Staff Archaeologist

About the role

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Staff Archaeologist to join our Arizona Cultural Resources team, with offices in Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff. This is a regular, full-time, hourly, non-exempt position reporting to our Tucson, AZ office. Hybrid work environments are encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Ensure appropriate preliminary research is conducted and organized before fieldwork, and that necessary equipment, staff, and other resources are ready for fieldwork.
• Accurately identify historic-era and prehistoric artifacts and features, and train less experienced field crew members in their identification.
• Complete and contribute to fieldwork, including archaeological survey, testing, data recovery, and/or construction monitoring, ensuring quality and completeness of data collected.
• Perform data QA/QC, organization, and tracking; field GPS data collection using tablets and Geodes.
• Assist with office-based tasks, including laboratory work, literature reviews, research, site form preparation, and technical report preparation.
• Work independently within defined schedules and meet deadlines.
• Communicate effectively with Project Archaeologists, Principal Investigators, client representatives, or land agents to facilitate successful project planning and logistics.
• Adhere to the safety program, look out for the safety of others, and promptly communicate and mitigate safety hazards.
• Independently supervise an archaeological survey crew in the field when required, including:
  • Assigning and directing the activities of others on behalf of SWCA, often in remote areas without immediate guidance from senior managers.
  • Ensuring employees understand their responsibilities and delegated tasks.
  • Serving as a conduit of communication between employees and senior managers.
  • Receiving and resolving complaints from employees in the field.
  • Monitoring team productivity and providing timely performance feedback, including disciplinary action when necessary.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archaeology, or a closely related field.
• One (1) year of experience conducting a wide range of field methodologies, including archaeological survey, testing, excavation, methodology, and/or monitoring.
• Current valid driver's license and the ability to safely operate a 4WD vehicle on rugged, backcountry roads.
• Ability to travel to a location, walk, and conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather, rugged terrain, and ability to carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and technical writing.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Currently reside in the greater Tucson area or plans to relocate there in the immediate future.
• Must meet SWCA’s driver requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• An accredited Field School Certification.
• Two (2) years of experience conducting a wide range of field methodologies, including archaeological survey, testing, excavation, methodology, and/or monitoring.
• Knowledge of federal and state preservation laws and regulations, including the National Environmental Policy Act, Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, and Section 106 and Section 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
• CPR and First Aid certified.
• Ability to pass drug testing and alcohol screening as some projects require such screenings.

Benefits

• 100% employee stock ownership plan (retirement).
• Medical, dental, vision, employee assistance, wellness, life, and disability plans.
• 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust.
• Professional conference attendance, internal and external professional development and training programs, education reimbursement, and bonuses for publications meeting certain criteria.
• Career development support through SWCA’s Career Landscape initiative.
• Competitive wages and performance bonuses.
• Supportive, team-oriented work environment.

Pay

An employee in this Arizona-based position can expect an hourly rate of $23.95/hr. - $30.64/hr. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law.