Archaeologist I

Location(s): Fresno, Bakersfield, Sacramento, Auburn, Oakland, or Santa Cruz
Work Environment: Hybrid
Compensation: $29-$35 hourly*

 
Dudek’s journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California’s water and wastewater agencies. 

Today, we are a 100% employee-owned firm supporting clients nationwide and delivering projects that improve and protect the built and natural environments of communities throughout the United States. Our work has been recognized by leading industry organizations, and we’ve been honored with multiple national Top Workplace Awards.  

Our employee-owners are unified by a singular commitment to supporting projects that address key societal issues, such as the transition to renewable energy, infrastructure hardening and repair, environmental protection, and community resilience. 

Learn more about our award-winning culture, the benefits and perks of being a Dudekian, and the projects you will have the opportunity to shape. 

Who You Are 

As an employee-owner, you embrace accountability, working safely, and collaboration while thinking resourcefully and independently.  

Like all Dudekians, you are curious and solution-oriented, with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and approach challenges with a spirit of innovation. 

How You’ll Make an Impact 

Dudek is seeking a full-time Archaeologist I to support cultural resource management (CRM) projects through fieldwork, research, data collection, and technical documentation. Working under the guidance of experienced archaeologists and project managers, this role assists with archaeological surveys, monitoring, record searches, artifact identification, and report preparation. The Archaeologist I should have some archaeological experience, but may anticipate further developing a strong foundation in archaeological field methods, cultural resource regulations, and industry best practices while contributing to a variety of projects. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, eager to learn, and interested in building technical expertise in archaeology and cultural resource management both in field and office environments.

This role is hybrid and will be based out of any of our Fresno, Bakersfield, Sacramento, Auburn, Oakland, or Santa Cruz offices.

Duties and Responsibilities  

Fieldwork and Site Investigations

• Assists with archaeological field surveys, shovel testing, excavations, construction monitoring, and site documentation.
• Supports field data collection through note taking, sketching, GPS/ESRI platform field documentation, photography, and basic mapping.
• Learns and implements proper techniques for excavation, artifact recovery, and site preservation.

Laboratory Analysis and Curation

• Supports artifact cleaning, sorting, and preliminary classification following established protocols.
• Assists in cataloging and organizing artifacts for analysis and curation.
• Maintains accurate lab records and assists with general lab upkeep.

Data Analysis and Research

• Conducts basic background research using site records, maps, and historical documents.
• Learns to use geographic information systems (GIS) and other analytical tools to support spatial and contextual understanding.
• Contributes to preliminary interpretations of cultural resources under supervision.

Technical Reporting and Documentation

• Supports the preparation of technical memoranda and summary sections for reports.
• Assists with assembling field data, photos, and maps for documentation purposes.
• Gains familiarity with regulatory compliance requirements such as Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).

Regulatory Compliance and Stakeholder Support

• Learns relevant federal, state, and local cultural resource regulations (e.g., NHPA, California Environmental Quality Act, National Environmental Quality Act).
• Assists in preparing documentation for permitting and agency submittals.
• Supports senior staff in coordination with agency and tribal representatives, when needed.

Minimum Qualifications 

• Experience: 1+ years’ experience including previous fieldwork or laboratory experience in archaeology through internships or academic projects.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related field, and/or equivalent experience gained through work in cultural resource management (CRM).
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by the first day of employment 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Anticipate the majority of work to occur in the field, however, office-based work will occur.
• Candidate to be able to commute to Dudek’s Sacramento office weekly to meet/collaborate with staff.
• Not mandatory, but of benefit, basic knowledge of paleontological field and laboratory methods, including familiarity with fossil identification and classification techniques.
• Proficiency in standard office software; experience with specialized software (e.g., GIS) is a plus.
• Ability to use smartphone or tablets, as well as common applications such as camera, Google, and notes functions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Compensation: $29-$35 hourly*

*Final agreed-upon compensation will be based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, an individual’s related experience, education, certifications, skills, and work location. Successful candidates must pass a pre-employment drug test and background check prior to beginning employment. 

Working Conditions 

• This job operates in a remote or office-based environment and this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc. 
• This job requires occasional project site visits, based outdoors which can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, and moving vehicles and equipment. 

Physical Requirements 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This job requires the following: 

• Working on a computer, sitting, or standing for long periods of time in an office or remote office setting. 

• Employees must be capable of bending, squatting, climbing ladders, and lifting up to 35 lbs. unassisted; 50lbs in a team lift (two or more employees). 

• This job requires attending meetings, both in person and virtually as well as speaking on the phone with government agency representatives, members of the public, and others. Speaking, hearing and listening are required. 

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. 
• Outdoor activity may involve walking/trekking in uneven terrain over long distances in extreme weather conditions for extended periods of time. 

Connect with us! 

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Dudek is committed to creating a workplace where all employees, regardless of their background, feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunities to succeed. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our business success, and we are dedicated to fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We are committed to fair and equitable processes, based on merit, free from any discrimination.  

Dudek is genuinely committed to equal employment opportunities within our company and on our project teams. Dudek is also committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in Dudek’s operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of Dudek, including supervisors and coworkers. Equal employment opportunities will be extended to all persons (including those with disability and veteran status) in all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination. Any employee who violates this policy and Dudek’s commitment to equal employment opportunities will be subject to disciplinary action. 

Dudek is a U.S.-based employer. All positions are based in the United States and require U.S. work authorization.