Assistant Archaeologist

About the opportunity

SWCA has an opportunity for four Assistant Staff Archaeologists
working in Nevada, reporting into our Las Vegas, Nevada office. You will communicate with Field Directors, Project Managers, and GIS staff through regular, scheduled field status reports. The Assistant Staff Archaeologist will participate in technical research, writing, and data QA/QC for reporting efforts, and assist with survey and excavation projects in the field, including collecting GPS data using tablets and/or iPads, taking photographs, and documenting resource characteristics.

Our Las Vegas office specializes in cultural and natural resources services within a relaxed work environment. We take pride in rapidly delivering on client needs, which can lead to extended field efforts with overtime compensation. With our network of offices across the US, we have the ability to move our field staff rapidly to meet these needs, and the selected technician may have the opportunity to assist on a wide variety of projects across the country as a result.

This position is a regular (with benefits), hourly, and non-exempt position with a strong preference for individuals within driving distance of Las Vegas, NV. Project work will occur primarily in Nevada, although opportunities to work in the SW USA may also arise. You should be able to work flexible hours with the potential for long-term field mobilizations for specific projects. Per diem and lodging are provided for all project work requiring overnight stays away from the home office.

Final date to receive applications:
Our team will begin reviewing applications immediately, and interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The application process will remain open until we have received a robust pool of qualified candidates. Once we have identified suitable individuals, we may close the application process without prior notice. We appreciate the time and effort invested by all applicants and will carefully consider each submission.

• Conduct archaeological fieldwork under the direction of a Project Manager or Field Director on projects including monitoring, survey, testing, and data recovery.
• Conduct archaeological survey, excavation, and associated field recording, including completion of field forms, digital photography, and in-field mapping.
• Thrive in our team-oriented approach to project execution.
• Maintain a strong commitment to customer service and to producing quality work.
• Identify historic and prehistoric artifacts accurately.
• Conduct archaeological lab work, including artifact washing, analysis, and curation preparation.
• For Assistant Staff Archaeologists, depending upon project, an element of your job may be to independently supervise a small crew while conducting archaeological fieldwork. This includes:
  • Use SWCA-provided personal protective equipment and comply with all SWCA and client safety policies.
  • independently assigning and directing the activities of others on behalf of SWCA, often in remote areas without immediate guidance from senior managers, to ensure quality and on-time delivery;
  • ensuring that employees understand their responsibilities and delegated tasks and being held accountable if crew members under your supervision are not performing their activities correctly, productively, and safely;
  • serving as a conduit of communication between employees and senior managers, including communicating issues to relevant senior managers;
  • receiving and resolving complaints from employees in the field; and
  • monitoring team productivity and providing timely performance feedback, including deciding when disciplinary action is necessary and delivering discipline.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, Archaeology or a closely related field required.
• Current valid driver’s license and the ability to safely operate a 4wd vehicle on rugged, backcountry roads.
• Ability to travel to a location, walk and conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather, rugged terrain, often at high altitudes, and ability to carry equipment and supplies…