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Project Archaeologist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

ERM is seeking an entrylevel Archaeologist who is eager to learn, travel, and grow alongside experienced professionals on meaningful projects across the United States, with a focus on the MidAtlantic

ERM is seeking an entrylevel Archaeologist who is eager to learn, travel, and grow alongside experienced professionals on meaningful projects across the United States, with a focus on the MidAtlantic

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 ...

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 ...

Archaeology Field Supervisor

Richmond, VA · On-site

$47K - $55K/yr

Archaeology Field Supervisor will work closely with Project Archaeologists and Project Managers and will supervise field crew to ensure that archaeological surveys and documentation are conducted in ...

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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 Jul 28, 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 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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 34% Internship, 26% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, 32% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,189 per year, or $28.9 per hour.
Lead Archaeologist & Project Manager | [NPS0001006]

Lead Archaeologist & Project Manager | [NPS0001006]

ProSidian Consulting

Triangle, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Company Description

ProSidian is a Management and Operations Consulting Services Firm focusing on providing value to clients through tailored solutions based on industry leading practices.  ProSidian services focus on the broad spectrum of Risk Management, Compliance, Business Process, IT Effectiveness, Energy & Sustainability, and Talent Management.  We help forward thinking clients solve problems and improve operations. 

Launched by former Big 4 Management Consultants; our multidisciplinary teams bring together the talents of nearly 190 professionals nationally to complete a wide variety of engagements for Private Companies, Fortune 1,000 Enterprises, and Government Agencies of all sizes.  Our Services are deployed across the enterprise, target drivers of economic profit (growth, margin and efficiency), and are aligned at the intersections of assets, processes, policies and people delivering value. 
ProSidian clients represent a broad spectrum of industries to include but are not limited to Energy, Manufacturing, Chemical, Retail, Healthcare, Telecommunications, Hospitality, Pharmaceuticals, Banking & Financial Services, Transportation, Federal and State Government Agencies.  Learn More About ProSidian Consulting at www.ProSidian.com.

Job Description

ProSidian Seeks a Lead Archaeologist & Project Manager |  [NPS0001006] Key Personnel | Project Manager Labor Category - STD Level Non-Exempt Professional aligned under services related to NAICS: 541620 located Prince William County, Virginia supporting The National Park Service oversees the preservation of national parks and historic sites.

Seeking Lead Archaeologist & Project Manager candidates with with relevant Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, And Hunting Sector Experience (functional and technical area expertise also ideal) to support professional services engagement for Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, And Hunting Sector Clients such as NPS.  This as a Contract Contingent or Contract W-2 (IRS-1099) Position and ProSidian reserves the right to convert to a Full-Time ProSidian employed W-2 Position.

JOB OVERVIEW

Provide services and support as a Archeological Study (Lead Archaeologist/Project Manager) in the Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, And Hunting Industry Sector focusing on Environmental Services Solutions for clients such as National Park Service (NPS) | Department of the Interior Located In Prince William County, Virginia and across the  Region.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES - Lead Archaeologist & Project Manager

  • Lead the project initiation, including attending the kick-off meeting with COR, park staff, and the Regional Archaeologist within 10 days of NTP.
  • Develop and submit a revised project schedule and health and safety plan within 5 working days of the kick-off meeting.
  • Oversee and manage fieldwork completion within 90 days of NTP, ensuring compliance with Virginia's Historic Resource Survey Guidelines.
  • Coordinate with NPS and park staff to facilitate site access and address any fieldwork schedule adjustments.
  • Prepare and submit a brief End of Fieldwork Summary within 30 days of fieldwork completion, detailing findings and management recommendations.
  • Draft and submit the Phase I Archaeological Survey Report within 180 days of NTP, including all required sections and data.
  • Revise the draft report into a final version based on NPS feedback and submit the final report, GIS data, site records, and artifact catalog within 300 days of NTP.
  • Manage and allocate resources, ensuring timely and accurate completion of all project deliverables.
Qualifications

Desired Qualifications For Lead Archaeologist & Project Manager |  [NPS0001006] (NPS0001006) Candidates:

  • Proven experience managing archaeological projects, including fieldwork, reporting, and coordination with federal and park agencies.
  • Expertise in archaeological methods and practices, including compliance with federal guidelines and regulations.
  • Strong leadership and organizational skills with a track record of successful project management.
  • Ability to produce high-quality archaeological reports and manage complex datasets.
  • Experience in coordinating and communicating with various stakeholders, including federal, state, and local agencies.

