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Project Archaeologist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Project Archaeologist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$64K - $94K/yr

Stantec is seeking a Project Archaeologist with demonstrated experience in the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast and general Eastern region as well as Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act ...

Jacobs is seeking Staff Archaeologists to support a variety of projects across Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, District of Columbia, and other eastern geographies. This position provides cultural ...

Archaeology Technician

Richmond, VA · On-site

$40K - $54K/yr

The successful applicant will be responsible for executing field related tasks under the supervision of a Project Archaeologist and Crew Chief. This position requires extensive travel with frequent ...

Archaeology Technician

Richmond, VA · On-site

$40K - $54K/yr

The successful applicant will be responsible for executing field related tasks under the supervision of a Project Archaeologist and Crew Chief. This position requires extensive travel with frequent ...

Jacobs is seeking Staff Archaeologists to support a variety of projects across Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, District of Columbia, and other eastern geographies. This position provides cultural ...

Jacobs is seeking Staff Archaeologists to support a variety of projects across Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, District of Columbia, and other eastern geographies. This position provides cultural ...

Assists in making decisions about project alternatives and the resolution of adverse effects to archaeological resources. * Works with technical field, lab and office staff, managers and ...

Additional work assignments may lead from this project contingent upon the quality of the archaeological services demonstrated throughout this assignment. Dewberry is a leading, market-facing ...

Additional work assignments may lead from this project contingent upon the quality of the archaeological services demonstrated throughout this assignment. Dewberry is a leading, market-facing ...

Completion of archaeological site forms, site sketches, profiles, logs, and other paperwork ... Candidate must be able to work in project locations remote from their home office for extended time ...

Completion of archaeological site forms, site sketches, profiles, logs, and other paperwork ... Candidates must be able to work in project locations remote from their home office for extended ...

Completion of archaeological site forms, site sketches, profiles, logs, and other paperwork ... Candidate must be able to work in project locations remote from their home office for extended time ...

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Project Archaeologist information

See Virginia salary details

$31.2K

$60.2K

$96.2K

How much do project archaeologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for project archaeologist in Virginia is $60,189.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,600.00 and $68,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a project archaeologist?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a project archaeologist?

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.

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 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 does a project archaeologist do?

A project archaeologist is responsible for planning, managing, and conducting archaeological excavations and research projects. They document findings, analyze artifacts, and ensure compliance with preservation laws, often working in the field and using tools like GIS and surveying equipment. Strong organizational skills and knowledge of archaeological methods are essential for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Project Archaeologist jobs in Virginia?

For Project Archaeologist jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Project Archaeologist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,189 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

Project Archaeologist

Richmond, VA • On-site

Stantec
Specialized Design Services • 10K+ employees

$64K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Stantec rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description


Stantec is seeking a Project Archaeologist with demonstrated experience in the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast and general Eastern region as well as Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and regional state regulations. This is a career opportunity for an archaeologist to support a growing cultural resources team for a leading environmental consulting firm. This team provides Section 106/NEPA analyses, technical studies, and project permitting for a wide variety of private and federal, state, and local government clients throughout the Eastern Region with a focus in the Mid-Atlantic states.
The individual will be responsible for individual task management, assisting with field crew management, and technical reporting supported by the Senior Resource Team Leader for Cultural Resources, and Principal Investigators. Task management may include both archaeological and historic resource studies, and implementation of research design for large technical field studies.
Your Key Responsibilities
  • Act as task manager for complex, high-profile cultural resource investigations for a variety of clients and sectors including work in the utility industry (power and gas), transportation, renewable energy, and local and federal government
  • Supervise activities of all field personnel and assign, direct, and evaluate their work. Maintain daily paperwork, field maps, notes, photographs, vehicles, and field equipment.
  • Application of working knowledge of goals and strategies in archaeological assessments and Phase I, II, and III archaeological investigations
  • Contributor to archaeological assessment and Phase I, II, and III reports
  • Liaison between cultural resources team and internal project managers for large scale projects and client portfolios
  • Liaison between field staff, Senior Principal Investigators, and Project Managers
  • Participate in Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) Policies, Procedures, Standards, and Guidelines in the execution of all work
  • Provide supervision, training, technical direction, and mentoring to developing staff
  • Travel within the Mid-Atlantic region is required; additional travel outside of the region possible

Qualifications
Your Capabilities and Credentials
  • Professional writing, problem solving, and communication skills
  • Meets the qualifications as described in the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualification Standards for Archeology and Historic Preservation (48 FR §44716);
  • Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA) or qualifications that meet the requirements to become an RPA
  • Experience leading and conducting archaeological and cultural resource field investigations
  • Demonstrate leadership in striving to improve technical performance continuously
  • Champions new ideas and initiatives and creates an environment that supports creativity and innovation
  • Self-awareness of technical and/or professional abilities and the ability to determine when assistance from senior staff is needed
  • Disciplined approach to project execution and technical excellence
  • Ability to provide written and verbal direction on project delivery
  • Capable of conveying safety information to field staff
  • Able to use field data collection equipment such as GPS and Environment Systems Research Institute (ESRI) Field Maps, Survey 1-2-3, and ArcGIS Online
  • Proficiency with ArcGIS a plus
  • Good driving record and valid driver's license required

Education and Experience
  • Master's Degree in anthropology/archaeology or a related discipline from an accredited university is required
  • Team-oriented experience in consulting acquired over at least 7 years of progressively responsible cultural resources positions
  • Minimum 7 years of experience in cultural resource management and archaeological compliance survey primarily in the Northeast region
  • Demonstrated experience leading and managing field crews and knowledge of compliance under the NHPA, and regional state regulations and guidance
  • Strong skills in technical writing
  • Experience in specialty areas including renewable energy, electric transmission and distribution, utilities, transportation, and oil and gas distribution
  • Experience with digital data collection methods and techniques and use of GIS

This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.
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. #StayInquisitive
About Us
Grounded in safety, quality, and ethics, our experts lead their fields with dedication, a creative spirit, and a vision for growth. We draw from more than 20 technical specialties worldwide and are devoted to fostering a community of diverse talents, backgrounds, and expertise. Here, you can apply your passion and collaborate with top environmental professionals on work that's vital to our clients and the communities they serve.
Join a team that's naturally committed to the environment.
About the Team
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

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