Archaeologist - Cultural Resource Specialist

About the Role

ESA seeks a highly motivated Cultural Resource Specialist with 2‑7 years of experience leading field teams and writing reports to join the Northwest Cultural Resource Team. Candidates should be located within a commutable distance to the Portland Metro area (Salem, Eugene, Bend, or Portland). Occasional travel for site visits, projects, and field work may be required.

• You are an effective team member experienced in archaeological monitoring, surveys, and documentation of archaeological and/or paleontological resources in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal guidelines.
• You live in Oregon and support local work; if you are available to travel to remote work locations, candidates from elsewhere in Oregon are also considered. Potential travel to Washington and Idaho.
• You have previous professional experience with writing technical reports.
• You have access to OARRA or are qualified to obtain access.
• You hold a master's degree or higher in archaeology, anthropology, or a related field.
• You are a Secretary of Interior‑Qualified Archaeologist.
• You are a certified Oregon State‑Qualified archaeologist, or able to obtain certification.
• You are familiar with working on active construction sites.
• You possess a minimum of 2‑7 years of field experience in Oregon.
• You enjoy fieldwork, can walk long distances carrying a backpack, and can lift at least 50 pounds.
• You have a valid driver’s license and experience driving 4‑wheel‑drive vehicles off‑road.
• Public speaking skills are strongly preferred, but not required.
• Previous lab experience is preferred, but not required.
• You have previous experience leading field teams and projects.

• Monitor construction activities and identify archaeological resources.
• Effectively communicate with construction crews and project personnel.
• Write and maintain daily survey, monitoring, recordation, and cataloging logs, including using electronic data collection tools and GIS mapping applications.

ESA is looking for a full‑time archaeological field director to support field projects in Oregon. Qualified candidates can demonstrate the ability to perform all aspects of archaeological monitoring and coordinate with construction personnel, Native American monitors, and write sections of reports.

ESA provides benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance (paid at 70% for you and your family), annual allocation of company shares through our ESOP, a 401(k) plan with company match, and paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays. Additional programs include tuition reimbursement, professional development bonuses, and conference attendance support.

The Cultural Resources Team includes pre‑contact and historical archaeologists, geoarchaeological specialists, tribal consultation specialists, architectural historians, and historians. We value creative thinking, teamwork, and interdisciplinary engagement. Our work helps protect national history and tribal community heritage and is performed for local, state, and federal agencies throughout Oregon and Washington.

Approximately $66,353 – $90,314 USD, based on location and experience.

If you are an applicant with a disability that requires a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or you are limited in the ability to use the online application system, please contact our Human Resources Department at  for assistance. Include your full name, preferred contact method, title of job position applied, and description of your accommodation request.

ESA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. (EOEM/V/F/D)