Associate Archaeologist | Field Director | Southern California

Reference: 9n3sfzd04rqg7gzjdudg

An experienced Associate Archaeologist / Field Director is sought to lead archaeological fieldwork throughout Southern California. The successful candidate will oversee archaeological surveys, monitoring, testing, excavation, and documentation for projects conducted under applicable federal, state, and local regulations. This role will involve coordinating daily field activities, directing crews, maintaining clear communication with project managers, clients, agencies, Native American representatives, and subcontractors, and ensuring that work is completed safely, efficiently, and to a consistently high professional standard.

Key responsibilities include preparing for field assignments; reviewing project plans, permits, and cultural resources documentation; supervising archaeological technicians and junior staff; identifying, recording, evaluating, and appropriately managing cultural resources; completing daily logs, site records, photographs, maps, and artifact documentation; and contributing to technical reports and other project deliverables. The Field Director will also help manage schedules, equipment, supplies, and field logistics, provide mentoring and performance feedback, and promptly communicate discoveries, project risks, or changes in scope. Occasional overnight travel, extended field assignments, and work in remote or physically demanding environments should be expected.

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in archaeology, anthropology, or a related discipline and meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for Archaeology. Previous experience directing archaeological field crews in Southern California is required, including familiarity with regional prehistory and history, California archaeological methods, and relevant cultural resources legislation and guidance. Strong technical writing, organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills are essential. Candidates must be able to work independently and collaboratively, maintain accurate records, operate or learn standard field equipment and software, and possess a valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record. Current safety training, first aid/CPR certification, and experience with GPS, GIS, and digital data-collection systems are desirable.

COMPETITIVE SALARY
Added 05/08/2026
Reference: 9n3sfzd04rqg7gzjdudg

Associate Archaeologist | Field Director | Southern California

San Diego, California, United States of America Permanent Natural/Cultural Resources

Other similar jobs

Associate Archaeologist | Field Director | Northern California

Added 21/08/2026

We are seeking an Associate Archaeologist / Field Director to lead archaeological investigations and cultural resources projects throughout Northern California. This role is suited to an experienced field professional who can manage day-to-day field operations, coordinate crews, and ensure that work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with approved research designs, regulatory requirements, and professional standards. Assignments may include archaeological surveys, monitoring, testing, excavation, site documentation, and construction support across a range of environments and project types. Responsibilities include supervising and training field staff; developing field schedules and coordinating logistics; conducting pedestrian surveys, shovel testing, subsurface investigations, and data...

Learn more

On-Call Staff Archaeologist | Field Technician | Northern California

Added 11/09/2026

We are seeking an On-Call Staff Archaeologist / Field Technician to support cultural resources investigations throughout Northern California. This is a flexible, field-based opportunity suited to an archaeology professional who can respond to short-term assignments, often involving construction monitoring, survey, testing, and documentation. Work may take place in remote locations, active construction areas, public lands, or other challenging field environments, with schedules varying according to project needs. Responsibilities may include conducting pedestrian surveys; monitoring ground-disturbing activities; identifying, documenting, and evaluating archaeological materials and features; completing shovel test probes and other subsurface investigations; recording observations using approved field forms, maps, photographs,...

Learn more

On-Call Field Archaeologist – California and Nevada

Added 07/08/2026

An On-Call Field Archaeologist – California and Nevada is sought to support archaeological surveys, monitoring, testing, and data recovery projects across a range of landscapes and development settings. The role will involve working independently or as part of a field team to identify, record, evaluate, and protect archaeological resources in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, project permits, and approved cultural resource management plans. Assignments may be short notice and vary in duration, with frequent travel throughout California and Nevada. Responsibilities will include conducting pedestrian surveys and site inspections; assisting with or leading archaeological monitoring, excavation, and subsurface...

Learn more

Field Archaeologist

Added 19/08/2026

We are seeking a Field Archaeologist to join a busy archaeological team delivering projects across a range of development and infrastructure sites. The role will involve supporting archaeological investigations from initial preparation through to completion, working in accordance with approved written schemes of investigation, project designs, health and safety procedures, and professional standards. You will contribute to the accurate identification, excavation, recording, and interpretation of archaeological remains, often working outdoors in varying weather and site conditions. Key responsibilities will include undertaking fieldwork such as evaluation, excavation, watching briefs, and mitigation works; excavating and recording archaeological features, deposits, and finds; completing...

Learn more

ASSOCIATE OR SENIOR ARCHAEOLOGIST (Folsom or San Diego)

Added 14/08/2026

We are seeking an Associate or Senior Archaeologist to join a multidisciplinary environmental and cultural resources team based in Folsom or San Diego. This role is suited to an experienced professional who can lead archaeological investigations, support project delivery, and provide practical cultural resources advice across a range of development, infrastructure, and environmental projects in California. Responsibilities will include preparing and reviewing cultural resources assessments, archaeological survey reports, technical memoranda, and regulatory documentation; conducting and overseeing archaeological surveys, monitoring, testing, excavation, and site evaluations; and coordinating with project managers, clients, Native American representatives, agencies, subcontractors, and field crews. You will...

