As-Needed Archaeological Field Technician - Central Coast

Dudek • Santa Cruz, CA

2d

About The Position

Dudek is seeking qualified, experienced Archaeological Field Technicians for as-needed archaeological projects in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, and Santa Cruz Counties on California’s Central Coast. The role requires basic archaeological field and laboratory skills and may involve survey, excavation, laboratory, and construction-monitoring work. Additional assignments may be available for qualified individuals who work well with the team. Compensation is $21.00–$31.00 per hour, with final pay based on factors including related experience, education, certifications, skills, and work location. Candidates must pass a pre-employment drug test and background check. The position requires U.S. work authorization.

The work takes place in outdoor project-site environments and may also involve office-based work. Site visits can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, and moving vehicles and equipment. Fieldwork may involve walking or hiking for long periods over uneven terrain and carrying equipment and supplies. The role routinely uses standard office equipment and may require computer work, meetings, and phone communication.

As-needed and part-time employees are eligible for a 401(k) plan, sick leave, and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Additional benefits, including medical benefits and ESOP participation, may be available to employees who meet minimum hours worked during the 12-month look-back measurement period.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a closely related field.
• Valid driver’s license and active personal automobile liability insurance by the first day of employment.
• Ability to safely operate a 4WD vehicle.
• Ability to carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds and walk or hike for long hours during fieldwork.
• Willingness to travel to a project location for several consecutive days.
• Ability to work safely in outdoor conditions that may include extreme weather, uneven terrain, excessive noise, and moving vehicles and equipment.
• Ability to bend, squat, climb ladders, and lift up to 35 pounds unassisted or 50 pounds with a team lift.
• Ability to meet the role’s vision requirements, including close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth vision and adjustment of focus.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug test and background check.
• Must have U.S. work authorization.

Nice To Haves

• Completed an accredited field school certification.
• Previous archaeological survey experience in California, the Desert West, the Pacific Northwest, and/or the Mid-Atlantic, including experience recording a variety of site and isolate types in the respective regions.
• Experience with archaeological field methods including pedestrian survey, testing/evaluation, and monitoring.
• Ability and willingness to safely accommodate difficult weather and other environmental conditions and challenges.
• Ability to operate field equipment, including GPS equipment, cameras, and tablets.
• Knowledge of and experience using ESRI Collector and/or Field Maps.

Responsibilities

• Conduct archaeological surveys, excavations, and construction monitoring.
• During archaeological monitoring, communicate on site with construction and Native American personnel and maintain daily logs documenting construction activities, communications, and future plans.
• During survey work, communicate effectively with the crew leader to confirm understanding of instructions and site-specific information.
• Perform scientific photography, measurement, artifact identification, and resource recordation.
• During excavation, work collaboratively to maintain clear team communication, identify buried resources, and document them effectively.
• Travel to project locations for several consecutive days when needed.

Benefits

• Eligible as-needed and part-time employees may participate in the 401(k) plan.
• Eligible as-needed and part-time employees receive sick leave.
• Eligible as-needed and part-time employees have access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Medical benefits may be available if minimum hours-worked requirements are met during the 12-month look-back measurement period.
• ESOP participation may be available if minimum hours-worked requirements are met during the 12-month look-back measurement period.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level