principal Investigator, you will work closely with our Senior Archaeologist [KC1] to supervise, mentor, and help support the professional growth of our cultural resources team. This team includes full- and part-time employees at various stages of career development. You will support our team's continued growth through expanded market share and successful project delivery. You will be a leader in understanding and supporting Terracon's safety culture and expectations. You will play an important role in helping support proposal development and project delivery in our region and across Tennessee with opportunities to work in other regions of the U.S. You may be asked to help support business development activities with office and department leadership. 

Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon's growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.

Terracon's vision of "Together, we are best at people" is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
Our national environmental team helps our clients do the right thing for their projects, and for our planet. Our professionals include environmental architects, archaeologists, biologists, engineers, geologists, historians, industrial hygienists, planners, and scientists. Working together in the field, office, or lab, we help guide clients through the steps and processes to address environmental challenges and move their projects forward as quickly, safely, and sustainably as possible. With services including site assessment, planning and permitting including cultural and natural resources, sustainability and resiliency, regulatory compliance, and industrial hygiene and safety, we're at the forefront of helping clients succeed and communities thrive.

Requirements 
Graduate degree (MA, MSc, PhD) in Anthropology, Archaeology, or related discipline and a minimum of 5-7 years of experience in the practice. 
Working knowledge of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Tennessee SHPO Standards and Guidelines for Archaeological Resource Management Studies , Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and other pertinent State and Federal legislation. 
Experience with writing technical reports that meet and exceed regulatory requirements and standards in the southeast. 
Ability to direct staff technicians regarding data collection, preparation of figures and maps, and report production. Ability to mentor and supervise junior staff. 
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely using both written and verbal skills. 
Ability to multi-task within flexible/fluid schedules and project needs. 
Ability to perform physically demanding tasks such as lifting and walking on uneven surfaces carrying at least 20 lbs. of equipment, and ability to work in extreme (hot/cold) weather conditions. 
Ability to travel for overnight (including multiple days away) work assignments. 
Ability to pass drug screening. 
Valid U.S. driver's license, with acceptable violation history. 

Preferred: 

  • Experience with ArcGIS and digital field recording tools and platforms.
  • Membership in statewide professional associations such as the Tennessee Council of Professional Archaeologists, and/or other evidence of professional engagement in the larger community.
  • Previous experience preparing proposals, building budgets, and understanding and managing project finances.

Previous experience with and understanding of curation procedures and requirements according to standards within Tennessee and the surrounding region (e.g. Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana). 
Experience and technical familiarity with multiple artifact and/or historic resource categories commonly encountered in the southeast
 

Essential Roles and Responsibilities: 
Follow safety rules, guidelines, and standards. Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management. 
Be responsible for maintaining quality standards on projects.

  • Responsible for conducting fieldwork and writing more complicated reports for testing and data recovery projects.

Manages a field crew and ensures that Field Technicians and Crew Chiefs are performing fieldwork to the highest standards. 
Serves as Principal Investigator (PI) on survey, testing, and small data recovery projects. 
Conducts archival research or field documentation and ensures the team is recording appropriate information or conducting appropriate analyses. 
Prepare proposals, methodologies, and research designs for various types and phases of archeological projects. 
Maintain and provide QA/QC on field documentation and paperwork. 
Oversee work performed by field and laboratory technicians, under the direction of the Senior Archaeologist. 
Support other non-archeological Environmental Planning projects, tasks, and activities as assigned. 
Serves as a Subject Matter Expert on projects in preparation of becoming an Authorized Project Reviewer. 


What Terracon employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom