Archaeology Field Director (On-Call)

WestLand, a Trinity Consultants Team; Santa Clarita (CA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

PTO

401k matching

Remote/hybrid possibilities

Job summary

WestLand Engineering and Environmental Services, a Trinity Consultants team, seeks an on-call Archaeology Field Director in California to oversee surveys, testing, and data recovery projects. You will supervise field crews, ensure compliance with scope and standards, and prepare high-quality reports while coordinating with clients and project teams.

The role requires strong leadership, extensive field experience in California, and familiarity with state/federal cultural resources regulations.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or related field required; Bachelor's with additional experience may substitute.
• Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory field experience in California.
• Experience writing technical archaeological reports for California-based projects.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and creative environment.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.

Responsibilities

• Report project status (budget and progress) weekly to Principal Investigator or Division Director.
• Coordinate project logistics including crew scheduling, equipment procurement, and review of field worker applications.
• Plan and complete cultural resource survey field elements.
• Supervise field crews during surveys to ensure adherence to scope, budget, schedule, and standards.
• Coordinate with cartographers and GIS staff to prepare project maps.
• Evaluate sites for eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places.
• Prepare internal summary reports of findings.
• Communicate findings verbally to project teams.

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory

Report writing

GIS

Project coordination

Education

Master's degree in Archaeology/Anthropology/related field

Bachelor's degree + experience substitution

Tools

ArcGIS

Cultural resources regulations

Job description

At WestLand Engineering and Environmental Services, a Trinity Consultants team, we are driven by purpose, innovation, and a shared commitment to the work that we do. As part of Trinity Consultants' Water and Ecology division, we tackle complex environmental challenges, blending expertise in environmental consulting, wetlands, cultural resources, GIS, landscape architecture, and engineering.

WestLand empowers our teams to develop their unique skills while fostering career growth within a company that is large enough to offer diverse opportunities yet agile enough to value individual contributions. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do-our professionals work together on meaningful and impactful projects, delivering solutions that help clients navigate regulatory complexities and see positive project outcomes. Make a difference with us at WestLand!

WestLand is seeking an on-call Archaeology Field Director for our growing California Cultural Resources program! The Archaeology Field Director oversees archaeological surveys, testing, and data recovery projects. Responsibilities include supervising field crews, ensuring compliance with scope, budget, and technical standards, preparing high-quality reports, coordinating with project teams, and maintaining open communication with clients and stakeholders. The role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and familiarity with regional cultural resources regulations and practices.

What will I be doing?

• Report project status (budget and progress) weekly to Principal Investigator or Division Director.
• Coordinate project logistics including crew scheduling, equipment procurement, and review of field worker job applications.
• Plan and complete cultural resource survey field elements.
• Supervise field crews during surveys to ensure adherence to scope, budget, schedule, and technical standards.
• Supervise staff archaeologists assisting with survey report production.
• Coordinate with cartographers and GIS staff to prepare project maps.
• Evaluate sites for eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places.
• Prepare concise internal summary reports of findings.
• Communicate findings verbally to project teams.
• Prepare Draft and Final Survey Reports per state and federal standards.
• Collaborate with project teams to develop scopes and budget estimates for additional work.
• Plan data recovery projects in collaboration with the Principal Investigator and/or Division Director.
• Conduct excavation and recording of cultural features and sites.
• Ensure accurate mapping of sites and features.
• Oversee crew recording of artifact provenance and context, ensuring proper data collection for project databases.
• Prepare technical write-ups for testing and data recovery projects.
• Communicate findings verbally to project teams.
• Interact with internal and external clients as necessary.
• Promote open, cooperative, and enthusiastic communication across all levels.
• Participate in meetings as a positive contributor to the team.
• Comply with and promote company policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate a professional, service-oriented attitude in all interactions.
• Anticipate and prevent issues by establishing standard work practices and expectations.
• Operate effectively in a dispersed work environment.

What qualifications are required for this role?

• Master's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or related field required; Bachelor's degree with additional experience may substitute.
• Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory field experience in the California.
• Previous experience writing technical archaeological reports for California-based projects required.
• Experience writing technical archaeological reports.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and creative environment.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.

This is a non-exempt position with a salary range of $39.00 - $44.00 per hour. As an on-call employee, your hours will fluctuate from week to week. Typical project assignments vary in length from a single day to up to ten-day durations. For out-of-town work that includes overnight, or longer duration stays, per diem and/or single-occupancy hotel rooms are provided.

What does WestLand offer you?

• Comprehensive benefits package: 9 paid holidays, healthcare benefits, PTO, and 401k matching for full-time employees. Flexible work schedules and remote/hybrid possibilities for most roles.
• Multidisciplinary environment: Unique, creative, and challenging projects where you can develop your vision of clientele and work with industry leaders daily.
• Success-oriented environment: Two-way mentorship, financial incentives to publish work, tuition reimbursement, and a career path structure to help you reach the next steps in your career.
• Collaborative work environment: Clear and frequent communication, shared information and ideas across teams, and a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

WestLand is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment background checks.

Resumes submitted by a recruiting/staffing agency without current/valid vendor agreement will become property of WestLand. Any recruiting/staffing agency wishing to do business with WestLand must contact the Human Resources Department through our website. Recruiting/staffing agents may NOT contact hiring managers directly. Firms that do not honor this request will be removed from consideration.