Field Archaeological Monitor/Crew Chief (Field Based)

ERM; Utah; On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consulting firm is seeking a Field Archaeologist to provide cultural resource monitoring during construction phases in Northern Nevada and Southern Idaho. This full-time position requires a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, along with 2-3 years of relevant fieldwork experience. Responsibilities include monitoring construction activities, documenting archaeological finds, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Strong communication and field judgment skills are essential, as the role involves working closely with construction teams in outdoor and active environments.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2-3 years of professional experience in archaeological fieldwork.
• Familiarity with Section 106 and other permitting requirements.
• Ability to work safely in active construction environments.

Responsibilities

• Monitor construction activities for potential cultural resources.
• Document and evaluate archaeological materials and features.
• Communicate findings to project managers and senior archaeologists.

Skills

Cultural resource monitoring

Effective communication

Field judgment

GPS data collection

Education

Bachelor's degree in Archaeology or Anthropology

Tools

ArcGIS

Survey123

GPS units

Job description

ERM is hiring Field Archaeologists/ Monitor to provide on-site cultural resource monitoring and compliance support during the construction phase of our client’s transmission and distribution project in Northern Nevada and Southern Idaho.

Responsibilities include monitoring ground-disturbing work, identifying and documenting archaeological resources, and ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations and permit conditions.

The Field Archaeologist works closely with construction personnel, project managers, and cultural resources leads to implement avoidance measures, respond to discoveries, and support uninterrupted project progress while maintaining regulatory compliance. This role requires strong field judgment, clear communication, and the ability to work safely and effectively in active construction environments.

The position requires the ability to work independently, communicate effectively with project teams, and make sound, real-time decisions in the field. Successful candidates must be flexible and responsive to a changing work environment where schedules, site locations, and tasks fluctuate according to the needs of the project. This is a full-time (60-72 hours/week), limited-term role with a duration of 18 months and the possibility of extension.

Responsibilities

• Monitor construction activities for potential cultural resource discoveries as instructed, such as during grading, trenching, excavation, and utility installation
• Identify, document, and evaluate archaeological materials, features, and isolated finds
• Implement unanticipated discovery procedures in accordance with project permits
• Coordinate in real time with construction crews, project managers, and cultural resource leads.
• Maintain compliance with cultural resource permit conditions and environmental commitments
• Complete daily monitoring logs, field notes, and photographic documentation
• Collect GPS data as instructed
• Assist with preparation of monitoring summaries, discovery documentation, and technical memoranda
• Communicate findings, compliance concerns, and work status to project managers and senior archaeologists
• Participate in construction worker cultural resource awareness briefings as needed
• Support coordination with Native American tribal monitors, when applicable
• Other duties as assigned or required
• Compliance with ERM’s rigorous safety program

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a closely related field
• Minimum of 2-3 years of professional experience in Great Basin archaeological fieldwork or cultural resource monitoring
• Experience monitoring construction or infrastructure projects
• Familiarity with Section 106, NHPA, and BLM, NV, and ID agency permitting requirements
• Ability to identify prehistoric and historic-period archaeological materials
• Experience using GPS units, Survey123, ArcGIS, or similar field data collection tools
• Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record
• Ability to work safely in active construction environments and outdoor field conditions

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred. Candidates with relevant professional experience demonstrating a commensurate level of knowledge and expertise are also encouraged to apply.
• Qualification under the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards (36 CFR Part 61) in Archaeology preferred.
• Experience working in remote areas for extended periods
• Demonstrated ability to support projects requiring sustained field engagement
• Experience working alongside Native American tribal monitors
• Experience preparing technical reports, monitoring summaries, or discovery documentation
• OSHA 10- or 30-hour construction safety training
• Wilderness and Remote First Aid Training

Work Environment

• Long hours in outdoor environments and temperature extremes
• Walking or hiking on uneven terrain while carrying field equipment
• Working in active construction sites around heavy equipment
• Candidates must be physically capable of performing required field duties safely.

Please submit your resume and brief cover letter. Based on review of these responses, shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.

Equal Employment Opportunity

ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Thank you for your interest in ERM!