Archaeological Field Crew Chief

S&ME; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

Health plan

401(k)

Paid Holidays and PTO

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Company vehicle

Referral bonuses

Job summary

S&ME in Columbia, South Carolina seeks an Archaeological Field Crew Chief to lead field and lab work, conduct historical research, and guide project direction while coordinating with clients and field teams.

This full-time role involves travel across the Southeast, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic, reporting to the Environmental team with opportunities for growth, mentorship, and a strong ESOP culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archaeology, history, or a related field.
• Master’s degree or PhD in anthropology, archaeology, history, or a related field is a plus.
• Minimum of 4 years of archaeological experience and NHPA Section 106 training.

Responsibilities

• Field and Lab Work: direct fieldwork and laboratory analyses, conduct research, and prepare reports.
• Artifact Processing: process basic artifacts in the laboratory.
• Research and Collection: fieldwork and artifact collection, historical research.
• Project Support: assist with work plans, proposals, scheduling, and budget analysis.
• Historical Research: perform basic historical research.

Skills

Field leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s in anthropology/archeology/history

Master’s or PhD a plus

Tools

Field equipment

Data collection

Job description

Requisition Number: 2026-1610-14
Are you eager to deepen your cultural resource expertise through hands‑on experience across diverse regions and project types? Are you looking to grow as a leader while guiding field teams and shaping the direction of project outcomes? S&ME is looking for an Archaeological Field Crew Chief to join our Environmental team in Columbia, South Carolina.
At S&ME, we have a history of delivering innovative geotechnical, civil, environmental, and construction material testing for over 50 years. Over the decades, we have grown into a trusted partner for clients across various industries, including transportation, energy, water, waste management, education, government, commercial, industrial, and more. Our commitment to technical excellence and integrity has established us as a leader in our field.

Why Work at S&ME?

• Employee Ownership: As a 100% employee-owned company, our ESOP gives you a personal stake in our success and the opportunity to build long‑term wealth while helping shape our future.
• Career Growth: We invest in your success with mentorship, training, and leadership opportunities.
• Exciting Projects: Big or small, simple or complex, we do it all. Our projects are as diverse as they are exciting, so every day brings something new.
• Supportive Culture: Collaboration, respect, and positivity fuel our team environment.
• Flexibility: Work‑life balance matters to us, helping you thrive inside and outside the office.
• Community Impact: Your work will directly improve the communities where we live, work, and play.

About The Role

As an Archaeological Field Crew Chief, you will play a crucial role in supporting cultural resource projects through fieldwork, historical research, and client consultations. Your work will directly contribute to the preservation and understanding of historical and cultural artifacts, ensuring that our projects are conducted with the highest level of accuracy and integrity.

• Field and Lab Work: Perform and direct fieldwork and laboratory analyses, conduct research, and prepare reports.
• Artifact Processing: Process basic artifacts in the laboratory.
• Research and Collection: Conduct fieldwork and background research, including artifact collection.
• Project Support: Assist with project support activities, including work plan and proposal preparation, project scheduling, deadline tracking, and budget evaluation and analysis.
• Historical Research: Perform basic historical research.

This position requires extensive travel throughout the Southeast, Midwest, and Mid‑Atlantic.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who brings strong problem‑solving skills, clear communication, and sound judgment to every project, even when working under tight deadlines or shifting conditions. A passion for cultural heritage, a commitment to high‑quality work, and the ability to lead with both confidence and humility will help you excel in this role.

About You

• You have a Bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, history, or a related field
• Master's degree or PhD in anthropology, archaeology, history, or a related field, a plus
• You have a minimum of 4 years of archaeological experience
• You have National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106 training

You Are Willing and Able to

Perform the physical demands of the position with the use of company‑provided Personal Protective Equipment such as:

• Working outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Walking over rough, uneven terrain and standing (potentially up to 12 hours a day)
• Routinely lifting and carrying 40‑50lbs (field/laboratory samples and equipment)
• Working outside of normal business hours and traveling (typically out‑of‑town and/or overnight) as project needs arise

Grow With Us

At S&ME, your career growth matters. You'll receive professional training, work on exciting projects, and be part of a company that truly invests in its people. This is more than a job; it's a chance to build a long‑term career in the engineering and construction industry. S&ME provides a comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family, as well as career development resources. Come grow and thrive with us at S&ME!

• Medical, Dental & Vision Plans with HSA and FSA options
• 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with a 5% company contribution
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO) - with rollover options
• Paid Maternity/Parental Leave
• Employee Recognition Program
• Credential Incentive Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Company Vehicle with Fuel Card for Project-Based Work
• $2,000 Referral Bonuses & More!

Join us at S&ME!

This full-time role offers competitive pay based on experience. Candidates must comply with our Fleet Management, Substance Policy, and Reference Check requirements. Only candidates with valid employment eligibility (I-9) will be considered. Visa assistance is not available. S&ME reserves the right to hire internally or externally at any time. No candidate/recruiter calls, personal calls, or walk‑ins are accepted.