Archaeologist (Osteologist/Bioarchaeologist)

Job Code: ArchOst-2026 | Remote (Florida, New Mexico, Arizona preferred) | Full-Time

About the role

SEARCH has immediate openings for Full-Time Archaeologists with osteology/bioarchaeology experience. This position can report out of any SEARCH office or remotely. The role functions as a traditional field-going archaeologist, with bioarchaeology expertise utilized on projects as needed. This is primarily a field-facing role requiring 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 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 permit applications for review and submittal by the Principal Investigator.
• Under the supervision of a Principal Investigator/Project Manager draft proposals and cost estimates.
• Procure and maintain field equipment, technology, vehicles, and supplies in a clean, working, and safe manner and report any malfunctions, shortages, and risks to Principal Investigator and/or Project Manager.
• Perform osteological analysis of human skeletal remains, including age estimation, sex assessment, and documentation of trauma, pathology, and anomalies.
• Photograph human remains in a laboratory setting and prepare photographs for inclusion in reports following Tribal stipulations, when applicable.
• Summarize results of osteological analysis in archaeological reports and synthesize with background research relevant to the project.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Graduate degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a closely related field.
• Completion of an accredited archaeological field school and/or six months of field experience.
• Minimum three years of professional archaeological field experience encompassing some supervisory experience.
• Experience identifying and analyzing human remains, including fragmentary remains.
• Ability to travel for extended periods of time and maintain a valid driver's license, a good driving record, and access to reliable transportation.
• Ability to obtain government security clearance.

Preferred

• Meet the Secretary of the Interior's professional qualifications standards for archaeology and be an RPA or be eligible to become an RPA.
• Based in Florida, New Mexico, or Arizona.
• Understanding of the Cultural Resource Management (CRM) industry (firms, clients, contracts, new research, and projects) at the regionwide, nationwide, and worldwide level.
• Experience with NAGPRA and tribal relations.
• Zooarchaeology experience.

Physical Demands

• Hear normal conversations and receive ordinary information.
• Communicate verbally and in writing.
• Use average and ordinary visual acuity necessary to excavate and inspect artifacts and distinguish features.
• Carry up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
• Sit for extended periods during travel or in an office.
• Walk up to 5.0 miles per day carrying gear over uneven terrain.
• Undertake physical work outside, often in inclement weather.
• Travel to remote locations, frequently up to or exceeding 10 consecutive days away from home.
• Drive for extended periods up to 11 hours per day.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• Per Diem (for overnight travel)
• SEARCH-subsidized Group Health Insurance (including Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage)
• SEARCH-provided Short-Term Disability Insurance
• SEARCH-provided Long-Term Disability Insurance
• SEARCH-provided Group Term Life Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Emergency Travel Assistance
• Generous 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Holidays (11)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Merit-Based Raises, Bonuses, and Promotions

About Us

SEARCH is a global leader in archaeology, maritime archaeology, and the full spectrum of cultural heritage services. Our staff are industry leaders and subject matter experts who support commercial and government clients worldwide. Since 1993, we have completed over 5,700 projects nationwide and in over 40 countries across seven continents and four oceans. By integrating science, technology, and creativity, we harness the power of the past to advance the projects, places, and people we serve.