1

Project Archaeologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Manage project budgets, schedules, and client expectations; oversee invoicing and financial performance of assigned projects; * Supervise, mentor, and train staff archaeologists, architectural ...

Manage project budgets, schedules, and client expectations; oversee invoicing and financial performance of assigned projects; * Supervise, mentor, and train staff archaeologists, architectural ...

Manage project budgets, schedules, and client expectations; oversee invoicing and financial performance of assigned projects; * Supervise, mentor, and train staff archaeologists, architectural ...

Manage project budgets, schedules, and client expectations; oversee invoicing and financial performance of assigned projects; * Supervise, mentor, and train staff archaeologists, architectural ...

Manage project budgets, schedules, and client expectations; oversee invoicing and financial performance of assigned projects; * Supervise, mentor, and train staff archaeologists, architectural ...

Manage project budgets, schedules, and client expectations; oversee invoicing and financial performance of assigned projects; * Supervise, mentor, and train staff archaeologists, architectural ...

ABOUT THE POSITION Archaeologist | Atlanta, GA VHB's Atlanta, GA office is seeking an Archaeologist ... Must be able to work independently and as a part of project teams * Excellent verbal, written, and ...

Overview ABOUT THE POSITION Archaeologist | Atlanta, GA VHB's Atlanta, GA office is seeking an ... Must be able to work independently and as a part of project teams * Excellent verbal, written, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Project Archaeologist information

See salary details

$31.5K

$60.7K

$97K

How much do project archaeologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 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:
What job categories do people searching Project Archaeologist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Project Archaeologist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Project Archaeologist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 22% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 66% Nights, and 3% Summer. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,710 per year, or $29.2 per hour.
Senior Project Archaeologist

Senior Project Archaeologist

langan

Denver, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Langan rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 357 rated engineering


Job description

Langan provides expert land development engineering and environmental consulting services for major developers, renewable energy producers, energy companies, corporations, healthcare systems, colleges/universities, and large infrastructure programs throughout the U.S. and around the world. Our employees collaborate seamlessly among 50+ offices and gain valuable hands-on experience that fosters career growth. Langan culture is entrepreneurial from advancing innovative technical solutions, to participating in robust training and knowledge sharing, to making progressive change within the communities we live and work.
Consistently ranked among the top ten "Best Firms to Work For" and Engineering News-Record's top 50 firms worldwide, Langan attracts and retains the best talent in the industry. Employees thrive at Langan, a firm that fosters an inclusive and supportive work environment for all; prioritizes wellbeing, health, and safety; encourages volunteerism and philanthropy; offers workplace flexibility, along with carbon-neutral office spaces; and empowers individuals to contribute their skills and knowledge to make impactful contributions.
Job Summary
Langan is seeking a Cultural Resources Practice Leader to join our collaborative Environmental Practice in Denver, CO, Phoenix, AZ, or Salt Lake City, UT, or Texas. This senior-level role offers the opportunity to lead and grow our regional Cultural Resources practice, drive strategic business development, manage a diverse portfolio of projects across the region and contribute to the corporate-wide cultural resource practice and environmental team. You will partner closely with senior leadership to expand our geographic reach, support client relationships, and guide the successful delivery of cultural resource services on multidisciplinary environmental and land development projects.
As a key member of our Environmental team, you will lead complex cultural resource projects, oversee technical staff, and serve as a primary client- and agency-facing representative. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Archaeologist, Architectural Historian, or general Cultural Resources professional who is passionate about technical excellence, regulatory strategy, and building a high-performing team in a growth market.
Job Responsibilities
  • Lead and expand Langan's Cultural Resources practice, including strategic planning, client development, and collaboration with office and practice leadership;
  • Serve in key roles such as Principal Investigator, Project Manager, and Technical Lead on complex cultural resource projects;
  • Manage a wide range of project tasks including research designs, work plans, survey strategies, reporting, data recovery, site/resource evaluations, and mitigation planning, etc;
  • Prepare, oversee, and review technical documents for archaeological and/or architectural history studies; background, historic and ethnographic contexts; evaluations, regulatory analysis, etc;
  • Oversee field operations, ensuring proper execution of archaeological and historic architecture surveys, excavations, monitoring, laboratory analysis, and documentation, etc.;
  • Interface with clients, permitting agencies, Tribal representatives, and internal team members; clearly communicate regulatory requirements and project strategies in concise, accessible terms;
  • Ensure compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, NEPA, state and local cultural resource regulations (including Washington DAHP and Oregon SHPO processes);
  • Support proposal development, scope/fee preparation, and broader business development efforts to expand client relationships and project opportunities;
  • Manage project budgets, schedules, and client expectations; oversee invoicing and financial performance of assigned projects;
  • Supervise, mentor, and train staff archaeologists, architectural historians, paleontologists, and field crews; assist in staffing and recruitment as needed;
  • Collaborate across disciplines and offices to support integrated environmental and land development work;
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regional cultural resource standards, best practices, and regulatory trends; participate in internal and external training programs;
  • Promote and uphold Langan's commitment to health and safety in both office and field environments; and
  • Contribute to the growth and improvement of the corporate-wide cultural resource practice in the US and internationally.

Qualifications
  • Master's degree (M.A. or Ph.D.) in Archaeology, Anthropology, or related field required;
  • 10-15 years of professional experience in Cultural Resources with demonstrated increase in leadership responsibility in a CRM environment;
  • Exceptional technical expertise and demonstrated experience leading fieldwork and preparing technical studies and reports and contributing to regulatory review documents;
  • Deep understanding of federal, state, and local cultural resource regulations, including Section 106; with long term experience in the general PNW region and surrounding states highly desirable;
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain methods, requirements, and recommendations to clients and non-technical audiences;
  • Experience in business development and/or client management;
  • Experience building or expanding a cultural resources team is highly desirable;
  • Proven ability to lead teams, supervise staff, and foster a collaborative, high-quality work environment;
  • Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and judgment capabilities;
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced consulting environment;
  • Ability to conduct strenuous physical fieldwork when needed, including walking long distances, digging, and lifting up to 50 lbs;
  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to access remote project sites;
  • Availability for occasional overtime, evening work, and travel based on project needs; and
  • Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA) preferred.

Langan provides a rich array of programs and benefits to help its employees advance their careers and enhance the quality of their lives. Our comprehensive compensation package includes: full-time employment company paid medical, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, and paid pregnancy disability leave; 401(k)/Roth with company match; paid time off including parental and military leave; employee referral and professional license bonuses; and educational reimbursement.
Langan offers employee resource groups; flexible work schedules; extensive training; wellness programs; buddy and mentoring programs; and much more!
Langan is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. We believe that an inclusive workplace is essential for the well-being and success of our employees.
Certain US jurisdictions require Langan to include an estimate of salary or hourly ranges. The estimated range for this role is: $140,000 - $190,000. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as related work experience, location, market conditions, education/training, certifications and other credentials, as well as applicable knowledge and skills. Certain roles may be eligible for overtime and participation in the firm's annual bonus and performance review program. Bonuses are discretionary and based on individual job performance and the profitability of the firm. Employees are also eligible to receive up to 20 days of paid vacation time, 10 days of paid sick time and 10 paid holidays throughout the year. Eligibility and actual paid time off may vary based on local law and factors such as hours worked, related work experience and level.

What Langan employees say

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom