Archaeologist (Cultural Resource Specialist)

Environmental Science Associates • Los Angeles, CA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm, is hiring a mid-level Archaeologist for its Southern California Cultural Resources Group. The role manages and conducts archaeological assessments and supports a broad range of regional projects as part of interdisciplinary teams. This is a full-time, exempt, hybrid position requiring work in an ESA Southern California office 1–2 days per week; available offices are in Irvine, Los Angeles, Pasadena, Rancho Cucamonga, San Diego, Thousand Oaks, and Santa Barbara. Fieldwork may take place in rural, remote, and urban settings and may involve up to one week per month in the field.

The Archaeologist will lead archaeological surveys and testing, conduct archival research, develop historic and cultural contexts, document and evaluate resources, and analyze project impacts under CEQA. The position serves as primary author of archaeological assessment reports and MND and EIR sections, and includes project management, client coordination, team supervision, and preparation of scopes and budgets. The successful candidate will work with clients, senior staff, teaming partners, and specialists across ESA practices to deliver technically sound work on time and within budget.

The job involves outdoor fieldwork in varied weather and terrain, including vegetated areas, agricultural fields, arid lands, and stream banks. It may require long-distance walking while carrying a backpack, lifting at least 50 pounds, early mornings, late nights, weekends, and long hours. A valid driver's license and clean driving record are required for surveys and other work-related tasks. Compensation is listed at $85,476–$106,846 USD, with actual pay dependent on factors including experience, education, skills, and location.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience executing archaeological research surveys and preparing technical documents.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in archaeology, geoarchaeology, or a closely related field.
• Ability to lead survey crews and produce well-written, technically supported cultural resources documents.
• Experience managing archaeological and tribal cultural resources in the context of CEQA.
• Experience leading archaeological survey and testing projects and documenting, evaluating, and treating prehistoric and historic-period archaeological resources.
• Experience preparing MND and EIR sections and developing mitigation.
• Strong understanding of CEQA and some understanding of NEPA and Section 106 of the NHPA.
• Clear understanding of project management principles and practices.
• Excellent field, writing, time and budget management, organizational, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Agency coordination and client service experience.
• Ability to work collaboratively with clients and interdisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment and deliver work on time and within budget.
• Ability to work hybrid in an ESA Southern California office 1–2 days per week.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean record.
• Ability to walk long distances carrying a backpack and lift at least 50 pounds.
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in varied weather and terrain, including remote and rural settings as well as urban environments.
• Some early morning, late night, weekend, and long-hour work may be required.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge, interest, and skill set to mentor junior staff members.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage and conduct archaeological resources assessments.
• Lead archaeological resources surveys and archaeological portions of multidisciplinary projects.
• Manage and conduct archival research, develop historic and cultural contexts, document and evaluate resources, and analyze impacts to meet CEQA requirements.
• Serve as primary author of archaeological resource assessment reports and MND and EIR sections.
• Supervise small project teams and provide direction on assignments, receiving minimal direction for most tasks.
• Participate in and/or lead client meetings.
• Prepare draft scopes of work and budgets for small and mid-size projects and selected tasks on large projects.
• Coordinate with senior staff and teaming partners to support environmental analyses and permit compliance.
• Collaborate with architectural historians, paleontologists, and other specialists and incorporate their work products into technical reports.
• Deliver high-quality work products on time and within budget.
• Perform other ad-hoc tasks as needed.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with 70% of the cost paid for the employee and family.
• Annual allocations of company shares through the ESOP.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Professional development bonuses.
• Attendance at conferences.
• Programs supporting technical expertise, business skills, and leadership development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level