Cultural Resources Technician

SWCA Environmental Consultants; Half Moon Bay (CA); On-site; USD 31,932 - 42,140; Part time

Job summary

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a part-time Cultural Resources Technician for their Half Moon Bay, California office. The role includes assisting the Field Director with archaeological surveys and construction monitoring while maintaining high professional standards.

The ideal candidate should hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and possess at least 6 months of experience in cultural resources. This position offers an hourly pay range of $23.18–30.59/hr depending on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, history, or a closely related field is required.
• Participation in an accredited field school or equivalent experience.
• At least 6 months - 1 year of professional experience identifying and documenting cultural resources.
• Ability to read and interpret topographical maps and navigate using a compass.
• Excellent attention to detail with strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Strong communication skills (both oral and written).
• Ability to pass a Motor Vehicle background screening.

Responsibilities

• Assist in Archaeological pedestrian surveys and construction monitoring.
• Perform digital photography, utilize electronic data collection tools, and GIS mapping applications.
• Identify cultural materials and communicate resource requirements to construction personnel.
• Maintain written daily survey logs and provide updates to project management.

Job description

About the opportunity

SWCA has an opportunity in our Half Moon Bay, California office for a Cultural Resources Technician who will assist the Field Director and Project Team in completing Archaeological pedestrian surveys, construction monitoring, and other field or office tasks. You will assist with GPS data collection using tablet units, coordinate with contractors in the field, and communicate with the Team through daily reporting of field activities. This is a part-time, regular role.

Our Half Moon Bay office offers a unique work environment and specializes in Cultural Resources Management and Environmental Compliance.

What you will accomplish

• Demonstrate and maintain SWCA's high standard of scientific ethics and quality assurance, and have the awareness to identify and resolve challenges in creative ways.
• Perform all aspects of archaeological survey, excavation, monitoring, data collection and documentation in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal guidelines and requirements.
• Identify cultural materials while safely working on construction sites and around heavy equipment; communicate resource requirements with construction personnel and other monitors.
• Coordinate and communicate effectively with construction crews and project personnel.
• Maintain written daily survey, monitoring, or site-recordation logs and provide daily email updates to project management.
• Perform digital photography, and utilize electronic data collection tools and GIS mapping applications.
• Perform basic laboratory studies.
• Follow instructions and ask informed questions.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism at all times, and during all interactions with project personnel and members of the public.
• Adhere to the safety program and look out for the safety of others, promptly communicating and mitigating safety hazards.

Experience and qualifications for success

• A bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, history, or a closely related field is required.
• Participation in an accredited field school or equivalent experience.
• At least 6 months - 1 year of professional experience identifying and documenting cultural resources. Experience should include work as a field archaeologist in California or the Great Basin using a range of field methodologies, including survey, testing, excavation, and monitoring. Familiarity with California prehistoric and historical cultural resources (including ability to quantify/analyze materials) and the culture history of California.
• Ability to read and interpret topographical maps and navigate using a compass.
• Candidates must demonstrate excellent attention to detail and will have strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Must have strong communication skills (both oral and written) and demonstrate ability to coordinate effectively with SWCA senior staff and other project personnel.
• Candidate must be motivated and able to work safely and cooperatively with minimal supervision.
• Availability to work extended field rotations (10-12 days at a time) and travel accordingly.
• Ability to pass a Motor Vehicle background screening.
• Ability to travel to location, walk and conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather, rugged terrain, often at high altitudes, and ability to carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds is required.
• Current valid driver's license and the ability to safely operate a 4wd vehicle on rugged, backcountry roads required.
• Dependable, respectful, organized, pro-active, and on-time.
• Currently reside in northern California (Sacramento area preferred).
• Active 40-hour HAZWOPER training a plus.
• Applicants must have valid driver's license and be able to meet SWCA's driver requirements.

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

An employee in this Half Moon Bay-based position can expect an hourly pay rate of $23.18-30.59/hr. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law.

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.