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Project Archaeologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NV5 is seeking a full-time Project Archaeologist for our Cary, NC office; remote work from a location in NC or SC may be possible dependent on candidate experience and qualifications. This position ...

The Project Archaeologist reports to the Senior Archaeologist (Principal Investigator). Location flexibility may be possible for the preferred candidate; one or more positions may be filled through ...

Terracon is seeking an experienced Project Archaeologist to help expand our cultural resources practice in Lenexa, Kansas. This is a unique opportunity to join an established and respected ...

The Project Archaeologist reports to the Senior Archaeologist (Principal Investigator). Location flexibility may be possible for the preferred candidate; one or more positions may be filled through ...

Terracon is seeking an experienced Project Archaeologist to help expand our cultural resources practice in Lenexa, Kansas. This is a unique opportunity to join an established and respected ...

The Project Archaeologist reports to the Senior Archaeologist (Principal Investigator). Location flexibility may be possible for the preferred candidate; one or more positions may be filled through ...

Project Archaeologist At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their ...

Project Archaeologist At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their ...

Project Archaeologist About Us At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities ...

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 ...

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 ...

Project Archaeologist About Us At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities ...

Provide archaeological services for a broad array of projects and clients. This may include conducting field work, identifying artifacts, laboratory analysis, writing reports, preparing proposals ...

Provide archaeological services for a broad array of projects and clients. This may include conducting field work, identifying artifacts, laboratory analysis, writing reports, preparing proposals ...

On-Call Project Archaeologist (Remote) Southeast Region (GA, SC, TN or vicinity) About On-Call Employment with ICF Given the seasonal or project-specific nature of our environmental work, ICF often ...

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Project Archaeologist information

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$31.5K

$60.7K

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How much do project archaeologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for project 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 is the 50 year rule in archeology?

The 50-year rule in archaeology states that artifacts and historical materials are generally considered public domain and can be legally excavated or studied if they are at least 50 years old. Project archaeologists often use this guideline to determine the significance and legal considerations of artifacts during excavations, especially when working with cultural resource management (CRM) projects. This rule helps balance preservation with research and development activities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Project Archaeologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Project Archaeologist, you need a solid background in archaeology, fieldwork experience, and at least a bachelor's (often a master's) degree in archaeology or anthropology. Familiarity with GIS software, GPS mapping tools, and compliance with federal and state cultural resource management regulations is typically required. Strong leadership, attention to detail, and clear communication are important soft skills for managing teams, reporting findings, and working with stakeholders. These competencies ensure that projects meet scientific standards, legal requirements, and are completed efficiently and ethically.

What is the highest paying archeologist job?

Senior-level archeologists, such as Archaeological Directors or Principal Investigators, tend to have the highest salaries in the field, often earning six-figure incomes. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership skills, and may involve managing large projects or teams, often with specialized knowledge in areas like cultural resource management or heritage preservation.

Is there a high demand for archaeologists?

The demand for project archaeologists is generally steady, especially in regions with active construction, development, or preservation projects that require archaeological assessments. Employment opportunities often depend on government funding, environmental regulations, and the availability of archaeological sites, with skills in survey methods and reporting being valuable.

What are Project Archaeologists?

Project Archaeologists are professionals who manage and oversee archaeological projects, often within the context of cultural resource management (CRM). They are responsible for planning fieldwork, supervising excavation teams, ensuring compliance with regulations, analyzing findings, and preparing reports. Project Archaeologists typically coordinate with clients, government agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure that archaeological sites are investigated and preserved according to legal and ethical standards. Their work helps protect historical and cultural resources during development or construction projects.

How does a Project Archaeologist typically collaborate with other professionals on excavation projects?

Project Archaeologists often work closely with a multidisciplinary team that may include field technicians, laboratory specialists, historians, and environmental scientists. They are responsible for coordinating fieldwork, ensuring compliance with regulations, and synthesizing findings for reports. Effective communication and leadership are key, as they must oversee excavation activities, delegate tasks, and integrate input from various experts to ensure that the project meets both scientific and legal requirements. This collaborative environment provides exposure to diverse perspectives and fosters professional growth.

What does a project archaeologist do?

A project archaeologist is responsible for managing archaeological excavations and research projects, documenting findings, and ensuring compliance with preservation laws. They often coordinate fieldwork, analyze artifacts, and prepare reports, using tools like GIS and excavation equipment. Strong organizational skills and knowledge of archaeological methods are essential for this role.

What is the difference between Project Archaeologist vs Field Archaeologist?

AspectProject ArchaeologistField Archaeologist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Archaeology or related field; often requires fieldwork experienceBachelor's degree in Archaeology or related field; focus on hands-on excavation skills
Work EnvironmentCoordinates projects, manages teams, analyzes data, reports findingsConducts excavations, surveys, and site documentation in the field
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, cultural resource management firms, government agenciesArchaeological sites, excavation projects, field research teams

While both roles involve archaeological work, a Project Archaeologist typically oversees entire projects, manages teams, and analyzes data, whereas a Field Archaeologist focuses on conducting excavations and collecting field data. The Project Archaeologist has broader responsibilities including planning and reporting, making it a supervisory role, while the Field Archaeologist is more hands-on with fieldwork.

