On-Call Archaeologist

Jacobs; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 58,656 - 100,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Health benefits

Job summary

Jacobs Environmental Science and Planning seeks an on‑call Archaeologist based in Portland, OR, to support cultural resources for energy, government, and construction projects. You will perform survey, testing, data recovery, and monitoring, and contribute to reports under senior guidance.

The role requires fieldwork in the Pacific Northwest, with travel and remote-location work, and prospects of conversion to permanent status depending on project backlog and performance.

Qualifications

• B.A./B.S. in Anthropology with archaeology emphasis.
• Completed archaeological field school.
• Knowledge of GPS data collection equipment and computer use.
• Willingness to travel to remote areas and conduct fieldwork.

Responsibilities

• Conduct archaeological survey, testing, evaluation, data recovery and monitoring.
• Analyze materials, document field notes and prepare site records.
• Perform historical/archival research and contribute to technical reports.
• Work outdoors in remote conditions and rugged terrain.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Organizational and time management

GPS data collection

Computers

Travel willingness/driver's license

Education

B.A./B.S. in Anthropology (Archaeology)

Archaeology field school

Tools

GPS data collection equipment

Computers

Job description

Overview

At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Position Overview

Jacobs Environmental Science and Planning group seeks an on‑call Archaeologist with experience in the US Pacific Northwest to be based in our Portland, Oregon office. Depending on the candidate’s performance and project backlog, this on‑call position could potentially turn into a permanent role at Jacobs.

This position involves providing cultural resources support for planning, engineering, and construction services to energy, government, military, transportation, and commercial clients. In this role you will tackle archaeological survey, testing, evaluation, data recovery, and construction monitoring, as well as other tasks as assigned. You will analyze archaeological materials, keep detailed field notes, prepare archaeological site records, conduct historical and archival research, and contribute sections to technical reports. The role requires working outdoors in remote locations and for extended periods under all weather conditions, often traversing rugged terrain.

The Archaeologist career path provides the opportunity to work on projects that require compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Native American Graves Repatriation and Protection Act (NAGPRA), and state regulations. You will be expected to work for clients in both the public and private sectors, including multiple projects at a time. All work will be conducted under the guidance of senior cultural resources staff.

Qualifications

• B.A./B.S. Degree or higher in Anthropology with an emphasis in Archaeology
• Completion of an archaeological field school
• Knowledge of computers and GPS data collection equipment
• Valid driver’s license and ability and willingness to travel to distant or remote areas, and for extended periods as required
• Ability to walk for long periods of time over unfamiliar terrain (potentially 8–10 miles a day in ideal conditions), excavate shovel test probes (typically 8 or more a day in ideal conditions) and test units, screen soil, and carry field equipment
• Ability to work 8 to 10‑hour days (or longer if necessary) in a variety of conditions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Organizational and time management skills to effectively complete assigned workload within defined timelines and in accordance with established standards
• Experience in the Pacific Northwest
• At least 2 years of field experience in archaeological survey and excavation

Preferred Qualifications

• M.A./M.S. Degree or higher in Anthropology with an emphasis in Archaeology
• Additional experience in historical archaeology, lithic analysis, faunal analysis, ethnography or GIS
• Archaeological monitoring experience
• Experience in the Western United States, including the Pacific Northwest, the Great Basin Region, California, Alaska, and/or Hawaii

Benefits

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well‑being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to a 401(k) plan, as well as legally mandated benefits.

Compensation

The base salary range for this position is $58,656.00 to $100,000.00; though will be paid hourly based on hours worked. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Job posted on July 01, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.