Archaeological Field Technician (On-Call; Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada)

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm. We plan, design, permit, mitigate, and restore for projects across our communities, infrastructure systems, open spaces, and wildlands. With 50 years of experience, we operate in 21 offices across California, the Pacific Northwest, and the Southeastern United States.

About the role

ESA is actively seeking On-Call Archaeological Field Technicians in the Nevada area. Ideal candidates are familiar with working on active construction sites, conducting archaeological survey, testing, and data recovery fieldwork, and completing IMAC forms or are knowledgeable of archaeological materials common to the region. Preference will be given to candidates with a minimum of one year of field experience or relative academic field experience in Nevada. You must live within a commutable distance to projects in Nevada and be open to travel for various projects requiring overnight stays in hotels, if needed.

Responsibilities

• Monitor construction activities and identify archaeological and/or paleontological resources
• Effectively communicate with construction crews and project personnel
• Write and maintain written daily survey, monitoring, recordation, and cataloging logs, including utilizing electronic data collection tools and GIS mapping applications
• Participate in compliance monitoring and reporting activities for ongoing construction projects, working near heavy equipment
• Perform other ad-hoc tasks as needed

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in archaeology, anthropology, paleontology, geology, or a related field
• Minimum of one year of field experience or relative academic field experience in Nevada (preferred)
• Experience in archaeological and/or paleontological monitoring, surveys, and documentation in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal guidelines
• Ability to use app-based software for field recordation and mapping
• Willingness to travel as needed for projects and site visits (mileage and travel reimbursements provided)
• Ability to walk long distances carrying a backpack and lift at least 50 pounds
• Comfortable working outside in remote and rural settings, as well as urban environments, in all types of weather and terrain (e.g., uneven ground, steep terrain, forested environments, fields, arid lands, stream banks, coastal/intertidal areas)
• Availability for some night and/or weekend work
• Valid driver’s license and experience driving 4-wheel-drive vehicles off-road

About the team

Our Cultural Resources Team includes pre-contact and historical archaeologists, geoarchaeological specialists, tribal consultation specialists, architectural historians, historians, and paleontologists. We provide expertise for many local, state, and federal agencies throughout Nevada. Our work ensures that our nation’s history and that of the tribal communities we collaborate with are protected where possible and treated with respect. We value creative thinking, teamwork, and multidisciplinary engagement.

About ESA

Joining ESA means becoming part of a close-knit team of environmental professionals who contribute to outstanding projects, improve environmental stewardship, and advance a more sustainable and resilient future. ESA is a 100% employee-owned firm that values diversity and inclusion, fostering a culture of mutual respect and collaboration.

Benefits

• Eligibility to participate in ESA’s sick leave program
• Potential eligibility for the employee stock ownership program and tax-deferred 401(k) plan, subject to meeting requirements

Pay

The pay range for this position is approximately $21.87—$30.61 USD, tailored to the economic factors in the geographies where ESA staff reside. Actual compensation is determined by factors including related experience, education, skills, and the city in which the applicant lives.