Archaeological Technician

Terracon; Tampa (FL); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon Archaeological Technician position provides field and laboratory support for cultural resource management projects across Florida and the southeastern United States. You will conduct surveys, testing, excavation, monitoring, site documentation, data collection, and report preparation to comply with NHPA and Florida preservation requirements.

The successful candidate works independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, using GPS, tablets, and GIS apps to collect spatial data

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology or related field.
• Completion of an archaeological field school or equivalent experience.
• Basic knowledge of artifact identification, soils, and stratigraphy.
• Familiar with Microsoft Office programs.
• Able to use Global Positioning Systems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Phase I CRAS surveys as part of field investigations.
• Perform Phase II evaluations and Phase III data recoveries.
• Monitor construction and conduct archaeological inspections.
• Excavate shovel tests and test units per specs.
• Document materials and record field data with GPS/GIS tools.
• Assist artifact processing, cataloging, and curation.
• Support report writing and quality control of data.
• Travel extensively across Florida to project sites.

Skills

Strong written and verbal comms

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Data quality mindset

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology or related field

Completion of an archaeological field school

Tools

GPS equipment

ArcGIS Field Maps

Survey123

GIS software

Microsoft Office

Job description

General Responsibilities:

The Archaeological Technician provides field and laboratory support for cultural resource management projects conducted throughout Florida and the southeastern United States. Responsibilities include archaeological survey, testing, excavation, monitoring, site documentation, data collection, and report preparation in support of compliance with federal, state, and local historic preservation regulations, including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and Florida historic resource requirements.

The successful candidate will work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team under the supervision of senior archaeological staff while maintaining professional standards for archaeological investigations and documentation.

Work Environment

Archaeological Technicians routinely work outdoors in a variety of environments, including transportation corridors, undeveloped lands, wetlands, forests, coastal areas, agricultural properties, and active construction sites. Overnight travel and extended field assignments may be required depending on project needs.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct archaeological field investigations including:
  
  
  
  • Phase I Cultural Resource Assessment Surveys (CRAS)
  
  
  • Phase II Archaeological Evaluations
  
  
  • Phase III Data Recovery excavations
  
  
  • Construction monitoring and archaeological inspections
  
  
  
  


• Excavate shovel tests, test units, and block excavations in accordance with project specifications and regulatory requirements.


• Identify, document, and record prehistoric and historic-period archaeological materials.


• Complete field forms, notes, site records, maps, and photographic documentation.


• Utilize GPS equipment, tablets, mobile GIS applications, and other field technologies to collect spatial data.


• Assist with artifact processing, cleaning, cataloging, analysis, and curation activities.


• Maintain accurate records and ensure quality control of field data.


• Support preparation of technical reports and management summaries.


• Adhere to company safety policies and project-specific health and safety requirements.


• Travel extensively and work in remote locations throughout Florida.


• Perform physical labor in various weather conditions and terrain, including wetlands, forests, agricultural lands, and urban environments.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology or related field.


• Completion of an archaeological field school from an accredited institution or equivalent experience.


• Basic knowledge of artifact identification, soils, and stratigraphy.


• Familiar with Microsoft Office programs.


• Able to use Global Positioning Systems


• A valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history may be required.


• Familiarity with cultural resource management practices and historic preservation regulations.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.


• Ability to pass background checks and gain access to secure project sites when required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior archaeological field experience in Florida or the southeastern United States.


• Familiarity with Florida prehistoric and historic archaeological resources.


• Experience with Section 106 compliance projects.


• Knowledge of Florida Master Site File documentation procedures.


• Experience using GIS software, GPS equipment, ArcGIS Field Maps, Survey123, or similar platforms.


• Experience conducting wetland, transportation, utility, or infrastructure-related surveys.


• OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification.


• Boat operation experience or environmental field experience.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk 5 to 10 miles per day over uneven terrain.


• Ability to dig shovel tests repeatedly throughout the workday.


• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.


• Ability to work outdoors in extreme heat, humidity, rain, insects, and other challenging environmental conditions typical of Florida.


• Ability to stand, kneel, bend, stoop, and climb for extended periods.

Desired Knowledge and Skills

• Understanding of Section 106 compliance and cultural resource investigations.


• Knowledge of Florida archaeology, including prehistoric, contact-era, and historic resources.


• Strong organizational and documentation skills.


• Attention to detail and commitment to data quality.


• Ability to adapt to changing field conditions and schedules.


• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and mobile data collection platforms.