Mid​/Senior-level Archaeologist

Work Environment:
Hybrod

Compensation: $120,000-$175,000 annually*

Dudek’s journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California’s water and wastewater agencies.

Today, we are a 100% employee‑owned firm supporting clients nationwide and delivering projects that improve and protect the built and natural environments of communities throughout the United States. Our work has been recognized by leading industry organizations, and we’ve been honored with multiple national Top Workplace Awards.

Our employee‑owners are unified by a singular commitment to supporting projects that address key societal issues, such as the transition to renewable energy, infrastructure hardening and repair, environmental protection, and community resilience.

Learn more about our award‑winning culture, the benefits and perks of being a Dudekian, and the projects you will have the opportunity to shape.

We are seeking a Mid/Senior‑level staff archaeologist for our San Diego or Encinitas offices, with a preference for southern San Diego County. The minimum qualified candidate will have a graduate degree in anthropology or a closely related field and strong experience in cultural resource management, ability to be permitted as Principal Investigator, and regional ties to the larger archaeological community. The successful candidate should have excellent writing and communication skills and a working knowledge of California pre‑contact and historic archaeology, with focused experience within San Diego, Imperial, and Riverside Counties.

Preferred candidates would have experience working on energy or utilities infrastructure projects.

The advertised role includes managing complex archaeological investigations and analyses, developing and implementing innovative research methodologies, and providing advanced technical expertise in cultural resource management projects. The role requires expertise in data analysis and interpretation, technical reporting, field methodology development, regulatory compliance, and experience mentoring junior staff. Additional responsibilities include managing schedules, workflows, field staff, sub‑consultants, budgets, scoping for technical work, implementing safety plans, and acting as senior project archaeologist during meetings requiring direct client/agency interface.

This role is anticipated to largely be office‑based; however, the candidate should have capacity to attend regular off‑site in‑person meetings with Dudek and clients within San Diego as determined by project needs. Site visits to surrounding regions for field support are also likely to be required periodically. Candidates must be able to work under physically strenuous conditions. Excellent communication skills, team‑focus, and the ability to work as a crew member and/or manage field crews are desirable.

• Work under the direct supervision of senior cultural staff and coordinate with other cultural resources staff throughout Dudek.
• Preferred location is southern San Diego County with a strong preference to be in a Dudek or client office 2‑3 days per week.
• Primary travel, fieldwork and reporting focus will be in the Southern California region.
• Coordinate and oversee multiple field crews, including subcontractors.
• Work is intended to be approximately 30% in the field and 70% in the office, although this may vary depending on project and seasonal fieldwork needs.
• Have knowledge of southern California and surrounding regional prehistoric and historic archaeology.
• Understand standard office applications and field mapping software.
• Team‑oriented attitude and approach a must.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Has existing, positive relationships with regional agency staff and Native American Tribes.

• Develops and manages project plans, including scope, schedules, budgets, and deliverables pertaining to cultural resources tasks.
• Coordinates project teams, resources, and timelines to ensure project success.
• Interfaces with clients and directs teams on projects of varying size and complexity.
• Builds strong relationships with clients, including key…