What cities are hiring for Project Archaeologist jobs? Cities with the most Project Archaeologist job openings:
What states have the most Project Archaeologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Project Archaeologist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Project Archaeologist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Internship, 1% As Needed, 12% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 39% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,710 per year, or $29.2 per hour.
Project Archaeologist

Project Archaeologist

Texas State University

San Marcos, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Texas State University rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

526th of 612 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Information
Posting Information
Posting Number
2026651
Posting/Functional Title
Project Archaeologist
University Pay Plan Title
Grant Specialist
Location
San Marcos
Department
Center for Archaeological Studies
Recruitment Type
Open Recruiting
Job Type
Full-Time
Funding Source
Grant
Monthly Salary
Commensurate with experience
Job Category
Exempt
Required Qualifications: Applicants must specifically address how they meet these required qualifications to meet the requirements of the position.
  • Master's degree in anthropology, archaeology, or related field or evidence that the candidate will have a degree by the time of their appointment.
  • Archaeological field and laboratory experience in Texas and/or the surrounding states relative to Sections 106 and 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the Texas Antiquities Code, and/or other relevant state and local CRM laws, regulations, and guidelines.
  • Qualified to obtain federal and state permits.
  • Demonstrated ability to write, review, and/or technically edit cultural resource management reports and communicate with regulatory agencies or other public stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Past supervisory experience directing others in the field or lab.
  • Experience working with and training students.
  • Experience with archaeological curation and conducting public outreach.
  • Experience conducting consultation with the Texas Historical Commission (State Historic
  • Preservation Office) and other interested stakeholders specific to the Texas Antiquities Code and/or Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
  • Other specialized archaeological analysis experience (e.g., prehistoric ceramics, historic artifacts, geophysical survey, lithic analysis, ground stone, paleoethnobotany, archival research etc.).
  • GIS experience, in particular the use of ArcGIS and ESRI Field Maps.

Job Description
Texas State University invites applications for a Grant Specialist/Project Archaeologist with the Center for Archaeological Studies (CAS). The position will serve as a Project Archaeologist assisting the CAS Management on Cultural Resource Management (CRM) projects in Texas and across the United States. The main objective is to provide additional support on CRM lab and field projects. The candidate will work in the CAS San Marcos office and may travel as much as 20% of the year on projects in Texas and across the United States.
CAS is a research center located within the Department of Anthropology that provides students with paid training and research opportunities through our extensive consulting services for private, local, state, and federal partners in Texas, across the United States, and internationally. CAS's Curation Services Program is certified by the Texas Historical Commission to curate held-in-trust collections and meets federal standards in 36 CFR Part 79. We are experiencing significant growth and expansion and are seeking a highly motivated individual to direct CRM and curation projects.
Job Duties
Under the direction and supervision of the CAS managing staff including the Director, Associate Director and Assistant Director, the Grant Specialist/Project Archaeologist may serve as crew chief, senior lab technician, or Project Archaeologist on cultural resource management contract and grant funded projects under the direction of the CAS Principal Investigator and/or Project Archaeologist.
Work activities on these projects may also include preparing archaeological permits and background studies; conducting field investigations and collecting and maintaining field data; conducting base analysis on artifacts; compiling sections of technical reports as relevant; and completing curation for CAS projects. The Project Archaeologist assists CAS Management and other CAS staff in preparing materials for public outreach.
Additional Information to Applicants
Job Open Date
07/06/2026
Job Close Date (posting closes at midnight)
08/09/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Normal Work Days
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Normal Work Hours Start
8:00AM
Normal Work Hours End
5:00PM
Posting Notices
Legal and Required Notices
Texas State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law in employment, educational programs, and activities and admissions.
Employment with Texas State University is contingent upon the outcome of record checks and verifications including, but not limited to, criminal history, driving records, education records, employment verifications, reference checks, and employment eligibility verifications.
In accordance with federal law, all new employees must complete the Form I-9 and provide acceptable documentation verifying their identity and authorization to work in the United States. Texas State University participates in E-Verify, and employment is contingent upon the successful verification of work authorization. Employees are required to maintain valid work authorization to satisfy the conditions of Form I9 at all times during their employment and the university makes no implicit or explicit promises to financially support visa or permanent residency applications.
Why Choose Texas State University?
Join the Texas State Bobcat team and experience a career that offers more than just a job-it's a path to a brighter future. As a Texas State employee, you'll enjoy:
Exceptional Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance with 100% premium coverage for employees and 50% for dependents, starting on your first day.
Generous Time Off: Enjoy vacation, holidays, sick leave, and more to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Wellness and Balance: Access a FREE wellness program, plus mother and family-friendly resources to support your personal well-being.
Professional Growth: Explore a wide range of training, development courses, certifications, and educational support programs.
Welcoming Campus: Become part of a vibrant Bobcat community with numerous social and professional networks.
Tuition Benefits: Take advantage of tuition support for yourself and for your dependent children, making higher education more accessible for your family.
Retirement Security: Secure your future with TRS pension, retirement plans, and voluntary savings options with strong employer contributions.
At Texas State University, you're not just an employee-you're a valued member of a thriving and beautiful campus community. Start your journey with us today. https://www.hr.txst.edu/benefits.html
Quick Link
https://jobs.hr.txstate.edu/postings/57410

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