As-Needed Archaeological Field Technicians (San Luis Obispo/ Central Coast)

Rincon Consultants, Inc; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Rincon Consultants, Inc. is seeking an Archaeological Field Technician for California projects. You will conduct surveys, collect field data, and document findings under senior staff guidance. The role requires outdoor work, GPS data collection, and coordination with project teams.

Ideal candidates have a Bachelor's in Archaeology/Anthropology, <1 year of field experience (or a Master's in lieu), and the ability to travel. The position offers a temporary, hourly compensation model with a 24–37 USD/hour base pay range.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or related field.
• At least one year of professional archaeological experience, or a Master's degree in a related field in place of one year.
• Ability to work independently during field assignments and make informed decisions.
• Experience collecting field data with GPS platforms such as Trimble or Garmin.
• Physical ability to work outdoors for extended periods and hike rugged terrain carrying up to 25 pounds of field equipment.
• Availability for 10-12 day field rotations.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project locations.
• Strong attention to detail and effective organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct archaeological surveys, monitoring, site recording, and field evaluations under supervision.
• Collect and document field data and ensure accuracy with project standards.
• Prepare field forms, site records, maps, photos, and other documentation.
• Coordinate with project managers, field leadership, clients, tribal representatives, and team members.
• Support laboratory work and post-field processing when required.
• Contribute to safe and efficient field operations and uphold Rincon's quality standards.
• Complete other duties supporting successful project delivery.

Skills

Field data collection

GPS field work

Independent field work

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Archaeology/Anthropology

Tools

Trimble GPS

Garmin GPS

Job description

About Us

We are an award-winning California-based environmental consulting firm with 600+ 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:

As an Archaeological Field Technician, you'll play an important role in supporting cultural resource investigations across a variety of projects. Responsibilities include:

• Conduct archaeological surveys, monitoring, site recording, and field evaluations under the direction of senior cultural resources staff.
• Collect and document field data while ensuring accuracy and compliance with project standards.
• Prepare field forms, site records, maps, photographs, and other project documentation.
• Coordinate effectively with project managers, field leadership, clients, tribal representatives, and fellow team members.
• Support laboratory work and post-field processing activities when required.
• Contribute to safe and efficient field operations while maintaining Rincon's quality standards.
• Complete other duties that support successful project delivery.

We're looking for candidates who have:

• A Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a closely related field.
• At least one year of professional archaeological experience, or a Master's degree in a related field in place of one year of experience.
• The ability to work independently during field assignments and confidently make informed decisions when appropriate.
• Experience collecting field data with GPS platforms such as Trimble or Garmin.
• The physical ability to work outdoors for extended periods, including hiking long distances across rugged terrain while carrying field equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Availability for as-needed assignments that may involve 10-12 day field rotations.
• A valid driver's license, dependable transportation, and the ability to travel to project locations.
• Strong attention to detail and effective organizational skills.

Bonus Points If You Have

• Experience with California cultural resources and regional archaeological contexts.
• Previous utility corridor or infrastructure project experience.
• Working knowledge of CEQA, NHPA, and related cultural resource compliance requirements.
• Previous archaeological field experience within California.

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.

Rincon Consultants does not accept unsolicited applicant/candidate resumes from search firm recruiters and/or temporary agencies that do not have a signed contract and specified work order with Rincon Consultants. Further, such resumes received will be deemed the sole property of Rincon Consultants and no fees will be paid in the event Rincon Consultants subsequently hires such individual. Rincon Consultants is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.