Education / Experience Requirements / Qualifications

  • Bachelors degree or higher in Archaeology, Anthropology, History, or a related field.
  • At least 5-7 years of experience in archaeological project management, including fieldwork, reporting, and coordination with federal and park agencies.
  • Proven experience managing archaeological projects that involve complex data analysis and report preparation.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage multiple aspects of archaeological investigations.
  • Professional certification as a Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA) or equivalent is preferred.

Skills Required

  • Project Management: Ability to oversee and manage all aspects of archaeological projects, including scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.
  • Leadership: Strong leadership skills to guide and motivate the project team and coordinate with stakeholders.
  • Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing reports, presenting findings, and liaising with clients and agencies.
  • Analytical Skills: Proficiency in analyzing archaeological data and producing detailed, accurate reports.
  • Knowledge of Regulations: Understanding of federal and state regulations related to archaeological resources.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to address and resolve issues that arise during fieldwork and project execution.

Competencies Required

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills (This employer participates in the e-Verify program)
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Products (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, & Adobe)

Ancillary Details Of The Roles

  • Standard Skills Required: Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools. | Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills for effective team management. | Outstanding time management and prioritization abilities to meet project milestones. | Adaptability to changing project requirements and priorities | Ability to multi-task and pay close attention to detail. | Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills | Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
  • EEO Statement: We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow.  We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment.  We provide career opportunities spanning various disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build, and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients.
  • Full Time Regular VISA Sponsorship: No - We will not support sponsorship, i.e., H-1B or TN Visas for this position.  U.S.  Citizenship Required - You must be a United States Citizen
  • Background Check And Drug testing: ProSidian reserves the right to require background checks, including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions.  In addition, ProSidian may conduct drug testing for designated positions.

Other Details

Work products shall be thorough, accurate, appropriately documented, and comply with established criteria. All employees, in the performance of their respective responsibilities, shall conduct themselves in the highest possible standards of ethical and business conduct.  The candidate shall ensure that duties are performed in a competent and professional manner that meets milestones/delivery schedules as outlined.

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Additional Information

CORE COMPETENCIES

  • Teamwork - ability to foster teamwork collaboratively as a participant, and effectively as a team leader
  • Leadership - ability to guide and lead colleagues on projects and initiatives
  • Business Acumen - understanding and insight into how organizations perform, including business processes, data, systems, and people
  • Communication - ability to effectively communicate to stakeholders of all levels orally and in writing
  • Motivation - persistent in pursuit of quality and optimal client and company solutions
  • Agility - ability to quickly understand and transition between different projects, concepts, initiatives, or work streams
  • Judgment - exercises prudence and insight in decision-making process while mindful of other stakeholders and long-term ramifications
  • Organization - ability to manage projects and activity, and prioritize tasks

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OTHER REQUIREMENTS

  • Business Tools - understanding and proficiency with business tools and technology, including Microsoft Office.  The ideal candidate is advanced with Excel, Access, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word, and proficient with Adobe Acrobat, data analytic tools, and Visio with the ability to quickly learn other tools as necessary.
  • Business Tools - understanding and proficiency with business tools and technology, including Microsoft Office.  The ideal candidate is advanced with Excel, Access, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word, and proficient with Adobe Acrobat, data analytic tools, and Visio with the ability to quickly learn other tools as necessary.
  • Commitment - to work with smart, interesting people with diverse backgrounds to solve the biggest challenges across private, public and social sectors
  • Curiosity - the ideal candidate exhibits an inquisitive nature and the ability to question the status quo among a community of people they enjoy and teams that work well together
  • Humility - exhibits grace in success and failure while doing meaningful work where skills have impact and make a difference
  • Willingness - to constantly learn, share, and grow and to view the world as their classroom