Learn more

Field Biologist (Field Based)

Added 04/08/2026

We are seeking a Field Biologist to support ecological surveys, environmental monitoring and field-based research across a range of habitats. The role will involve planning and carrying out fieldwork, collecting biological and environmental data, and recording observations accurately in accordance with approved methods and relevant legislation. You will undertake surveys of flora, fauna and habitats, which may include protected or notable species, and contribute to the assessment of ecological conditions and potential impacts of development or land management activities. Key responsibilities will include preparing survey equipment and documentation, identifying species in the field, taking photographs and samples where required, and...

Learn more

Associate Director - Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Construction Management

Added 21/08/2026

We are seeking an experienced Associate Director – Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to lead cost and commercial management services across a diverse portfolio of construction and development projects. This is a senior client-facing role, requiring strong technical expertise, sound commercial judgement and the ability to build trusted relationships with clients, consultants, contractors and internal project teams. You will contribute to the successful delivery of projects from feasibility and procurement through to construction, completion and final account. Responsibilities will include establishing project cost plans, budgets and cash-flow forecasts; preparing feasibility studies, estimates and value management proposals; advising on procurement strategies...

Learn more

Associate Director - Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Construction Management

Added 20/08/2026

We are seeking an experienced Associate Director – Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to support the successful delivery of complex construction and capital investment programmes. Working within a collaborative project management environment, you will provide strategic commercial and cost management advice across all stages of the project lifecycle, from feasibility and concept design through procurement, construction and final account. Projects may span a range of sectors and vary in scale, complexity and procurement route. Your responsibilities will include leading cost planning, estimating, budgeting and value management activities; preparing and reviewing cost reports, forecasts and cash-flow projections; and advising clients and...

Learn more

Associate Technical Director, Roads and Highways, for COWI in North America

Added 30/07/2026

We are seeking an Associate Technical Director, Roads and Highways, to support the growth and delivery of complex transportation infrastructure projects across North America. This senior role will provide technical leadership, project oversight and strategic direction on the planning, design and delivery of roads, highways, interchanges and related transportation facilities. You will work closely with clients, multidisciplinary teams, contractors and public-sector stakeholders to develop practical, innovative and sustainable solutions that meet technical, commercial and community objectives. Responsibilities will include leading technical teams and serving as a senior advisor on major transportation assignments; directing the preparation and review of design reports,...

Learn more

Project Archaeologist

Added 27/08/2026

We are seeking a skilled Project Archaeologist to support the successful delivery of archaeological investigations across a varied programme of development and heritage projects. This role will involve contributing to projects from initial planning and desk-based assessment through to fieldwork, post-excavation analysis and reporting. You will work closely with archaeologists, heritage specialists, consultants, contractors and clients to ensure that archaeological risks are identified, managed and communicated effectively. Key responsibilities will include preparing and reviewing archaeological documentation; undertaking and supervising surveys, evaluations, excavations, watching briefs and other fieldwork; recording archaeological remains and finds in accordance with professional standards; coordinating site teams...

Learn more

Archaeologist/Cultural Resource Management Professional

Added 27/08/2026

We are seeking an Archaeologist/Cultural Resource Management Professional to support a range of cultural heritage and archaeological projects across varied environments. The successful candidate will contribute to field investigations, cultural resource assessments, archaeological surveys, monitoring programmes, and technical reporting in accordance with applicable legislation, professional standards, and project requirements. The role may involve working on infrastructure, environmental, land development, or heritage-related projects, often requiring travel to field locations and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Key responsibilities include undertaking archaeological site inspections, pedestrian surveys, test excavations, monitoring, and recording activities; identifying, documenting, and assessing cultural materials and features; maintaining accurate field notes,...

Learn more

Archaeologist - On Call

Added 26/08/2026

We are seeking an Archaeologist – On Call to provide professional archaeological support across a range of field and project-based assignments. The role will involve responding to short-notice requirements and working on archaeological investigations associated with development, infrastructure, environmental and heritage projects. Assignments may include site walkovers, surveys, monitoring, excavation, evaluation, recording and the preparation of clear, accurate field documentation. Key responsibilities include undertaking archaeological fieldwork in accordance with approved methodologies, legislation, planning conditions and professional standards; identifying, recording and safeguarding archaeological features, deposits and artefacts; completing written, photographic, drawn and digital records; assisting with sampling and finds processing; and...

Learn more

Senior Archaeologist

Added 19/08/2026

We are seeking an experienced Senior Archaeologist to lead and deliver archaeological investigations across a varied programme of development and heritage projects. You will provide expert advice from initial assessment and desk-based research through to fieldwork, analysis, reporting and publication. The role involves planning and supervising evaluations, excavations, watching briefs and surveys, ensuring that work is completed safely, efficiently and in accordance with relevant legislation, professional standards, planning conditions and project methodologies. You will manage archaeological teams and subcontractors, coordinate resources and schedules, and act as a key point of contact for clients, consultants, curators, contractors, landowners and regulatory authorities....

Learn more
At least 8 characters, 1 uppercase, 1 lowercase and 1 special character or number
Your file must be a doc, docx or pdf. No larger than 5MB.