Cultural Resources Technician

SWCA Environmental Consultants; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 28,000 - 37,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime pay

Travel accommodations

Per diem up to $68/day

Vehicles provided

Advancement opportunities

Job summary

SWCA Environmental Consultants seeks two to four Cultural Resources Field Technicians for Midwest projects across IL, MI, OH, and IN. This field-based, hourly role involves surveying, testing, and documenting field data, with emphasis on safety and compliance on solar and government projects.

These temporary assignments are 40–50 hours per week, with overtime pay for hours over 40. Per diem, vehicle support, and advancement opportunities are provided where applicable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, or closely related field, or in progress.
• Completion of an accredited archaeological field school.
• Ability to travel and perform fieldwork long hours in varied conditions.

Responsibilities

• Perform archaeological surveying and field testing, including shovel tests.
• Document field data with forms, photos, maps, and GPS data under supervision.
• Ensure safety and promptly communicate hazards to the team.

Skills

Bachelor's degree in anthropology/arch

Education

Bachelor's degree in anthropology/archaeology

Field school completion

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Collector

Survey123

Job description

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants seeks two - four (2-4) Cultural Resources Field Technicians to join our Midwest cultural resources team, participating in cultural resource management projects across Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and/or Indiana. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to solar energy and local government projects throughout the Midwest, ensuring compliance, preservation, and alignment with sustainable development goals.

These are temporary, hourly, non-exempt, field-based assignments with an anticipated schedule of 40-50 hours per week. We strongly encourage applications from candidates located in the Midwest for priority consideration.

What you will accomplish

• Perform archaeological surveying and field testing, conducting shovel test pits and excavation units.
• Complete field documentation, including forms, digital photography, in-field mapping, and GPS data collection, under the supervision of a Field Lead or Project Archaeologist.
• Adhere to the safety program and look out for the safety of others, promptly communicating and mitigating safety hazards.

Experience and qualifications for success

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, or a closely related field, or working towards the completion of one of these degree programs.
• Completion of an accredited archaeological field school.
• Ability to travel to a location, walk, and conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather (including extreme heat and humidity), and rugged terrain.
• Ability to carry equipment and supplies weighing 25-50 pounds.
• Current valid driver's license and ability to safely operate a 4wd vehicle on rugged, backcountry roads required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in anthropology, archaeology, or a closely related field.
• 6+ months experience with a wide range of field methodologies, including archaeological survey, testing, excavation, methodology and monitoring.
• Knowledge of Collector and Survey123.

Additional Information

• This position is entirely field-based.
• Hours worked over 40 hours per week are paid at time-and-a-half rate.
• Single occupancy hotels paid directly by SWCA.
• Per diem up to $68 for full day assignments, unless otherwise noted for specific projects.
• Vehicles provided for projects.
• Opportunity for advancement within SWCA.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full spectrum of environmental services. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record's Top 200 Environmental Firms.

If you need assistance accessing SWCA's website, completing the online application, or require a confidential conversation related to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact us at [e-mail] or call 1-480-581-5378. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive experience for all candidates. This contact information is specifically for accommodation requests; other inquiries will not receive a response.

SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees. In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges in all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.

An employee in this Illinois-based position can expect an hourly pay rate of $20.28-$26.77/hour. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law.

SWCA offers aTotal Rewards packagewhich is designed to support your well-being, career growth, and work-life balance. Highlights include wellness paid time off, an employee assistance program, award-winning career development opportunities, a vibrant and inclusive corporate culture, and more.

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success.

SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experience our internal team members bring to SWCA's continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.