Archaeological Technician

SEARCH; United States; On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

SEARCH has immediate openings for Part-Time, As Needed Archaeological Technicians to support surveys and excavation projects across the Continental US. Under direct supervision, technicians perform field surveys, monitoring, data recovery, and related tasks using approved methods.

The role emphasizes field support for Phase I–III studies, requires basic archaeological survey knowledge, and may involve travel.

Qualifications

• Must have basic knowledge of archaeological field survey, excavation, and lab techniques.
• Previous field school or field experience required.
• Must have valid driver''s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to obtain government security clearance.
• Willingness to travel for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Conduct archaeological survey, monitoring, and excavation in support of fieldwork for Phase I, II, and III studies
• Adhere to project health and safety plan and participate in office and field training
• Use electronic and traditional navigational equipment (GPS, iPad/ArcCollector/Survey123, compass, and transit) to orient yourself and perform fieldwork
• Photo-document artifacts, ecofacts, features, excavation units, land use, landscapes, unique environmental features, historic structures, archaeological sites, unique environmental features, and work in progress and record an accurate photo log
• Record accurate, organized, and clear field notes, maps, drawings, logs, forms, tables, databases, artifact bags, box labels, and other project documentation
• Collect artifacts, ecofacts, and samples in accordance with the research design and keep an accurate field specimen log
• Complete project tasks and errands as directed by the Archaeologist, Senior Archaeologist, and/or other project leadership
• Maintain and organize field equipment, supplies, vehicles, and work site
• Procure field equipment and supplies
• Travel for extended periods of time
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Field survey knowledge

Data recording

Driving and transportation access

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Anthropology or Archaeology

Accredited archaeological field school

Six months field experience

Tools

GPS

ArcCollector

Survey123

Compass

Transit

Job description

Title: Archaeological Technician

Location: Continental US

Job Code: AT_2026

Position Information

SEARCH has immediate openings for Part-Time, As Needed (on-call) Archaeological Technicians to support upcoming archaeological surveys and excavation projects. Under direct supervision, an Archaeological Technician performs and supports archaeological surveys, assessments, monitoring, and data recovery projects using techniques appropriate to each task. The primary duty is to provide field support to cultural resource projects. This role requires basic knowledge of archaeological field survey, excavation, and laboratory techniques.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct archaeological survey, monitoring, and excavation in support of fieldwork for Phase I, II, and III studies


• Adhere to project health and safety plan and participate in office and field training


• Use electronic and traditional navigational equipment (GPS, iPad/ArcCollector/Survey 123, compass, and transit) to orient yourself and perform fieldwork


• Photo-document artifacts, ecofacts, features, excavation units, land use, landscapes, unique environmental features, historic structures, archaeological sites, unique environmental features, and work in progress and record an accurate photo log


• Record accurate, organized, and clear field notes, maps, drawings, logs, forms, tables, databases, artifact bags, box labels, and other project documentation


• Collect artifacts, ecofacts, and samples in accordance with the research design and keep an accurate field specimen log


• Complete project tasks and errands as directed by the Archaeologist, Senior Archaeologist, and/or other project leadership


• Maintain and organize field equipment, supplies, vehicles, and work site


• Procure field equipment and supplies


• Travel for extended periods of time


• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor's degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a closely related field


• Completion of an accredited archaeological field school and/or six months of field experience


• Valid driver's license, a good driving record, and access to reliable transportation


• Ability to obtain a government security clearance

Application Requirements

• Cover letter


• Resume


• 2-3 Professional references

Other Important Need-To-Know Information

• This position will require flexible availability outside of standard working hours


• Applicants must be eligible to be employed in the United States.


• SEARCH is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where a variety of backgrounds, cultures, orientations, ideas, and talents can flourish


• SEARCH is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law


• SEARCH is an affirmative action employer and a drug‑free workplace


• Employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory verification of criminal, education, driving, and/or employment background checks as well as passing results from a pre‑employment drug screen


• We will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation to the known limitations of a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or, if requested, to participate in an interview, please let us know

Physical Demands

• To successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of the job, the employee should have the ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including:


• Hear normal conversations and receive ordinary information.


• Communicate verbally and in writing.


• Use average and ordinary visual acuity necessary to excavate and inspect artifacts and distinguish features.


• Carry up to 50 lbs. occasionally.


• Sit for extended periods during travel or in an office.


• Walk up to 5.0 miles per day carrying gear over uneven terrain.


• Undertake physical work outside, often in inclement weather.


• Travel to remote locations, frequently up to or exceeding 10 consecutive days away from home.


• Drive for extended periods up to 11 hours per day.

About SEARCH

Overland and underwater, SEARCH is an archaeology firm that deploys the full spectrum of cultural heritage services worldwide. SEARCH2O, its maritime program, is at the forefront of historic shipwreck and submerged pre‑contact archaeology, paleolandscape reconstruction, and deep‑water archaeology. SEARCH's staff are cultural resources industry leaders, pioneers, and subject matter experts across 45 market, regional, and research sectors. Since 1993, SEARCH has completed more than 5,000 commercial and government projects in 48 US states, 6 US territories, and 39 countries spanning 7 continents and 4 oceans. By integrating science, technology, and creativity, SEARCH harnesses the power of the past to advance the projects, places, and people it serves.

For more information about SEARCH, please visit searchinc.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.