Staff Archaeologist

GEI Consultants; Rancho Cordova (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedules

GEI University with continuing ed./tu.

Job summary

GEI Consultants is seeking a Staff Archaeologist to join our Cultural Resources team in the West Region. The role emphasizes field leadership, project execution, and professional growth across California and the western United States.

Under supervision, you will support surveys, data collection, reporting, and compliance work for Section 106, CEQA, and NEPA. Travel and field assignments are required with potential to lead small crews over time.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of archaeological field methods and cultural resources compliance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness and ability to travel, including overnight travel and extended field assignments.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in varying terrain and weather conditions.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Valid U.S. driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Proficient with the Microsoft Suite.

Responsibilities

• Assist with archaeological surveys, site recordation, testing programs, excavation projects, monitoring activities, and laboratory analysis.
• Collect, organize, and manage field and project data.
• Prepare field notes, site records, maps, forms, and supporting documentation.
• Conduct data entry, analysis, calculations, and interpretation under supervision.
• Assist with preparation of technical reports supporting compliance with Section 106, CEQA, NEPA, and other regulations.
• Produce high-quality work products meeting QA/QC requirements.
• Apply established archaeological methods, protocols, and safety procedures.
• Begin leading small field crews and managing task-level field execution under supervision.
• Coordinate logistics and field activities for assigned tasks.
• Support subcontractor coordination and communication as directed.
• Develop familiarity with project management processes including budgeting and invoicing.

Skills

Strong written and verbal comms

Willingness to travel

Multidisciplinary teamwork

MS Office proficiency

Knowledge of archaeological field/chk

Education

Bachelor's degree in Archaeology/Anthropology or related field

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

GPS

GIS

Digital data collection tools

Mapping software

Job description

GEI is seeking a motivated Staff Archaeologist to join our growing Cultural Resources team in the West Region. This position is ideal for an early-career professional looking to strengthen technical skills, gain diverse field and office experience, and build a foundation in cultural resources consulting.

Working under the guidance of senior archaeologists and project managers, the Staff Archaeologist will support archaeological investigations and cultural resources compliance projects throughout California and the western United States. This role emphasizes technical development, field leadership, project execution, collaboration, and professional growth.

Technical Execution

• Assist with archaeological surveys, site recordation, testing programs, excavation projects, monitoring activities, and laboratory analysis.
• Collect, organize, and manage field and project data.
• Prepare field notes, site records, maps, forms, and supporting documentation.
• Conduct data entry, analysis, calculations, and interpretation under supervision.
• Assist with preparation of technical reports supporting compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, CEQA, NEPA, and other applicable regulations.
• Produce high-quality work products that meet project QA/QC requirements.
• Apply established archaeological methods, protocols, and safety procedures during field and office assignments.
• Support technical staff in identifying, evaluating, and resolving routine project issues.

Field Leadership and Team Support

• Participate in field investigations throughout the western United States.
• Coordinate logistics and field activities for assigned tasks.
• Support subcontractor coordination and communication as directed.
• Work collaboratively with project teams to achieve project objectives.
• Begin leading small field crews and managing task-level field execution under supervision.

Project Support

• Support project managers with project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and proposal preparation.
• Assist with development of technical scopes of work.
• Track assigned work and proactively communicate schedule, workload, and budget concerns.
• Meet assigned scope, schedule, and budget requirements.
• Develop familiarity with project management processes, including budgeting, invoicing, and project accounting.

Client and Business Development Support

• Attend project and client meetings alongside senior staff.
• Assist with proposal development efforts, including scope, schedule, and budget preparation.
• Help identify opportunities for additional work on existing projects.
• Develop an understanding of GEI's service lines and multidisciplinary project approach.
• Participate in professional organizations, technical meetings, conferences, and industry events as approved.

