On-Call Staff Archaeologist

Jacobs; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 47,000 - 73,000; Part time

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking Staff Archaeologists to support projects across Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and DC, with a hybrid work policy that blends office/project sites and remote locations.

The role begins as part-time, on-call (1–20 hours/week) without benefits, with potential to move to full-time. Travel and safety are emphasized; NHPA, ARPA, NEPA and NAGPRA compliance knowledge is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology/Archaeology/CRM required.
• Minimum of 2 years of professional archaeological field work experience.
• Experience in construction monitoring and tribal monitor collaboration.
• Knowledge of historic preservation laws including NEPA/NHPA/ARPA/NAGPRA.

Responsibilities

• Provide cultural resources support for planning, engineering and construction.
• Travel frequently to support projects across the eastern states.
• Work under supervision of senior cultural resources staff in field settings.

Skills

Fieldwork experience

Oral and written communication

Travel willingness

Independent field work

Workplace safety awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology/Archaeology/CRM

Tools

EOS GPS

FieldMap

Survey123

Microsoft Office

Job description

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.

Your impact

Jacobs is seeking Staff Archaeologists to support a variety of projects across Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, District of Columbia, and other eastern geographies. This position provides cultural resources support for planning, engineering, and construction services to commercial clients.

Depending on candidate and organization needs, this position will be hired as Part‑Time, on‑call (without benefits; 1‑20 hours per week), with the possibility to turn into a Full‑Time role after working at Jacobs.

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 Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), and various state regulations. All work will be conducted under the guidance of senior cultural resources staff.

Frequent travel is expected for the position. It is critical that candidates be able to work 8‑to‑10‑hour days in a variety of conditions and understand that there could be frequent trips away from the office. Candidates must demonstrate a high awareness of workplace safety.

This position offers unique opportunities for professional growth and expanding archaeological competency across a variety of projects and geographies. This position comes with a solid potential for career advancement within Jacobs.

We value collaboration and believe that in‑person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs’ offices/projects and remote locations, enabling them to deliver their best work.

Here’s what you’ll need

• Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology/Archaeology/CRM
• Minimum of 2 years of professional archaeological field work experience
• Experience in construction monitoring and collaborating with tribal monitors
• Basic knowledge of historic preservation laws and policies, including NEPA, NHPA, ARPA, NAGPRA, and California state regulations and cultural resources policies
• Experience using GPS technology, including EOS, FieldMap applications, Survey123, among others
• Basic soil identification
• Proficiency with basic feature and artifact identification, including precontact ceramics, flaked stone, and ground stone, and diagnostic historic artifacts
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Must be capable of walking for long periods of time over rugged terrain, excavating shovel tests and test units, screening soil, and carrying field equipment
• Must be willing and able to travel frequently and for long periods of time as needed
• Must be motivated and able to work safely with minimum supervision
• Experience and comfort in working independently in the field

Ideally, you’ll also have

• Experience in or near Washington, D.C.
• Experience leading crews in the field
• Experience conducting research, literature reviews, and cartographic reviews
• Experience writing compliance reports and completing site forms
• Background in the consulting environment
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and be responsive to both internal and external clients
• HAZWOPER certification
• OSHA‑10 certification

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.

The base salary range for this position is $70,900.00 to $110,800.00; 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.

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 August 12, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.