Archaeologist; Historic Preservation Specialist

NOTE:

This posting will close on June 10, 2026 or after 50 applications are received, whichever occurs first.

Step into a meaningful career as an Archaeologist with the Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and play a vital role in protecting the state's cultural heritage. Your work will help preserve cultural resources while supporting safe and effective transportation development.

This position plays a crucial part in ensuring that projects within PennDOT’s Districts 3 and 4 are executed with a keen awareness of their potential effects on cultural resources, while adhering to environmentally sensitive practices. As an Archaeologist, you will perform the following duties:

• Field Assessments:
  Conduct archaeological field reviews and prepare assessments for project areas
• Technical Reviews:
  Review environmental documents for accuracy and compliance with policies
• Consultation Efforts:
  Coordinate with Native American Tribes and Nations, agencies, and consulting parties on cultural resource matters
• Project Monitoring:
  Monitor archaeological investigations and make recommendations on site significance and preservation
• Documentation Preparation:
  Prepare scopes of work, agreements, and other required cultural resource documentation
• Team Coordination:
  Work with cultural resource team members to address project challenges and identify solutions

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30‑minute lunch
• Telework:
  May have the opportunity to work from home part‑time under specific requirements
• Salary:
  Starting salary may be non‑negotiable in some cases

Required Experience, Training & Eligibility

• Meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for History, Archeology, Architectural History, Architecture, or Historic Architecture
• Has a master’s degree (or higher) in archaeology, anthropology, or a closely related field
• One or more years of full‑time professional experience or equivalent specialized training in archaeological research, administration, or management
• At least four months of supervised field and analytical experience in general North American archaeology
• Completion of an individual research project
• Must be able to perform essential job functions

Additional Requirements

• Master's degree in Pennsylvania or Mid‑Atlantic Archaeology (preferred)
• Field work including conducting archaeological surveys, National Register eligibility evaluations, and/or data recovery mitigation on National Register eligible sites (preferred)
• Professional‑level GIS experience related to archaeological work (preferred)

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other category protected by applicable federal or state law.

All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.