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BENEFITS AND HIGHLIGHTS

At ProSidian, we invest in our employees to help them stay healthy and achieve work-life balance. Our team members receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes Competitive Compensation, Group Health Insurance Health Benefits, 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan Contributions, Vacation and Paid Time off (PTO) Benefits, Pre-Tax Payment Programs, Purchasing Discounts & Savings Plans, a ProSidian Employee & Contractor Referral Bonus Program, Performance Incentives, etc.  Our comprehensive benefits package includes a medical, dental and vision plan.  Our growing list of benefits currently include the following:

  • Competitive Compensation:  Pay range begins in the competitive ranges with full Gold Level (Tier 1) Group Medical Benefits, Pretax Employee Benefit Plan, plus performance incentives
  • Group Health Insurance Health Benefits:  Group Health Insurance Including Medical, Dental And Vision Insurance: Contributions are deducted from pay on a Pretax basis - Employee and family coverage is available with employer contribution of 50% of Employee (only) premiums under the Health and Vision Plan through Blue Cross Blue Shield NC (Blue Options Medical Plan Code: PB07840 / Metallic Level: Gold - - bcbsnc.com) and Dental Plan (Ameritas - www.ameritas.com).
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) Retirement Savings Plans help you save for your retirement.  Eligible employees can make before-tax contributions to the 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to help you save for retirement.  Contributions are deducted from pay on a pretax basis.  A wide range of investment options are available with a personal financial planner available to assist you. The Plan is a Safe Harbor 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan.  ProSidian Consulting participates in a Basic Match with a % of pay for participants who defer at least a required minimum % of their pay.  The Basic Match is structured as follows:  100% of the first 3% of pay that is contributed; and 50% of the next 2% of pay that is contributed.
  • Vacation And Paid Time Off (PTO) Benefits:  The flexibility of Paid Time Off (PTO) lets you set your own priorities. Eligible employees use PTO for vacation, a parent-teacher conference, a doctor's appointment, or any number of events in your life.  Currently these benefits include Vacation/Sick days - 2 weeks | Holidays - 10 Federal Government.
  • Pre-Tax Payment Programs:  Pre-Tax Payment Programs currently exist in the form of a Premium Only Plan (POP).  These Plans offer a full Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Plan and a tax benefit for eligible employees.
  • Purchasing Discounts & Savings Plans:  We want you to achieve financial success. We offer a Purchasing Discounts & Savings Plan through The ProSidian Corporate Perks Benefit Program - Helping You Do More With Less:  https://ProSidian.CorporatePerks.com.  This provides special discounts for eligible employees on products and services you buy on a daily basis.
  • Security Clearance: Due to the nature of our management and operations consulting engagements for Private Companies, Fortune 1,000 Enterprises, and Government Agencies of all sizes; oftentimes there are Security Clearance requirements for Engagement Teams handling sensitive Engagements in the Federal Marketplace.  A Security Clearance is a valued asset in your professional portfolio and adds to your credentials based on past, present, and f...

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About ProSidian Consulting

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

ProSidian is a management and operations consulting firm with a reputation for its strong national practice spanning six solution areas including Risk Management, Energy & Sustainability, Compliance, Business Process, IT Effectiveness, and Talent Management. We help clients improve their operations. Linking strategy to execution, ProSidian assists client leaders in maximizing company return on investment capital through design and execution of operations core to delivering value to customers. Visit www.ProSidian.com or follow the company on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ProSidianfor more information.

Industry

Business schools and computer and management training

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

2004

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