As-Needed Archaeological Field Technicians

Rincon Consultants; Fresno (CA); On-site; USD 33,062 - 50,971; Full time

Job summary

Rincon Consultants is an award-winning environmental consulting firm in California seeking a Field Archaeologist to support cultural resources projects across the state. You will conduct archaeological field investigations, pedestrian surveys, monitoring, and documentation, collaborating with project teams, Native American representatives, and regulatory agencies.

This temporary position offers hands-on fieldwork, safety-first practices, and opportunities to apply GPS data collection, site

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or related.
• One or more years of professional archaeological field experience; a Master's degree may substitute for one year of experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in the field with sound professional judgment.
• Experience using GPS equipment such as Trimble or Garmin for archaeological data collection.
• Ability to hike 10–12 miles per day while carrying approximately 25 pounds.
• Willingness to travel to project locations and maintain reliable transportation.
• Excellent organizational and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Support Cultural Resources Project Managers and Field Directors with archaeological field investigations throughout California.
• Participate in pedestrian surveys, construction monitoring, site documentation, testing, evaluations, and other archaeological field assignments.
• Record accurate field observations and complete documentation, including site records, field notes, and digital data collection.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary project teams, clients, Native American representatives, and agency personnel as needed.
• Assist with laboratory processing and analysis of archaeological materials when project demands require.
• Maintain high standards for safety, data quality, and regulatory compliance while performing field assignments.
• Perform additional project-related responsibilities as assigned.

Skills

Independent fieldwork

Documentation skills

Outdoor endurance

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Archaeology/Anthropology

Master's degree may substitute for one year of experience

Tools

GPS data collection (Trimble/Garmin)

Job description

About Us

We are an award-winning California-based environmental consulting firm with 550+ professionals and more than 30 years of diverse experience serving clients in transportation, energy, water, infrastructure, private development, and government sectors. Our mission is to deliver practical, science-based environmental and planning solutions that support communities, infrastructure, and natural systems.

As a people-centric organization, we value collaboration, fairness, and transparency, and are committed to fostering a workplace that supports both personal and professional growth while offering robust career opportunities. We are especially proud of our recent Great Place To Work certification, which reflects an independent assessment of our culture and our team member experiences.

What You'll Do

• Support Cultural Resources Project Managers and Field Directors with archaeological field investigations throughout California.
• Participate in pedestrian surveys, construction monitoring, site documentation, testing, evaluations, and other archaeological field assignments.
• Record accurate field observations and complete documentation, including site records, field notes, and digital data collection.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary project teams, clients, Native American representatives, and agency personnel as needed.
• Assist with laboratory processing and analysis of archaeological materials when project demands require.
• Maintain high standards for safety, data quality, and regulatory compliance while performing field assignments.
• Perform additional project-related responsibilities as assigned.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related discipline.
• One or more years of professional archaeological field experience. A Master's degree may substitute for one year of professional experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in the field while exercising sound professional judgment.
• Experience using GPS equipment such as Trimble or Garmin for archaeological data collection.
• Ability to work in physically demanding outdoor environments, including hiking up to 10-12 miles per day while carrying approximately 25 pounds.
• Availability to support extended field assignments lasting approximately 10-12 consecutive days as needed.
• Ability to travel to project locations and maintain reliable transportation.
• Excellent organizational and documentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of California prehistoric and historic archaeology.
• Previous experience supporting utility clients, including PG&E, Southern California Edison, SDG&E, SoCalGas, or similar organizations.
• Professional archaeological fieldwork completed within California.
• Familiarity with CEQA, NHPA, and other applicable cultural resource regulations.

Compensation

The base hourly range for this temporary position is $24.00-$37.00 per hour. At Rincon, our salary ranges are based on market median of similar jobs, according to third-party salary benchmark surveys. The base pay that is actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Additional Employment Information

Individuals offered employment must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of employment. Additionally, those hired who may be assigned to federal projects will be subject to further drug testing, including screening for cannabinoids (THC/marijuana), in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and other applicable federal regulations, which take precedence over California state and local laws.