On-Call Archaeological/Cultural Resources Field Technician

ewi Recruitment; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

ewi Recruitment seeks an On-Call Archaeological/Cultural Resources Field Technician to support surveys, monitoring, testing, and documentation on a project-by-project basis. You will work outdoors, sometimes on short notice, and may assist with laboratory processing and data entry.

The role requires a degree or coursework in archaeology or related fields, practical field experience, and familiarity with field methods and heritage law. Flexibility for travel and varied schedules is essential.

Qualifications

• Degree or relevant coursework in archaeology, anthropology, cultural resource management, or related discipline.
• Practical field experience or equivalent training.
• Familiarity with archaeological methods and heritage legislation.
• Ability to work independently and with a team.

Responsibilities

• Support archaeological surveys, monitoring, testing, and documentation on a project-by-project basis.
• Respond to short-notice assignments and travel as needed.
• Maintain accurate notes, records, and field forms.
• Assist with laboratory processing and data entry as required.

Skills

Field surveying

Site recording

GPS data collection

Documentation

Safety procedures

Education

Bachelor's degree in Archaeology or related field

Tools

GPS units

Microsoft Office

Digital data collection tools

Job description

We are seeking an On-Call Archaeological/Cultural Resources Field Technician to support archaeological surveys, monitoring, testing, and documentation on a project-by-project basis. This role is suited to a dependable professional who can work independently in varied outdoor environments and respond to short-notice assignments. Fieldwork may involve pedestrian surveys, site recording, shovel testing, excavation support, construction monitoring, artifact identification, GPS data collection, photography, and completion of field forms and daily reports. Technicians may also assist with laboratory processing, cataloguing, background research, and preparation of technical documentation.

The successful candidate will follow approved research designs, regulatory requirements, health and safety procedures, and direction from senior archaeological staff. Responsibilities include recognising and documenting cultural materials and features, maintaining accurate notes and records, protecting project equipment and collections, communicating field conditions promptly, and working respectfully with landowners, contractors, Indigenous communities, and other stakeholders. Assignments may require travel, extended periods outdoors, uneven terrain, variable weather, early starts, overnight stays, and occasional lifting of equipment or supplies. A flexible schedule and willingness to accept intermittent, on-call work are essential.

Applicants should have a degree or relevant academic coursework in archaeology, anthropology, cultural resource management, or a related discipline, together with practical field experience or demonstrated equivalent training. Familiarity with archaeological methods, applicable heritage legislation, GPS units, digital data collection, and Microsoft Office or comparable software is desirable. Strong attention to detail, clear written and verbal communication, sound judgement, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team are required. A valid driver’s licence and reliable transportation may be necessary, depending on assignment location. Relevant professional certifications, first-aid training, and experience with regional archaeological materials are advantageous. Availability, professionalism, and a commitment to ethical cultural resource stewardship are highly valued.