As-Needed Archaeological Field Technician - Northern California

Dudek; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 43,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Sick leave

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

ESOP eligibility

Job summary

Dudek is seeking Archaeological Field Technicians for California projects on an on-call/as-needed basis. Responsibilities include survey, excavation, monitoring, and detailed documentation, with collaboration across field teams.

Qualified candidates hold a bachelor’s in archaeology/anthropology, can travel for multi-day field assignments, and are proficient with GPS, cameras, and tablets. The role emphasizes safety, teamwork, and adaptive problem solving.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or related field.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and active automobile liability insurance.
• Ability to operate a 4WD vehicle safely.
• Physical ability to carry equipment up to 40 lbs and hike for long hours.
• Willingness to travel to project locations for several days.
• Pre-employment drug test and background check required as federal contractor.

Responsibilities

• Archaeological survey, excavation, and monitoring.
• On-site communication with construction and Native American personnel; maintain daily logs with activity details.
• Coordinate with crew leader to verify instructions; conduct photography, measurements, artifact identification, and documentation.
• Work with a team during excavation to identify buried resources and document them clearly.

Skills

Archaeology fieldwork

Team collaboration

Safety consciousness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology/Anthropology

Tools

GPS devices

Cameras

Tablets

ESRI Collector/Field Maps

Job description

Compensation: $21-31/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 employees 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 our award-winning culture , the benefits and perks of being a Dudekian , and the projects you will have the opportunity to shape.

Overview

Location(s): Northern California

Practice/Department: Cultural

Work Environment: Field

Position Overview

Who You Are

As an employee you embrace accountability, working safely, and collaboration while thinking resourcefully and independently.

Like all Dudekians , you are curious and solution-oriented , with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and approach challenges with a spirit of innovation .

How You’ll Make An Impact

We are seeking qualified, experienced Archaeological Field Technicians for various archaeological projects throughout California on an on‑call/as‑needed basis. Immediate needs in the northern and central California regions. However, we also have a number of additional opportunities throughout other areas of California and other states. Candidates could be connected with our Oakland, Sacramento, Auburn, or Santa Cruz offices although proximity to an office is not a determining factor.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Archaeological survey, excavation, and monitoring
• During archaeological monitoring the applicant would be responsible for on-site communication with construction and Native American personnel, and for maintaining daily logs that include detailed descriptions of construction activities, communication, and future plans
• During survey work the applicant will be expected to communicate effectively with crew leader to verify understanding of instructions or site‑specific information. Scientific photography, measurement, artifact identification, and recordation of resources will be required
• During excavation, the applicant will be expected to work well with a team to ensure clear communication. Ability to identify buried resources and document them effectively while working in a team will be necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a closely related field.
• Must posses a valid driver's license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by first day of employment.
• The ability to safely operate a 4wd vehicle.
• Physical ability to carry equipment and supplies (up to 40 lbs.) and walk or hike for long hours during fieldwork.
• Willingness to travel to a project location for several consecutive days
• As a federal contractor, successful candidates are required to pass the following pre - employment requirements prior to beginning employment: pre - employment drug test and background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completed an accredited field school certification.
• Previous archaeological survey experience in California, the Desert West, the Pacific Northwest and/or the Mid-Atlantic, and experience recording a variety of site and isolate types in the respective region(s).
• Experience with a wide range of archaeological field methods including pedestrian survey, testing/evaluation, and monitoring
• Ability to operate field equipment, including GPS equipment, cameras, and tablets
• Knowledge of and experience using ESRI Collector and/or Field Maps.

Compensation:

$21.00-31.00 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 an outdoor or office-based environment and this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc.
• This job requires 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).
• Attending meetings, both in person and virtually, and speaking on the phone with peers, clients, etc.
• Specific vision abilities, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the 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.

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.

• As-needed and part-time employees are eligible for our 401(k) plan, sick leave, and our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). As-needed and part-time employees have the option of additional benefits like medical benefits and ESOP participation provided they meet minimum hours worked during the 12‑month look back measurement period. Speak with your recruiter to learn more.

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