1

Senior Archaeologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We have a career opportunity for a Senior Archaeologist to join our team in Tempe, AZ or in our offices in the Southwest. Your Impact * Conducting archeology investigations and preparing reports.

Senior Archaeologist Job Summary: This is a senior level Archaeological position located in Coolidge, AZ , focusing on National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) compliance issues. This role will be ...

Senior Archaeologist Job Summary: This is a senior level Archaeological position located in Coolidge, AZ , focusing on National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) compliance issues. This role will be ...

The qualified candidate for this position will assist JMT Senior Archaeologists during Phase I-III field work throughout the country, with a focus on Texas and adjacent states. Essential Functions ...

The qualified candidate for this position will assist JMT Senior Archaeologists during Phase I-III field work throughout the country, with a focus on Texas and adjacent states. Essential Functions ...

This Opportunity WSP is currently initiating a search for a Senior Archaeologist to support our Midwest operations. This position can be based out of any WSP office across the Midwest . Be involved ...

Senior Archaeologist Job Summary: This is a senior level Archaeological position located in Coolidge, AZ , focusing on National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) compliance issues. This role will be ...

Your Opportunity This is a career opportunity for a senior cultural technical resources leader for ... Registered Professional Archaeologist preferred. * Valid driver's license and good driving record ...

This Opportunity WSP is currently initiating a search for a Senior Archaeologist to support our Midwest operations. This position can be based out of any WSP office across the Midwest . Be involved ...

Your Opportunity This is a career opportunity for a senior cultural technical resources leader for ... Registered Professional Archaeologist preferred. * Valid driver's license and good driving record ...

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 ...

Responsibilities As a Senior Archeologist, you will work closely with the regional and divisional teams, with Terracon's Practice Resource Group (PRG) for Cultural Resources, and with our National ...

Your Opportunity This is a career opportunity for a senior cultural technical resources leader for ... Registered Professional Archaeologist preferred. * Valid driver's license and good driving record ...

As a Senior Archeologist, you will work closely with the regional and divisional teams, with Terracon's Practice Resource Group (PRG) for Cultural Resources, and with our National Manager for ...

This Opportunity WSP is currently initiating a search for an experienced Senior Archaeologist for our Texas/Louisiana/Oklahoma/Arkansas region. The following locations will be considered: Houston TX, ...

Your Opportunity This is a career opportunity for a senior cultural technical resources leader for ... Registered Professional Archaeologist preferred. * Valid driver's license and good driving record ...

Your Opportunity This is a career opportunity for a senior cultural technical resources leader for ... Registered Professional Archaeologist preferred. * Valid driver's license and good driving record ...

Senior Archaeologist

Sacramento, CA · Remote

$80K - $115K/yr

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is seeking a Senior Archaeologist to serve as a leading member for our Environmental Planning Leadership Team in the Pacific West, with a focus on business ...

Staff Archaeologist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $119K/yr

Mid-Career To Senior Archaeologist FirstCarbon Solutions (FCS), an ADEC Innovation, is seeking a mid-career to senior Archaeologist (CG06 - CG07) to join the team of Cultural Resources Specialists.

Showing results 21-40

Senior Archaeologist information

See salary details

$25K

$80.3K

$163.5K

How much do senior archaeologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior archaeologist in the United States is $80,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Senior Archaeologist, you need advanced knowledge of archaeological theory and methods, a relevant graduate degree, and substantial fieldwork experience. Familiarity with GIS software, database management, and compliance with regulations like Section 106 are typically required, along with certifications such as Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA) membership. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing teams and engaging with stakeholders. These competencies ensure accurate research, regulatory compliance, and successful project delivery in both academic and commercial archaeology settings.

What does a senior archaeologist do?

A Senior Archaeologist leads archaeological projects, including planning excavations, supervising teams, and ensuring work complies with legal and ethical standards. They analyze artifacts, write detailed reports, and often work with government agencies, developers, or museums to preserve historical sites. Senior Archaeologists also mentor junior staff, manage budgets, and may present findings to the public or at academic conferences. Their expertise helps protect cultural heritage and inform our understanding of the past.

What is the difference between Senior Archaeologist vs Archaeologist?

AspectSenior ArchaeologistArchaeologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Archaeology, often with fieldwork experienceBachelor's or Master's in Archaeology or related field
Work EnvironmentLead field projects, oversee teams, coordinate researchConduct field surveys, excavations, and lab analysis
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government agencies, cultural resource firmsUniversities, museums, government agencies, private firms

The main difference between a Senior Archaeologist and an Archaeologist is experience level and responsibility. Senior Archaeologists typically lead projects and manage teams, while Archaeologists focus on conducting fieldwork and research. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work in related environments, but Senior Archaeologists have more leadership duties and industry experience.

What is a senior archaeologist?

A senior archaeologist is an experienced professional responsible for leading archaeological research, excavations, and analysis. They often oversee projects, manage teams, and require knowledge of excavation tools, reporting, and relevant certifications such as fieldwork permits.

