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Senior Archaeologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wood Plc

Senior Archaeologist

Santa Barbara, 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 ...

Wood Plc

Senior Archaeologist

Coeur D Alene, ID · 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 ...

Stantec

Senior Archaeologist

Tucson, AZ · On-site

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 ...

Stantec

Senior Archaeologist

Flagstaff, AZ · On-site

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 ...

WSP

Senior Archaeologist

Spring, TX · On-site

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, ...

Stantec

Archaeologist

Farmington Hills, MI · On-site

Working under the direction of our Senior Archaeologist, you will assist in managing cultural resource assessments, contribute to technical proposals, and handle permitting requirements for diverse ...

Stantec

Archaeologist

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

Working under the direction of our Senior Archaeologist, you will assist in managing cultural resource assessments, contribute to technical proposals, and handle permitting requirements for diverse ...

ICF

Senior Archaeologist

Sacramento, CA · On-site +1

TheSenior Archaeologistshould be comfortable working across the primary disciplines thatcomprisecultural resources management (archaeology, builtenvironment, tribal resources, landscapes) and ...

Wood Plc

Senior Archaeologist

Seattle, WA · 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 ...

Stantec

Archaeologist

Lansing, MI · On-site

Working under the direction of our Senior Archaeologist, you will assist in managing cultural resource assessments, contribute to technical proposals, and handle permitting requirements for diverse ...

Stantec

Archaeologist

Detroit, MI · On-site

Working under the direction of our Senior Archaeologist, you will assist in managing cultural resource assessments, contribute to technical proposals, and handle permitting requirements for diverse ...

Wood Plc

Senior Archaeologist

Riverside, 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 ...

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Senior Archaeologist information

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$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.
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What cities are hiring for Senior Archaeologist jobs? Cities with the most Senior Archaeologist job openings:
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Senior Archaeologist jobs near you
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

Wood Plc

Santa Barbara, CA • Remote

$80K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

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 development, expansion of client base, and cultural resource practice growth.  We are looking for a key leader to manage, prepare, and review documentation compliant with the National Historical Preservation Act (NHPA), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for a variety of project scopes prepared for government and private sector clients. Specific tasks include preparing and adhering to project scopes, schedules, budgets, overseeing all components of fieldwork, analysis, reporting, with supervisory roles including managing and mentoring junior staff.  The selected and qualified applicant will work collaboratively with Wood's Environmental Planning leadership and technical staff throughout Nevada, California, Oregon, Washington, Utah, and Arizona.

Compensation Range: $80,000.00 - $115,000.00 per annum

Responsibilities

  • Ability to successfully manage all aspects of small-, medium-, and large-sized projects, including pedestrian surveys, subsurface explorations, significance testing, and data recovery investigations. 
  • Development of scopes of work, research designs, budget development and management, and workflow scheduling.
  • Ability to act as liaison with client, agencies, Native American tribes, and technical team members.
  • Ability to mentor and manage junior staff.
  • The ability to work effectively and independently as cultural resources lead on CEQA/NEPA projects.
  • Solid understanding of CEQA, NEPA and NHPA Section 106 requirements and processes.
  • Attention and commitment to timely completion of high-quality work.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Flexible, team-oriented approach, with a commitment to working as a part of a multidisciplinary team

These roles can be based throughout the Western United States: California, Nevada, Washington, Utah, Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, and Arizona

#LI-Remote

Skills / Qualifications
  • Demonstrated experience with CEQA, NEPA, and NHPA.
  • Excellent technical writing and communication skills.
  • Experience with marketing, proposals, and business development.
  • Minimum 15+ years increasingly responsible experience in cultural resource management.
  • MA in Anthropology or Archaeology emphasizing cultural resources of the western United States.
  • Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA) certification.
  • Field experience using established methods and techniques for performing inventories of cultural landscapes
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
  • Ability and willingness to travel to field sites
  • Strong commitment to safety
  • Must have a valid driver's license and be able to operate motorized vehicle
Company Overview

Wood is a global leader in engineering and consultancy across energy and the built environment, helping to unlock solutions to some of the world's most critical challenges. We provide consulting, projects and operations solutions in more than 60 countries, employing around 40,000 people. www.woodplc.com

Diversity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer that recognises the value of a diverse workforce. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective criteria and without regard to the following (which is a non-exhaustive list): race, colour, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant governing laws.

Employment Type: OTHER

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