1

Senior Archaeologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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

Archaeologist

Farmington Hills, MI · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Senior Archaeologist

Reno, NV · 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 41-60

Senior Archaeologist information

See salary details

$25K

$80.3K

$163.5K

How much do senior archaeologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 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 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 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 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.

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.

Is there a high demand for senior archaeologists?

The demand for senior archaeologists varies by region and project availability, but overall employment is steady due to ongoing cultural resource management, construction projects, and heritage preservation efforts. Senior archaeologists with specialized skills, field experience, and knowledge of GIS and excavation techniques are often sought after, especially in areas with active development or archaeological significance.

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. Their role involves interpreting findings to understand historical or cultural contexts.
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 4% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,287 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Senior Archaeologist

Stantec

Chandler, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead cultural resources projects, including managing technical studies and field investigations for various clients and sectors.

  • Supervise and mentor cultural resources staff and senior project managers, and grow the southwestern-based cultural resources team.

  • Manage program and financial aspects of client programs, ensuring high-quality technical deliverables and supporting business development efforts.


Stantec rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

121st of 453 rated engineering


Job description


Grounded in safety, quality, and ethics, our experts lead their fields and guide our work with rigor, a creative spirit, and vision for growth. We draw from more than 20 technical specialties around the globe and are committed to fostering an inclusive community of diverse talents, backgrounds, and expertise. We're a place to apply your passion and collaborate with top environmental talents on work that's critical to our clients and the communities they support.
Join a team that has the environment down to a science.
Your Opportunity
This is a career opportunity for a senior cultural technical resources leader for a leading environmental consulting firm providing NEPA analyses, technical studies, and project permitting to a wide variety of private and federal, state, and local government clients in the western U.S. The individual will lead cultural resources projects and selected business development opportunities and provide successful and independent management of archaeological and historical resources projects, including direction of large technical and field studies and assembly, supervision, and direction of an established cultural resources team.
Your Key Responsibilities
  • Technical resource lead and/or principal investigator for complex, high profile cultural resource investigations for a variety of clients and sectors including work in the utilities industry (power and gas), transportation, renewable energy, and local government.
  • Mentor, supervise, and technical and operations resources for staff and senior project managers. Grow and procure a southwester-based cultural resources team.
  • Program management and financial management for key client programs, possibly multidisciplinary management.
  • Ensuring the delivery of high-quality technical products through implementation and of quality review and independent review protocols.
  • Lead business development and marketing by building new client relationships and maintaining existing ones.
  • Lead technical elements of proposal development, including scope, budget, and schedule to ensure complete satisfaction.
  • Maintain a high professional profile externally through membership in professional organizations, continually increasing client contact base.
  • Serve in a client-facing and internal-facing leadership position for Stantec. Represent cultural resources strategy and growth in the southwestern market.

Qualifications
Your Capabilities and Credentials
  • Professional writing, problem solving, and communication skills.
  • Experience leading and conducting Phase I and II Cultural Resource Surveys in the southwest.
  • Proven experience of Determinations of Eligibility for National Register of Historic Places and California Register of Historical Resources.
  • Permitted in both Arizona and New Mexico on both State and Federal Lands, or ability to obtain permitting within 6 months of hire
  • Impact Assessment of Project Alternatives on Cultural Resources. - Section 106 and 110 (NHPA) Consultation.
  • Memoranda of Agreement and Programmatic Agreements.
  • Data Recovery and Monitoring Plans.
  • Historic Property Treatment Plans.
  • Ethnographic Research.
  • Native American Consultation.
  • NAGPRA Consultation.
  • Lead for Construction Monitoring Coordination and Field Coordination.
  • Knowledge GIS/GPS and ability to direct others to record and create maps in GIS.
  • Registered Professional Archaeologist preferred.
  • Valid driver's license and good driving record required.
  • Prior to employment with Stantec, this position may require the successful completion of a physical and drug screen.

Education and Experience
MS in cultural resources or archaeology, especially southwestern archaeology.
Demonstrated expertise in the application and interpretation of Arizona, New Mexico and other state and federal laws and regulations for large and complex projects.
Minimum 10 years supervisory, management, and team-oriented experience in consulting acquired over at least 10-15 years of progressively responsible cultural resources positions.
Typical office environment working with computers and remaining sedentary for long periods of time. Field work may include exposure to the elements including inclement weather.
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 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

What Stantec employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom