Associate Archaeologist

Environmental Research Group; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Eleven paid holidays

Paid time off

401(k) plan with employer contribution

Fitness stipend

Job summary

Environmental Research Group, LLC (ERG) seeks an Associate Archaeologist to support CRM projects at Fort Lee. This on-site, full-time position is ideal for early to mid-career professionals passionate about archaeology, fieldwork, and preserving cultural heritage.

The role requires fieldwork experience, SOI qualification, and the ability to pass a federal background check. You will conduct surveys, document observations, and assist with artifact processing in field and lab settings.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in archaeology or a closely related field is required.
• SOI qualification is required for this role.
• Ability to pass a federal background check and operate a company-provided vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Conduct archaeological field surveys, shovel testing, and excavation under supervision.
• Be on-site at Fort Lee five days a week for eight hours per day.
• Document field observations with notes, maps, and photographs.
• Assist with artifact identification, processing, and cataloging in field and lab settings.
• Adhere to safety protocols and ethical standards during all field activities.
• Collaborate with diverse teams in dynamic field environments.
• Maintain and organize field equipment and supplies.
• Participate in pre-field briefings and post-field debriefs.

Skills

SOI qualified

On-site fieldwork

Strong teamwork

MS Office proficiency

Education

Master's degree in Archaeology or related field

Tools

GPS units

Trimble GPS Pathfinder Office

Terrasync

ArcGIS Pro

Job description

Job Summary

Environmental Research Group, LLC (ERG) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Associate Archaeologist to support cultural resource management (CRM) projects at Fort Lee. This role is ideal for early to mid-career professionals passionate about archaeology, fieldwork, and preserving cultural heritage. This is a full-time and on-site position.

Essential Functions

• Conduct archaeological field surveys, shovel testing, and excavation under the supervision of senior staff.
• Be present on-site at Fort Lee 5 days per week, 8 hours per day.
• Accurately document field observations, including detailed notes, maps, and photographs.
• Assist with artifact identification, processing, and cataloging in both field and lab settings.
• Adhere to ERG's safety protocols and ethical standards in all field activities.
• Collaborate with diverse teams in dynamic field environments.
• Maintain and organize field equipment and supplies.
• Participate in pre-field briefings and post-field debriefs.
• Other duties as assigned by leadership.

Qualifications

• Must be SOI qualified (at least a master's degree in a relevant program).
• Able to pass a federal government background check and operate a company-provided 4WD motor vehicle on and off base.
• Field experience in CRM or academic settings, with the ability to independently conduct archaeological fieldwork and monitor construction (in varying terrain and inclement weather).
• Familiarity with GPS units, field mapping, and basic artifact identification. Able to operate GPS unit and use Trimble GPS Pathfinder Office and Terrasync.
• Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions and hike long distances carrying field gear.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat. Experience with ArcGIS Pro a plus.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to identify prehistoric and historic artifacts of the Mid-Atlantic.
• Working knowledge of soil identification.
• Knowledge of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).
• First Aid/CPR certification.

Why ERG?

ERG: We enhance missions. We enrich lives. We are guided by our core values of trust, expertise, and compassion. ERG is committed to fostering a collaborative, respectful, and inclusive work environment where every team member contributes to meaningful projects that conserve and protect the environment.

About ERG

We apply enERG y to environmental work! A trusted name since 2000, ERG offers more than just consulting. We're a team of passionate problem-solvers, innovators, and environmental champions who work with dedication, handling projects from planning to delivery. We excel in providing superior environmental solutions and integrating into the communities we serve. Offering behind-the-scenes support, on-site project management, and hands‑on fieldwork, we deliver services to clients across the public and private sectors.

ERG is a certified Service-Disabled-Veteran-Owned, Women Owned Small Business as well as a certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise.

Compensation & Benefits

The annual salary range for this full-time position is $54,000 to $60,500, commensurate with experience. Bonuses may be offered for exceptional performance. The benefits package includes health insurance with a generous employer subsidy, eleven paid holidays, paid time off, a fitness stipend, a 401(k) plan with an employer contribution regardless of employee contribution, and more.

ERG is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disability and Veteran statuses. ERG also participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify Program to ensure that all employees hired are legally able to work in the United States.