Archaeological Technician

Society for Hawaiian Archaeology; Hawaii; On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Society for Hawaiian Archaeology is seeking an Archaeological Technician to join our team in Hawaii. The role entails conducting archaeological surveys and excavations while promoting the preservation of Hawaiian culture and history.

Key responsibilities include recognizing and documenting archaeological sites, assisting with data entry in the lab, and preparing digital graphic materials. Ideal candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree in anthropology and have prior fieldwork experience.

Qualifications

• Demonstrate knowledge of Hawaiʻi’s land, culture, and history.
• Ability to hike in rugged terrain with a heavy pack.
• Must be able to conduct fieldwork for long hours in various conditions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct archaeological surveys, excavations, and monitoring.
• Document and describe archaeological resources accurately.
• Assist with laboratory analysis and graphic report preparations.

Skills

Field research

Problem-solving

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in anthropology or related field

Tools

Trimble XT GPS

Total Station

Adobe Illustrator

AutoCAD

Personal dig kit

Job description

Archaeological Technician Job Description

Archaeology Field Technicians will report directly to the Field Supervisor and Principal Archaeologist and be responsible for conducting intensive archaeological survey, excavation, and monitoring of construction or other ground disturbing activities.

Duties

Archaeological field technicians will be expected to complete the following tasks in the field either independently or as a part of a crew/team:

• Recognize surface and subsurface archaeological resources
• Unit excavation, photography and exploratory trenching with special attention to detailed recordation
• Document and describe soil profiles
• Locate historic properties and points of interest using a Trimble XT global positioning system (GPS) receiver
• Draw features in plan and profile that conform to ‘Āina mapping conventions, experience with Total Station operation is preferred but not required
• Complete all relevant digital and/or paper field forms accurately and efficiently

Archaeological field technicians may also be expected to assist with the following back-end tasks following completion of fieldwork:

Laboratory Analysis

• Sorting, counting, and weighing cultural material
• Catalog materials to include bagging and tagging sorted items and complete data entry
• Artifact photography

Graphics

• Finalize digital field maps for report publication using Adobe Illustrator and/or AutoCAD
• Create copies of and annotate digital field photos as needed for report publication

Field technicians are expected to have their own personal survey gear (backpack, water bottles, clipboard, 5‑m hand tape, engineer's scale, compass, writing implements, and personal dig kit [trowel, line level, brushes, etc.]). Non-field work tasks may be assigned on occasion (e.g. faunal analysis, artifact analysis, historical research, technical writing, CAD work, or GIS work).

Qualifications

Demonstrate knowledge of Hawaiʻi’s land, culture and history, and a desire to protect, preserve and perpetuate them. Applicants should also be positive, resourceful, motivated, organized, and detail-oriented individuals that align with our company values and possess following attributes:

• Bachelor’s degree in anthropology or a closely related field (at a minimum)
• Previous experience in archaeology fieldwork or completion of an archaeology field school
• Ability to take initiative and solve problems
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Must be able to hike in rugged terrain while carrying a 30‑40 lb. pack
• Must be able to travel off-island and conduct fieldwork for long hours and extended periods (at times in inclement weather and across rugged terrain).