Archaeological Field Technician

S&ME, Inc. • Columbia, SC

1d

About The Position

S&ME is seeking a detail-oriented, passionate, temporary, as-needed Archaeological Field Technician to join our team in Columbia, South Carolina.
As an Archaeological Field Technician, you will play a key role in uncovering, preserving, and interpreting the material traces of the past. Working closely with senior archaeologists, you will support every stage of field and lab operations, from locating buried cultural resources to meticulously processing artifacts that inform historical and environmental understanding. Your work will directly contribute to ensuring that archaeological data is accurately collected, documented, and integrated into project research, helping teams make informed decisions that honor cultural heritage and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• High School diploma/GED required, Bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, history, or a related field preferred
• Prior archaeological experience/field school preferred
• Strong communication skills (speaking, reading, and writing) using the English language
• Willingness to accommodate extensively throughout the Southeast, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic
• Working outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Routinely lifting and carrying 40-50lbs (field/laboratory samples and equipment)
• Working outside of normal business hours and traveling (typically out-of-town and/or overnight) as project needs arise
• Candidates must comply with our Fleet Management, Substance Policy, and Reference Check requirements.
• Only candidates with valid employment eligibility (I-9) will be considered.
• Visa assistance is not available.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, history, or a related field
• Prior archaeological experience/field school

Responsibilities

• Conduct Field Excavations - Carry out shovel tests, test unit excavations, and systematic artifact collection to identify and document archaeological resources.
• Perform Artifact Processing - Clean, catalog, and prepare recovered materials in the laboratory to ensure accurate analysis and long-term preservation.
• Support Artifact Analysis - Assist with basic artifact identification, sorting, and preliminary interpretation to contribute to broader research and reporting efforts.
• Assist with Background Research - Compile environmental, historical, and cultural data to support project planning, context development, and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain Accurate Documentation - Record field observations, provenience information, and lab data with precision to ensure the integrity and reliability of archaeological findings.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED