Field Archaeologist

Terra Archaeology; Kamloops; On-site; CAD 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Terra Archaeology is seeking a Field Archaeologist to work primarily in the field across southern British Columbia, with offices in Richmond, Kamloops, and Victoria. The role is field-based, with travel to project locations and shifts ranging in duration from a few days to about three weeks.

You will participate in surveys, monitoring, excavations, site documentation, and contribute to reporting. Opportunities exist to advance toward supervisory roles as you gain experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology or Anthropology with Archaeology focus.
• Minimum 3 years of consulting field experience.
• Foundational knowledge of BC archaeology and HCA basics.
• Valid BC driver’s license with clean record and willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Participate in archaeological field surveys, monitoring, and excavations.
• Assist in identification, recording, and documentation of sites.
• Maintain detailed and accurate field notes.
• Support artifact recovery, handling, and basic cataloguing.
• Contribute to reporting and analysis tasks as needed.
• Follow safety protocols and support a safe work environment.
• Perform additional duties to support project and company needs.

Skills

Field surveys

Data recording

Report writing

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology

Tools

GPS units

Mapping software

Job description

Field Archaeologist

Wage: $28-$35/hour

Location: Based out of our Richmond, Kamloops, and Victoria offices, with fieldwork primarily across southern British Columbia.

About Us

Terra Archaeology Limited (Terra) is a leading provider of professional archaeological consulting services throughout British Columbia. Our work is conducted in collaboration with First Nations, federal and provincial agencies, private sector clients, and landowners. Terra has a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, reliable work and fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment.

Position Overview

This is a primarily field-based position. As a Field Archaeologist, you will have the opportunity to travel to project locations across British Columbia, with a focus on the Southern Interior.

Field shifts can range from a few days to approximately three weeks, with time off between shifts typically reflecting shift length.

There may be opportunities to assist with reporting and analysis tasks depending on project needs, scheduling, and individual experience.

Terra is committed to supporting professional growth. You will have opportunities to take on increasing responsibility over time, with a clear path towards supervisory roles and Field Director designation.

Why Join Terra Archaeology?

• Competitive compensation
• Travel and accommodations organized by Terra, with living-out expenses covered
• A supportive, team-based field environment with experienced supervisors and mentors
• Consistent field opportunities across a range of project types and regions in British Columbia
• Opportunities to build practical field skills and gain experience in consulting archaeology
• Career progression toward Field Director designation, with opportunities to take on increased responsibility over time
• Meaningful project work alongside First Nations and project teams

Key Responsibilities

Include, but are not limited to:

• Participate in archaeological field surveys, monitoring, and excavations
• Assist in the identification, recording, and documentation of archaeological sites
• Maintain detailed and accurate field notes
• Support artifact recovery, handling, and basic cataloguing
• Contribute to reporting and analysis tasks where appropriate
• Follow company safety protocols and support a safe work environment
• Perform additional duties as required to support project and company needs

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology or Anthropology with a focus in Archaeology
• Previous archaeological field experience, minimum 3 years consulting
• Foundational knowledge of British Columbia archaeology
• Basic understanding of the Heritage Conservation Act (HCA)
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence with a clean driving record
• WorkSafeBC Occupational First Aid Level 1 (or willingness to obtain)
• Ability to work in a range of terrain and weather conditions
• Willingness and ability to travel for extended field rotations
• Basic personal field gear appropriate for archaeological work

Assets:

• Artifact cataloguing or lab experience
• Experience with GPS units and/or mapping software

Work Conditions

• Working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions for extended periods (up to 12-hour days)
• Frequent walking/hiking, standing, bending, kneeling, and lifting