Staff Archaeologist

About the role

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking multiple Staff Archaeologists for temporary positions based in Sheridan, WY, to assist with cultural resources management work across Wyoming, Montana, and the surrounding region. This field-based assignment will involve both office and field tasks under the supervision of a Cultural Resources Lead, including supervising crew members. The position is temporary, hourly, non-exempt (eligible for overtime), with variable hours and an anticipated duration of six months, with possible extension based on project needs.

This requisition can hire at three levels:

• Cultural Resources Technician: Typically an entry-level role; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Assistant Staff Archaeologist: Typically requires at least one year of relevant industry experience and a relevant bachelor’s degree.
• Staff Archaeologist: Typically requires one to two years of relevant industry experience and a relevant master’s degree; two or more years preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with office-based tasks, including laboratory work, literature reviews, research, site form preparation, and technical report preparation.
• Work independently to meet defined schedules and deadlines.
• Communicate effectively with Project Archaeologists, Principal Investigators, clients, and client representatives to facilitate project planning and logistics.
• Ensure preliminary research is conducted and organized before fieldwork, and that necessary equipment, staff, and resources are ready.
• Accurately identify historic-era and precontact artifacts and features, and train less experienced field crew members in their identification.
• Adhere to the safety program, mitigate hazards, and prioritize the safety of others.
• Supervise archaeological survey crews in the field, including:
  • Independently assigning and directing crew activities in remote areas without immediate guidance from senior managers.
  • Ensuring crew members understand their responsibilities and delegated tasks.
  • Serving as a communication conduit between employees and senior managers.
  • Resolving complaints from employees in the field.
  • Monitoring team productivity and providing timely performance feedback, including disciplinary action when necessary.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• A master’s degree in anthropology, archaeology, or a closely related field.
• Two (2) years of experience conducting field assessments with a cultural resources focus.
• Current valid driver’s license and ability to safely operate a 4WD vehicle on rugged, backcountry roads.
• Ability to travel, 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.
• Willingness to work at least 75% of the time in the field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• An accredited Field School Certification.
• Two (2) years of experience conducting a wide range of field methodologies, including archaeological survey, testing, excavation, and monitoring.
• Qualifications as a Secretary of the Interior Qualified Archaeologist.
• CPR and First Aid certified.
• Ability to pass drug testing and alcohol screening as required by some projects.

Benefits

• Competitive wages and benefits, including a 100% employee stock ownership plan (retirement).
• Supportive, team-oriented work environment.
• Career development programs, including the award-winning Career Landscape initiative for professional growth.
• Encouragement for professional conference attendance, internal and external training, education reimbursement, and bonuses for qualifying publications.
• Eligibility for SWCA medical, dental, vision, employee assistance, wellness, life, and disability plans.
• Eligibility to participate in the SWCA 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust.
• Commitment to salary equity and transparency.
• Internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for advancement opportunities.

Pay

SWCA posts good faith pay ranges for all advertised positions to promote pay equity and transparency. Hourly pay rates for this position in Wyoming/Montana are:

• Cultural Resources Technician: $19.31–$25.49 per hour
• Assistant Staff Archaeologist: $21.63–$27.81 per hour
• Staff Archaeologist: $23.95–$30.64 per hour

Actual pay within these ranges may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements, and other factors permitted by law.