Archaeological Field Technician - Portland

Overview

Location(s):
Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington, Idaho)

Practice/Department: Emerging Regions

Work Environment: Field

Compensation: $20.00-$34.00 hourly*

Who You Are

As an employee, you embrace accountability, work safely, and collaborate while thinking resourcefully and independently. You are curious, solution‑oriented, and capable of adapting quickly to changes while approaching challenges with a spirit of innovation.

We are seeking qualified, experienced Archaeological Field Technicians for various archaeological projects in the Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington, Idaho, mostly). There may also be opportunities to work on projects outside the region, primarily across the Mountain West, Southern Great Basin, and Texas.

An archaeological field technician must possess basic archaeological field and laboratory skills for survey, excavation, laboratory, and construction monitoring work. Additional assignments may be available for qualified individuals who work well with our team. Competitive wages are based on level of education and experience.

• Archaeological survey, excavation, and monitoring.
• During archaeological monitoring, maintain daily logs that describe construction activities, communication with construction and Native American personnel, and future plans.
• During survey work, communicate effectively with crew leaders to verify understanding of instructions or site‑specific information. Perform scientific photography, measurement, artifact identification, and record resources.
• During excavation, work well with a team to ensure clear communication. Identify buried resources and document them effectively while working in a team.

• Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology or Anthropology.
• Ability to safely operate a 4‑WD vehicle.
• Physical ability to carry equipment and supplies (up to 40 lbs.) and walk or hike for long hours during fieldwork.
• Willingness to travel to a project location for several consecutive days.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by the first day of employment.

• Completed an accredited field school certification.
• Previous archaeological survey experience in the Pacific Northwest and experience recording a variety of archaeological site and isolate types in this region.
• Experience with pedestrian survey, testing/evaluation, and monitoring.
• Understanding and willingness to safely accommodate difficult weather and other environmental conditions.
• Ability to operate field equipment, including GPS equipment, cameras, and tablets.
• Knowledge of and experience using ESRI Collector and/or Field Maps.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships.
• Ability to provide and receive feedback.
• Ability to resolve conflict through collaboration and communication.

$20.00 - $34.00 hourly*

* Final agreed‑upon compensation will be based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, an individual’s related experience, education, certifications, skills, and work location. Successful candidates must pass a pre‑employment drug test and background check prior to beginning employment.

• This job operates in an outdoor or office‑based environment and this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc.
• The job requires project site visits, based outdoors, which can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, and moving vehicles and equipment.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This job requires the following:

• Working on a computer, sitting, or standing for long periods of time in an office or remote office setting.
• Employees must be capable of bending, squatting, climbing ladders, and lifting up to 35 lbs. unassisted; 50 lbs. in a team lift (two or more employees).
• Attending meetings, both in person and virtually, and speaking on the phone with peers, clients, etc.
• Specific vision abilities, including close vision, distance vision, color…