Is there a shortage of senior archaeologists?

There is a moderate demand for senior archaeologists due to ongoing cultural resource management projects and infrastructure development. However, job availability can vary by region and specialization, and experience with GIS and excavation techniques is often required. Overall, senior archaeologists with specialized skills are generally sought after in the field.

What are some common challenges faced by senior archaeologists when leading field projects?

Senior Archaeologists often encounter challenges such as managing multidisciplinary teams, navigating complex regulatory requirements, and ensuring that projects stay on schedule and within budget. They must also address unexpected findings or site conditions, which can require rapid decision-making and adaptation of research strategies. Balancing stakeholder interests, including those of local communities, clients, and regulatory agencies, is another key aspect of the role. Effective communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills are essential to overcome these challenges and ensure successful project outcomes.

Is there a high demand for senior archaeologists?

The demand for senior archaeologists varies by region and project availability, but overall employment growth is steady due to ongoing cultural resource management and construction projects requiring archaeological assessments. Senior archaeologists with specialized skills, certifications, and experience are often sought after for leadership roles and complex excavations. Job opportunities tend to be more abundant in areas with active development or rich archaeological sites.
More about Senior Archaeologist jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Archaeologist jobs? Cities with the most Senior Archaeologist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Archaeologist jobs? The most popular types of Archaeologist jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Archaeologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Archaeologist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Senior Archaeologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,287 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Senior Archaeologist

WSP

Tempe, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


WSP rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

This Opportunity

Are you looking for an exciting career where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you learning and growth opportunities?  We encourage you to apply for this opportunity.  We provide the atmosphere to allow individuals to grow professionally.  We'd love you to join our team of friendly, hard-working, dedicated and collaborative professionals.  Our ideal candidate is seeking challenging work and is committed to quality.

We work with top-tier public and private clients supporting medium to large scale environmental projects. Work includes all aspects of cultural resource management including cultural records reviews, surveys, testing, data recovery, monitoring as well as authoring and implementing mitigation and management plans. 

We have a career opportunity for a Senior Archaeologist to join our team in Tempe, AZ or in our offices in the Southwest.

Your Impact
  • Conducting archeology investigations and preparing reports.
  • Scheduling, managing, and conducting fieldwork and documentation associated with archaeological projects for a variety of clients throughout the southwestern United States.
  • Responsible for contributing to the development of various levels of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)-compliant documentation.
  • Working collaboratively with a variety of project teams and clients in the public and private sectors and handling concurrent assignments.
  • Working with federal and state agencies to develop and implement Programmatic Agreements
  • Will travel throughout the southwestern United States.  Approximately 30% overnight travel.
  • Prepare proposals for internal and external clients.
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Who You Are

Required Qualifications

  • BA/BS degree (MS/MA preferred) in Archaeology, Anthropology, or related field.
  • 5 - 7 + years of professional level experience researching, analyzing, developing and managing archaeological and historic preservation plans, staff, and resources.
  • Meet Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualification Standards for Archaeology to perform duties for NHPA Section 106 and NEPA compliance.
  • Ability to be added to archaeological permits on state, federal, and tribal lands in the U.S. Southwest including Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, California, and Navajo Nation.
  • 5 + years of experience working with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
  • Working knowledge of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Section 106 compliance, and general archeological practices is required.
  • Knowledge of the State Historic Preservation Act (A.R.S.   41-861 et seq), and the Arizona Antiquities Act (A.R.S.   41-841 et seq), Title 37, Public Land statutes, and ASLD Administrative Rules and Regulations.
  • Experience working on local, state, and federal projects.
  • Knowledge of Southwestern archaeology, anthropology, history and historic preservation.
  • Ability to analyze technical reports for accurate information regarding cultural resources, legal descriptions, and land ownership.  
  • Ability to apply methods, techniques and practices used to direct archaeological and historic site assessment and mitigation programs.
  • Ability to research, analyze, develop, and manage archaeological and historic preservation plans, staff, and resources.
  • Ability to coordinate archaeological mitigation measures for the preservation of cultural resources through avoidance or recovery of significant archaeological materials.
  • Must be detail oriented and have excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong organizational skills, and must be technologically proficient including experience with databases.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with various project teams and a variety of clients in the public and private sectors and handle concurrent assignments.
  • Ability to grow, mentor, and manage small teams of archaeologists and project staff.
  • Must have the capability to prepare proposals for internal and external clients.
  • Ability to communicate with Federal and State agencies and the private sector.
  • Ability and willingness to travel throughout the southwestern United States.  Approximately 30% overnight travel.
  • Must pass drug test, background check, and must have a satisfactory driving record in accordance with the Company's driving (MVR) policy.

WSP Benefits:  

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.  

Compensation:

Expected Salary (all locations): $78,100 - $113,850

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law. 

#LI-SR1
 


What WSP employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom