Archaeologist (Osteologist/Bioarchaeologist)

Remote position (Florida, New Mexico, or Arizona preferred). Job code: ArchOst-2026.

About the role

SEARCH has immediate openings for Full-Time Archaeologists with osteology/bioarchaeology experience. This position can report out of any of the SEARCH offices or remote. The role will function as a traditional field going archaeologist, with bioarchaeology expertise utilized on projects as needed. This is primarily a field facing role and requires selected candidates to be SOI qualified with experience identifying human remains in archaeological contexts and handling sensitive materials. The position level may range from Field Tech to Field Director depending on candidate qualifications. SEARCH provides a flexible work environment, a professional and collaborative atmosphere, and a wide range of projects and opportunities for our staff.

Responsibilities

• Use experience, education from a degreed program, and professional judgment to identify and target locations of enhanced site probability based on cultural, geological, and other environmental features.
• Administer the project health and safety plan and participate in office and field training; offer recommendations for improvement to Health & Safety Manager.
• Have a thorough understanding of the research design and ensure its implementation.
• Based upon education, field observations, and scientific judgement, revise field methodology to meet goals of the overall project, in consultation with project leadership.
• Perform pre-field background research, prepare maps, input data into electronic devices, and prepare project summary for field staff.
• Perform and lead archaeological surveys using Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR), magnetometers, metal detectors, and other remote-sensing instruments.
• Provide leadership to field teams conducting archaeological monitoring, survey, testing, and excavation in support of Phase I, II, and III studies in accordance with the research design to identify, record, and evaluate archaeological resources.
• Recognize archaeological signatures and apply reasoning to evaluate the extent and integrity of resources.
• Record accurate, organized, and clear field notes, maps, drawings, logs, forms, tables, databases, artifact bags, box labels, and other project documentation.
• Collect and inventory artifacts, ecofacts, and samples in accordance with the research design, and keep an accurate field specimen log.
• Identify potential human and faunal remains and treat any suspected human remains respectfully and in a manner consistent with the research design and applicable State and Federal guidelines and laws.
• Perform quality control of field data (hand-written and electronic) daily to ensure information is accurate and complete.
• Use electronic and traditional navigational equipment (GPS, mobile device equipped with FieldMaps, and compass) to determine project limits, record fieldwork, document findings, and communicate progress.
• Photo-document artifacts, features, excavation units, land use, landscapes, unique environmental features, historic structures, archaeology sites, specialized equipment or technique usage, and work-in-progress; keep an accurate photo log.
• Use or review GIS data to organize, interpret, and document field research.
• Under supervision of the Principal Investigator, identify, record, and prepare preliminary evaluations of archaeological resources in accordance with State and Federal laws, particularly the National Register of Historical Places (NRHP).
• Provide daily updates on project progress to the Principal Investigator/Project Manager.
• Meet with, coordinate, and collaborate with landowners, land agents, clients, other field research teams, and visiting regulatory agency staff.
• Interview informants to gather information on history and use of property.
• Prepare and/or contribute to thorough, accurate, professional, high-quality technical reports, including writing tasks, graphics, report production, and quality control.
• Assist the Principal Investigator and/or Project Manager with other research, project management, and administrative tasks.
• Prepare research