Archaeologist II

Dudek; Santa Cruz (CA); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Dudek is seeking an Archaeologist II in Santa Cruz, CA, to support cultural resource management projects through fieldwork, analysis, and reporting. The role emphasizes independent work and collaboration within a hybrid work setting from our Santa Cruz office.

Ideal candidates will have hands-on field experience, strong research skills, and knowledge of cultural resource regulations. The position focuses on field-based responsibilities, project execution, and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• 3+ years’ experience in archaeological fieldwork or CRM.
• Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or related field.
• Valid driver’s license and auto insurance by start date.

Responsibilities

• Conduct archaeological field surveys, excavations, monitoring, and site assessments.
• Record data with field notes, sketches, GIS maps, and photography.
• Assist in artifact recovery and site preservation procedures.

Skills

Fieldwork experience

CRM knowledge

Documentation

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology/Anthropology

Tools

GIS mapping

Job description

Overview

Location(s): Santa Cruz, CAWork Environment: HybridCompensation: $35-$36 hourly*

Dudek’s journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California’s water and wastewater agencies.

Today, we are a 100% employee-owned firm supporting clients nationwide and delivering projects that improve and protect the built and natural environments of communities throughout the United States. Our work has been recognized by leading industry organizations, and we’ve been honored with multiple national Top Workplace Awards.

Our employee-owners are unified by a singular commitment to supporting projects that address key societal issues, such as the transition to renewable energy, infrastructure hardening and repair, environmental protection, and community resilience.

Learn more about ouraward-winning culture, thebenefits and perksof being aDudekian, and theprojectsyou will have the opportunity to shape.

Position Overview

Who You Are

As anemployee-owner, you embrace accountability, working safely, andcollaborationwhile thinking resourcefully and independently.

Like allDudekians, you are curious andsolution-oriented, with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and approach challenges with a spirit ofinnovation.

HowYou’llMake an Impact

Dudek is seeking an Archaeologist II to support cultural resource management (CRM) projects through archaeological investigations, fieldwork, cultural resource analysis, technical reporting, and regulatory compliance. This role is responsible for conducting surveys and other field activities, researching and evaluating cultural resources, and preparing documentation that supports project and permitting requirements. The ideal candidate has hands‑on archaeological field experience, strong research and analytical skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a project environment. While contributing to a variety of CRM projects, the Archaeologist II will continue developing technical expertise in archaeological methods, cultural resource regulations, and industry best practices, with a primary focus on field-based responsibilities and project execution.

This role is hybrid and will be based out of our Santa Cruz, CA office.

Duties and Responsibilities

Fieldwork and Site Investigations

• Participates in archaeological field surveys, excavations, construction monitoring, and site assessments.
• Records stratigraphic, contextual, and spatial data through detailed field notes, sketches, GIS mapping,
• and photography.
• Assists in implementing excavation techniques, artifact recovery, and site preservation procedures.
• May include crew chief, field lead, or field director responsibilities.

Laboratory Analysis and Curation

• Cleans, classifies, and catalogs artifacts, ensuring adherence to curation protocols.
• Conducts artifact and ecofact analyses to determine cultural and historical significance.
• Maintains accurate laboratory records and contribute to artifact conservation efforts.

Data Analysis and Research

• Conducts research using historical documentation, previous site records, and comparative analysis to interpret findings.
• Uses GIS and other analytical tools to assess spatial relationships between cultural resources.
• Assists in developing cultural sensitivity assessments for project planning.

Technical Reporting and Documentation

• Contributes to the preparation of technical reports summarizing field methodologies, findings, and cultural significance assessments.
• Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal CRM regulations, including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).
• Assists in developing environmental impact assessments and cultural resource management plans.

Project Management

• With guidance, tracks objectives, safety responsibilities, and field practices to meet appropriate standards
• and requirements.
• With guidance, understands and tracks scoped work and budget parameters as they relate to anticipated field efforts (e.g., number of field days, per diem), and communicates status with supervising staff.

Regulatory Compliance and Stakeholder Coordination

• Ensures all work aligns with cultural resource laws and regulations (e.g., California Environmental Policy Act, NHPA, Archaeological Resources Protection Act).
• Assists in preparing permit applications and compliance documents for regulatory agencies.
• Participates in engagement with tribal representatives, government agencies, and community members on cultural resource concerns when required.
• May support agency or client meetings or communication, completed in coordination with supervising staff.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience: 3+ years’ experience in archaeological fieldwork, CRM, or related areas.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related field.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by the first day of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related field preferred.
• Proficiency in archaeological survey and excavation techniques.
• Experience with GIS mapping, artifact classification, and database management.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret cultural findings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage tasks, coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, and mentor junior staff.
• Willingness to travel for fieldwork, often in remote locations and under challenging conditions

Compensation: $35-$39 hourly*

*Final agreed‑upon compensation will be based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, an individual’s related experience, education, certifications, skills, and work location. Successful candidates must pass a pre‑employment drug test and background check prior to beginning employment.

Working Conditions

• This job operates in a remote or office-based environment and this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc.
• This job requires occasional project site visits, based outdoors which can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, and moving vehicles and equipment.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This job requires the following:

• Working on a computer, sitting, or standing for long periods of time in an office or remote office setting.

• Employees must be capable of bending, squatting, climbing ladders, and lifting up to 35 lbs. unassisted; 50lbs in a team lift (two or more employees).

• This job requires attending meetings, both in person and virtually as well as speaking on the phone with government agency representatives, members of the public, and others. Speaking, hearing and listening are required.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Outdoor activity may involve walking/trekking in uneven terrain over long distances in extreme weather conditions for extended periods of time.

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Dudek is committed to creating a workplace where all employees, regardless of their background, feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunities to succeed. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our business success, and we are dedicated to fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We are committed to fair and equitable processes, based on merit, free from any discrimination.

Dudek is genuinely committed to equal employment opportunities within our company and on our project teams. Dudek is also committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in Dudek’s operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of Dudek, including supervisors and coworkers. Equal employment opportunities will be extended to all persons (including those with disability and veteran status) in all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination. Any employee who violates this policy and Dudek’s commitment to equal employment opportunities will be subject to disciplinary action.

Dudek is a U.S.-based employer. All positions are based in the United States and require U.S. work authorization.