Archaeologist

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job

Agency:
Department of Education

Location:

Rapid City, SD

Salary: $23.56-$26.50/hr, depending on qualifications

Pay Grade: H

Closing Date: 07/31/2026

The archaeologist in this position works closely with the Contracts Manager, generally on projects in Archaeological Research Center's (ARC's) contracts program. This position will:

• Conduct archaeological field surveys, testing, monitoring, and site evaluations.
• Conduct lab work including artifact cataloging and analysis and photo cataloging.
• Conduct background research such as record searches and courthouse documentation.
• Prepare technical reports or contribute to larger reports as necessary.

The archaeologist works closely with all Archaeological Research Center staff, project clients, state and federal agency representatives, Tribal Historic Preservation Office personnel, private landowners, and other public entities to complete projects on time and within budget. Working knowledge of cultural resources management principles, South Dakota archaeology, and the basics of GIS will greatly benefit the person in this position.

Location:

The position is located at the Archaeological Research Center (ARC) in Rapid City, a growing city known for its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and dynamic local culture. The Archaeological Research Center is a program of the South Dakota State Historical Society and is the Office of the State Archaeologist. Archaeologists from ARC have provided cultural resource consulting services to hundreds of clients in the region since 1973, and work on a wide range of CRM, grant‑funded, mitigation, and research‑based projects.

The Center has a permanent staff of 14, plus a varying number of seasonal employees.

• Health insurance (HSA and FSA options available)
• Well‑being programs
• Employee assistance
• Dental
• Membership in South Dakota Retirement System
• Vacation leave
• Sick Leave
• 11 paid holidays
• Flexibility in work schedules
• State-provided laptop for remote work
• Longevity pay
• Meal per diems during travel
• Use of fleet vehicles
• State-covered hotel expenses

During the field season (generally April through November), work requires frequent overnight travel, with crews working four 10‑hour days. Therefore, a valid driver’s license is required. Applicants should be in physical condition for strenuous outdoor work conditions typical of archaeological survey and excavation, such as hiking long distances over rough terrain, carrying heavy equipment, hand excavation by trowel and shovel, transporting up to 50lbs of soil in buckets, and screening.

The Archaeologist will need to be prepared to work in a variety of weather conditions, including heat and cold, rain, wind, and snow, often for multiple weeks in a row. The position requires full‑time office work during off‑season periods, which will include preparing technical reports, cataloging artifacts or photographs, artifact analysis, waterscreening, processing soil, and conducting research. Depending on the project and office needs, the incumbent can expect both team‑based work and independent work.

A bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, or cultural resources management, or equivalent experience. Practical field and lab experience through a certified field school or equivalent training is required. Strong proficiency in writing, especially in technical survey or evaluation reports, is desired. Background and experience in Northern Plains prehistoric and historic artifact identification is also preferred. The ideal candidate will be equally proficient in field‑based skills as well as office skills (i.e., writing and communicating).

• Archaeological theory and methods
• Arc Pro or Arc Map and GNSS survey equipment
• Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Access, and Excel
• Plains archaeology, including South Dakota or surrounding states

• Identify prehistoric and historic artifacts and site types
• Effectively communicate with other staff members, clients, landowners, or other necessary personnel
• Think critically
• Plan ahead
• Closely follow instructions and learn quickly
• C…