Archaeological Technician

Archaeological Field Technician

At UES, we're a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more.

Position Overview

The Archaeological Field Technician is a non-exempt, entry-level to mid-level role that supports cultural resource management (CRM) projects through archaeological fieldwork and laboratory tasks. Working under the supervision of a Project Archaeologist, this position assists with Phase I archaeological surveys, artifact recovery, and documentation. Field Technicians contribute to the careful collection and analysis of data that helps reconstruct past human cultures and ensure compliance with cultural resource regulations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct shovel testing and pedestrian survey for Phase I Archaeological Surveys under the direction of a UES Field Director.
• Identify artifacts, cultural features, and site boundaries during survey and excavation
• Record shovel tests, field notes, and site forms using UES-provided digital data collection systems
• Perform cursory artifact analysis, including quantification, attribute analysis, photography, and documentation
• Bag, label, and catalog recovered artifacts for laboratory processing and analysis
• Maintain detailed and accurate records of field observations and findings
• Assist with site mapping, navigation, and orientation using a compass and GPS.
• Operate and maintain field tools and screening equipment while following safety protocols.
• Participate in laboratory tasks such as cleaning, sorting, and preliminary classification of artifacts.
• Work collaboratively with team members to ensure efficient and consistent field methods
• Perform other duties as assigned to support project goals and company initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related field preferred not required with at least one year of experience in CRM
• 6-12 months of prior archaeological field experience on Phase I surveys required
• Basic proficiency with digital field data collection systems
• Basic navigation skills, including compass and GPS use.
• Ability to perform manual labor, including shovel testing, screening, and pedestrian survey, in varied environmental conditions
• Strong attention to detail with effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work well in a collaborative team environment
• Willingness to travel and work at remote project sites for extended periods

Travel Requirements

• This position requires extensive travel, approximately up to 70% of the time, in support of business objectives and client engagements. Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adhereance to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on-site work.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Work is primarily conducted outdoors with exposure to outdoor conditions, including:
• Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, construction zones, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man-made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
• Moderate to loud noise levels due to lab equipment, field operations, and construction environments.
• Exposure to dirt, dust, chemicals, sun, heat, humidity, and varying weather conditions as part of field sample collection and testing.
• Physical requirements include:
• Ability to lift and carry between 35 and 75 lbs. over distances up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
• Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate laboratory and field equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for laboratory and fieldwork.
• Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vison, depth vision, and ability to focus) smell, hear, touch (use hands to reach climb or balance, crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit).

EEO Statement

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here