Professional Development

• Build technical expertise in archaeological methods, regulations, and industry best practices.
• Seek professional certifications and credentials aligned with career goals.
• Participate in technical training, mentoring programs, and continuing education opportunities.
• Collaborate with senior staff on technical presentations, workshops, papers, or conference presentations.
• Develop professional relationships within GEI and throughout the cultural resources community.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of archaeological field methods and cultural resources compliance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness and ability to travel, including overnight travel and extended field assignments.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in varying terrain and weather conditions.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Valid U.S.'s driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Proficient with the Microsoft Suite.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree preferred.
• Previous archaeological field school experience.
• Experience conducting archaeological surveys or excavations.
• Familiarity with Section 106, CEQA, NEPA, or related cultural resource regulations.
• Experience using GPS, GIS, digital field data collection tools, and mapping software.
• Previous consulting or agency experience.
• Interest in pursuing Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA) status or other professional credentials.
• Qualified to identify human remains.
• Experience with camping during fieldwork.
• Assist with training and mentoring junior staff and field technicians.

What Success Looks Like

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following career expectations:

• Consistently produce accurate, high-quality technical work products.
• Develop competence in archaeological methods, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Execute assigned tasks with increasing independence.
• Effectively communicate project status, workload, and schedule needs.
• Develop strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Learn and apply GEI QA/QC standards and procedures.
• Build relationships with clients, project teams, and internal partners.
• Participate actively in professional development opportunities.
• Mentor less-experienced staff as experience grows.
• Demonstrate a commitment to safety, teamwork, and professional excellence.

We are GEI.

Some of the world's most pressing problems – from climate change to sustainable development, to critical infrastructure and the future of our energy supply – need our brightest and diverse minds working together to create safer, more resilient communities for tomorrow.

We are technical experts, collaborators, and entrepreneurs who draw from diverse backgrounds to solve our clients' most complex challenges.

With several offices across North America, we offer a range of engineering, science, and technical consulting services. Our range of expertise, project types, and culture make us the choice for top talent in the AEC industry. See all our office locations here .

Employee-owned. Employee-focused.

As an employee-owned company, our employees support our flat leadership structure, have a say in how our business operates and benefit from our financial success. We are committed to employee growth with career development opportunities, competitive total rewards, a well-being program, flexible work arrangements and more. Our company culture is driven by our 4 Cs – we are Client-Centered, Curious, Collaborative, and Community Minded – which support our focus on sustainability, safety, diversity, equity and inclusion. Get to know us better by visiting GEI's career site here .

GEI's Total Rewards Package Includes

• Market-Competitive Compensation, including Eligibility for an Annual Performance Bonus
• Pay Range For This Position: $28.00 – $44.00/hour
• Comprehensive Benefits Program, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and More
• Well-Being Program and Paid Parental Leave
• Hybrid Work Schedules and Cell Phone Stipends
• GEI University (GEIU) with Continuing Education Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement
• Connecting Conversation Program with a Focus on Professional Development and Opportunities for Advancement
• Support and Financial Rewards for Publication Awards, Professional Dues, and Professional Licenses
• Paid Holidays and Generous Paid Time Off Program
• Rewards and Recognition
• GEI-Funded Profit Sharing and 401(k)
• Opportunity to be an Owner and Shareholder (Learn more here )
• A Vibrant Culture that is Focused on Partnership, Sustainability, Giving Back to Our Communities and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Functional Demands:

X

Sedentary

Light

Medium

Other

Activity Level Throughout Workday

Physical Activity Requirements

Occasional

(0-35% of day)

Frequent

(33-66% of day)

(67-100% of day)

Not Applicable

6-8 hours

Standing

0-1 hour

Walking

0-1 hour

Climbing

X

Lifting (floor to waist level) (in pounds)

Lifting (waist level and above) (in pounds)

Carrying objects

0-1 hour

Push/pull

X

Twisting

0-1 hour

0-1 hour

Reaching forward

0-1 hour

Reaching overhead

0-1 hour

X

3-5 hours

1-2 hours

Keyboard use/repetitive motion

6-8 hours

Taste or smell (taste=never)

0-1 hour

Talk or hear

3-5 hours

Accurate 20/40

Very Accurate 20/20

Not Applicable

Near Vision

X

Far Vision

X

Yes

No

Not Applicable

X

Sensory Requirements

Minimal

Moderate

Accurate

Not Applicable

Depth perception

X

Hearing

X

Reasonably Anticipated

Not Anticipated

X

Chemical

X

X

Extreme temperatures

X

Radiation

X

Uneven surfaces or elevations

X

X

Dust/particulate matter

X

Other (exposure risks):

X

8

10

12

Other work hours

GEI is an AA/equal opportunity employer, including disabled and veterans.

Disclaimer

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.