Staff Archaeologist

Description Your role at GEI. GEI is seeking a motivated Staff Archaeologist to join our growing Cultural Resources team in the West Region. This position is ideal for an early-career professional looking to strengthen technical skills, gain diverse field and office experience, and build a foundation in cultural resources consulting. Working under the guidance of senior archaeologists and project managers, the Staff Archaeologist will support archaeological investigations and cultural resources compliance projects throughout California and the western United States. This role emphasizes technical development, field leadership, project execution, collaboration, and professional growth. Essential Responsibilities & Duties Technical Execution Assist with archaeological surveys, site recordation, testing programs, excavation projects, monitoring activities, and laboratory analysis.Collect, organize, and manage field and project data.Prepare field notes, site records, maps, forms, and supporting documentation.Conduct data entry, analysis, calculations, and interpretation under supervision.Assist with preparation of technical reports supporting compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, CEQA, NEPA, and other applicable regulations.Produce high-quality work products that meet project QA/QC requirements.Apply established archaeological methods, protocols, and safety procedures during field and office assignments.Support technical staff in identifying, evaluating, and resolving routine project issues. Field Leadership and Team Support Participate in field investigations throughout the western United States.Coordinate logistics and field activities for assigned tasks.Support subcontractor coordination and communication as directed.Work collaboratively with project teams to achieve project objectives.Begin leading small field crews and managing task-level field execution under supervision. Project Support Support project managers with project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and proposal preparation.Assist with development of technical scopes of work.Track assigned work and proactively communicate schedule, workload, and budget concerns.Meet assigned scope, schedule, and budget requirements.Develop familiarity with project management processes, including budgeting, invoicing, and project accounting. Client and Business Development Support Attend project and client meetings alongside senior staff.Assist with proposal development efforts, including scope, schedule, and budget preparation.Help identify opportunities for additional work on existing projects.Develop an understanding of GEI's service lines and multidisciplinary project approach.Participate in professional organizations, technical meetings, conferences, and industry events as approved. Professional Development Build technical expertise in archaeological methods, regulations, and industry best practices.Seek professional certifications and credentials aligned with career goals.Participate in technical training, mentoring programs, and continuing education opportunities.Collaborate with senior staff on technical presentations, workshops, papers, or conference presentations.Develop professional relationships within GEI and throughout the cultural resources community. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a closely related field.Knowledge of archaeological field methods and cultural resources compliance.Strong written and verbal communication skills.Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.Willingness and ability to travel, including overnight travel and extended field assignments.Ability to conduct fieldwork in varying terrain and weather conditions.Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.Valid U.S. driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.Proficient with the Microsoft Suite. Preferred Qualifications Master's degree preferred.Previous archaeological field school experience.Experience conducting archaeological surveys or excavations.Familiarity with Section 106, CEQA, NEPA, or related cultural resource regulations.Experience using GPS, GIS, digital field data collection tools, and mapping software.Previous consulting or agency experience.Interest in pursuing Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA) status or other professional credentials.Qualified to identify human remains.Experience with camping during fieldwork.Assist with training and mentoring junior staff and field technicians. What Success Looks Like The successful candidate will demonstrate the following career expectations: Consistently produce accurate, high-quality technical work products.Develop competence in archaeological methods, regulations, and compliance requirements.Execute assigned tasks with increasing independence.Effectively communicate project status, workload, and schedule needs.Develop strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.Learn and apply GEI QA/QC standards and procedures.Build relationships with clients, project teams, and internal partners.Participate actively in professional development opportunities.Mentor less-experienced staff as experience grows.Demonstrate a commitment to safety, teamwork, and professional excellence. We are GEI. Some of the world’s most pressing problems – from climate change to sustainable development, to critical infrastructure and the future of our energy supply – need our brightest and diverse minds working together to create safer, more resilient communities for tomorrow. We are technical experts, collaborators, and entrepreneurs who draw from diverse backgrounds to solve our clients’ most complex challenges. With several offices across North America, we offer a range of engineering, science, and technical consulting services. Our range of expertise, project types, and culture make us the choice for top talent in the AEC industry. See all our office locations here. Employee-owned. Employee-focused. As an employee-owned company, our employees support our flat leadership structure, have a say in how our business operates and benefit from our financial success. We are committed to employee growth with career development opportunities, competitive total rewards, a well-being program, flexible work arrangements and more. Our company culture is driven by our 4 Cs – we are Client-Centered, Curious, Collaborative, and Community Minded – which support our focus on sustainability, safety, diversity, equity and inclusion. Get to know us better by visiting GEI’s career site here. GEI’s Total Rewards Package Includes Market-Competitive Compensation, including Eligibility for an Annual Performance BonusPay Range For This Position: $28.00 – $44.00/hourComprehensive Benefits Program, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and MoreWell-Being Program and Paid Parental LeaveCommuter BenefitsHybrid Work Schedules and Cell Phone StipendsGEI University (GEIU) with Continuing Education Assistance and Tuition ReimbursementConnecting Conversation Program with a Focus on Professional Development and Opportunities for AdvancementSupport and Financial Rewards for Publication Awards, Professional Dues, and Professional LicensesPaid Holidays and Generous Paid Time Off ProgramRewards and RecognitionGEI-Funded Profit Sharing and 401(k)Opportunity to be an Owner and Shareholder (Learn more here)A Vibrant Culture that is Focused on Partnership, Sustainability, Giving Back to Our Communities and Diversity, Equity and InclusionAnd More… Physical Requirements PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS WORK ENVIRONMENT Functional Demands X Sedentary Light Medium Other Activity Level Throughout Workday (check one per row) Physical Activity Requirements Occasional (0-35% of day) Frequent (33-66% of day) Continuous (67-100% of day) Not Applicable Sitting 6-8 hours Standing 0-1 hour Walking 0-1 hour Climbing X Lifting (floor to waist level) (in pounds) 0-10 pounds Lifting (waist level and above) (in pounds) 0-10 pounds Carrying objects 0-1 hour Push/pull X Twisting 0-1 hour Bending 0-1 hour Reaching forward 0-1 hour Reaching overhead 0-1 hour Squat/kneel/crawl X Wrist position deviation 3-5 hours Pinching/fine motor skills 1-2 hours Keyboard use/repetitive motion 6-8 hours Taste or smell (taste=never) 0-1 hour Talk or hear 3-5 hours Accurate 20/40 Very Accurate 20/20 Not Applicable Near Vision X Far Vision X Yes No Not Applicable Color Discrimination X Sensory Requirements Minimal Moderate Accurate Not Applicable Depth perception X Hearing X Environment Requirements Occupational Exposure Risk Potential Reasonably Anticipated Not Anticipated Blood borne pathogens X Chemical X Airborne communicable diseases X Extreme temperatures X Radiation X Uneven surfaces or elevations X Extreme noise levels X Dust/particulate matter X Other (exposure Risks) Usual workday hours: X 8 10 12 Other work hours GEI is an AA/equal opportunity employer, including disabled and veterans.