Archaeological Field Technician (Field Technician)

ERM; Elko (NV); On-site; USD 73,985 - 94,910; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Job summary

ERM is hiring Archaeological Field Technicians to support Class III cultural resources inventory efforts in Nevada and Idaho. This is a full‑time (60‑72 hours per week) limited‑term role with a duration of 4 months, extendable.

The position involves intensive pedestrian surveys under direction, use of GPS/tablets for recording site locations, and documentation of artifacts, features, and environmental conditions in remote field settings across varied terrain.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of archaeological field surveying experience.
• Archaeological field school is a plus.
• Ability to work outdoors in variable conditions and terrains.
• Willingness to work weekends and >40 hours when needed.
• Knowledge of survey protocols and safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intensive pedestrian Class III archaeological survey under supervision.
• Walk transects; cover long distances across remote terrain.
• Record resources, artifacts, features, and sites accurately.
• Complete field forms, logs, and documentation precisely.
• Operate GPS units, tablets, and mapping tools for locations.
• Assist with site mapping, condition recording, and environmental notes.
• Take clear field photographs of resources and survey areas.
• Document testing methods, soil conditions, and findings.
• Follow field methods, protocols, and agency guidance.
• Support with field closeout tasks and safety compliance.

Skills

Field surveying

GPS & mapping

Outdoor work

Communication

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology

Archaeological field school

Tools

GPS devices

Field tablets

Aerial imagery

Job description

ERM is hiring Archaeological Field Technicians to support Class III cultural resources inventory efforts in Nevada and Idaho. This is a full‑time (60‑72 hours per week) limited‑term role with a duration of 4 months, extendable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intensive pedestrian Class III archaeological survey under the direction of a Crew Chief and/or Principal Investigator.
• Walk systematic survey transects, often covering 10 or more miles per day across uneven, remote, and/or undeveloped terrain.
• Identify, document, and record cultural resources, including prehistoric and historic artifacts, features, sites, isolated finds, and other cultural materials.
• Accurately complete field forms, site records, isolate records, daily logs, and other project documentation.
• Use GPS units, tablets, maps, aerial imagery, and other field equipment to navigate survey areas and record resource locations.
• Assist with mapping archaeological sites, features, artifact concentrations, survey boundaries, and environmental conditions.
• Take clear and accurate field photographs of cultural resources, landscapes, survey conditions, and project areas.
• Conduct limited archaeological testing, as directed, and accurately document testing methods, locations, soil and stratigraphic conditions, artifacts, and other observations needed to support site evaluation and reporting; screen sediments, maintain provenience information, and restore testing locations in accordance with project requirements and applicable protocols.
• Follow established field methods, project‑specific protocols, agency guidance, and applicable cultural resources regulations.
• Maintain awareness of survey coverage, transect spacing, crew communication, and project safety requirements throughout the field day.
• Work cooperatively as part of a field crew in remote locations, including areas with limited cell service, difficult access, and variable weather conditions.
• Assist with daily equipment preparation, data organization, quality control checks, and field closeout tasks.
• Communicate promptly with crew leadership regarding cultural resource finds, safety concerns, access issues, equipment problems, or changes in field conditions.
• Adhere to all health, safety, environmental, and cultural resource protection requirements, including avoidance of unauthorized collection, disturbance, or disclosure of sensitive site information.
• Support logistical needs associated with remote fieldwork, including early starts, long drives, extended workdays, and occasional schedule adjustments based on field conditions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology or related field, preferred.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in archaeological field surveying, preferred.
• Archaeological field school a plus.
• Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions and on varied terrain.
• Ability to work weekends and over 40 hours per week when needed.
• Working knowledge of archaeological survey protocols.
• Must meet criteria identified in Job Demands & Conditions Analysis for Office and Field Positions.
• This position requires long field days, extensive pedestrian survey, and the ability to work safely and effectively in rugged terrain and variable environmental conditions for an extended period of time.

Pay Transparency

For the Field Technician position, we anticipate the annual base pay of $73,985.6 – $94,910.4, $35.57/hr – $45.63/hr USD, limited‑term, non‑exempt. An employee’s pay position within this range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, shift, travel requirements, sales or revenue‑based metrics, and business or organizational needs. This job may be eligible for bonus pay (casual and fixed term/Flexforce employees are NOT bonus eligible).

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life & disability insurance to benefits eligible employees.

Benefits Eligibility

• Benefits Eligibility is limited to Regular employees regularly scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week. Fixed‑Term employees (including Flexforce) who are regularly scheduled to work 20 hours a week or more are eligible for a limited benefits package. Casual employees are NOT benefits eligible. See your recruiter for more details.

ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Thank you for your interest in ERM!