Archaeologist II

KLJ; Durango (CO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k

Flexible work environment

Employee stock ownership program

Job summary

KLJ in Durango, CO is seeking an Archaeologist to support archaeological investigations and cultural resource management.

This role blends fieldwork, technology, and research as you collect artifacts, document findings, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams while adhering to permitting and regulatory standards. Travel and field duties are part of the job, with a salary range of $60,000–$85,000.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Historic Preservation, or a related field.
• 1-3 years of archaeological field experience, including survey, excavation, site documentation, and/or construction monitoring.
• Experience with GIS and field technologies such as Trimble GPS units, ArcCollector, Survey123, or similar platforms.
• Working knowledge of archaeological research methods, field techniques, and regional prehistoric or historic archaeology.
• Understanding of cultural resource regulations, preservation compliance requirements, and documentation standards.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel as project needs require.

Responsibilities

• Conducting archaeological surveys, site recordation, construction monitoring, and excavation activities.
• Collecting, documenting, and analyzing artifacts, spatial data, and field observations.
• Utilizing GIS, GPS, and field technologies to support data collection and reporting.
• Assisting with cultural resource assessments to support environmental permitting and project development.
• Supporting project managers and technical teams with field planning, permitting coordination, and compliance activities.
• Preparing technical documentation, reports, and recommendations based on research findings and field investigations.
• Maintaining equipment, performing quality control checks, and ensuring accurate data collection.
• Collaborating with environmental scientists, engineers, planners, and other specialists on multidisciplinary projects.
• Following safety protocols and best practices while working in both office and field environments.

Skills

GIS experience

Field data collection

Documentation & reporting

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Archaeology/Anthropology/Historic Preservation

Tools

Trimble GPS units

ArcCollector

Survey123

Job description

As an Archaeologist at KLJ, you'll support archaeological investigations and cultural resource management efforts across a variety of projects and environments.

From transportation corridors and energy projects to environmental permitting and infrastructure development, you'll work alongside multidisciplinary teams to balance progress with preservation. If you enjoy a mix of fieldwork, technology, research, and problem-solving, this could be the perfect opportunity to build your career.

What You'll Do

Your responsibilities may include:

• Conducting archaeological surveys, site recordation, construction monitoring, and excavation activities.
• Collecting, documenting, and analyzing artifacts, spatial data, and field observations.
• Utilizing GIS, GPS, and field technologies to support data collection and reporting.
• Assisting with cultural resource assessments to support environmental permitting and project development.
• Supporting project managers and technical teams with field planning, permitting coordination, and compliance activities.
• Preparing technical documentation, reports, and recommendations based on research findings and field investigations.
• Maintaining equipment, performing quality control checks, and ensuring accurate data collection.
• Collaborating with environmental scientists, engineers, planners, and other specialists on multidisciplinary projects.
• Following safety protocols and best practices while working in both office and field environments.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Historic Preservation, or a related field.
• 1-3 years of archaeological field experience, including survey, excavation, site documentation, and/or construction monitoring.
• Experience working with GIS and field technologies such as Trimble GPS units, ArcCollector, Survey123, or similar platforms.
• Working knowledge of archaeological research methods, field techniques, and regional prehistoric or historic archaeology.
• Understanding of cultural resource regulations, preservation compliance requirements, and documentation standards.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel as project needs require.

Preferred Traits

• A passion for preservation, research, and storytelling through archaeology.
• Curiosity and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently in the field while also thriving as part of a collaborative team.
• Enthusiasm for learning new technologies and contributing to innovative project solutions.

Work Environment

This position offers a balance of office and field work, with approximately:

• 80% fieldwork
• 20% office-based work

Field assignments may involve:

• Walking up to 10 miles per day across varied terrain.
• Working in diverse weather and environmental conditions.
• Lifting and carrying equipment and supplies.
• Traveling for project assignments.

Why KLJ?

At KLJ, you'll be part of a team that helps communities grow while preserving the cultural resources that tell their stories. You'll work on challenging and rewarding projects, collaborate with experts across multiple disciplines, and have opportunities to expand your technical skills and professional development.

Join us in preserving the past while helping build what's next.

At KLJ, we have a vested interest in the personal, financial, and professional goals of our employees. The salary for this position is expected to range between $60,000 - $85,000. Factors that may be used to determine actual salary include education (or applicable experience), training, job location, competencies relevant to the role, and internal equity. We offer a competitive full suite benefit package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, performance bonus, 401k, employee stock ownership program and a flexible work environment that gives you options to support excelling both professionally and personally. The options available for the current year are described at www.kljeng.com/careers/benefits.

This job description is not meant to be all-inclusive or restrictive and other duties may be assigned. It is a description of the job as presently defined and is subject at any time to revision. This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Individuals may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities, as needed.

All applicants must be authorized to work in the US, without employer-sponsorship. KLJ does not offer employment based VISAS.

KLJ will not be partnering with third-party recruiters on this position. Please review our third-party recruiting policy at www.kljeng.com/careers.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.