Archaeological Field Technician

Job Summary

The Archaeological Field Technician provides field-based archaeological and cultural resource support for a federal agency in support of disaster recovery efforts. The Archaeological Field Technician is responsible for conducting archaeological field surveys, site identification, documentation, and data collection in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and other applicable federal and state cultural resource regulations.


Supervisory Responsibilities : No


Job Classification: Full-Time, Non Exempt

Duty Station : Asheville, NC


Travel: Travel up to 75% (Travel required throughout the National Forests in North Carolina)


Duration: This role is anticipated to last 6 months, with the possibility of extension pending contract options.


Duties/Responsibilities

• Conduct archaeological pedestrian surveys, subsurface testing, and cultural resource field investigations in support of disaster recovery and infrastructure projects.

• Perform archaeological surveys in accordance with NHPA Sections 106 and 110, ARPA, NEPA, Federal agency standards, and North Carolina Office of State Archaeology (NC OSA) guidelines.

• Identify, document, and record archaeological sites, isolated finds, historic properties, and cultural resources using accepted archaeological field methods.

• Utilize GPS equipment and mobile geospatial applications to map project boundaries, Areas of Potential Effects (APE), survey transects, shovel test locations, and archaeological site boundaries.

• Conduct shovel testing, test excavations, pedestrian surveys, and systematic screening using approved archaeological survey techniques.

• Record detailed field notes, Munsell soil descriptions, stratigraphic profiles, and excavation documentation.

• Collect, bag, tag, label, and document archaeological artifacts and maintain accurate artifact logs and chain-of-custody records.

• Capture and organize field photographs, photographic logs, GPS data, and digital documentation.

• Conduct field inventories, site condition assessments, cultural resource monitoring, and post-implementation inspections.

• Assist with literature reviews, archival research, cultural resource overviews, and background research supporting field investigations.

• Support historic architectural surveys and historic structure assessments by documenting building features, architectural elements, structural systems, and existing site conditions.

• Assist with preparation of architectural documentation, measured drawings, photographs, and geospatial mapping using ArcGIS, AutoCAD, SketchUp, or similar software when required.

• Document observed deterioration, structural deficiencies, code issues, and preservation needs of historic structures.

• Prepare draft field summaries, survey findings, and technical documentation for review by Laboratory Analysts and Principal Investigators.

• Assist archaeological laboratory personnel with washing, labeling, cataloging, weighing, and processing archaeological artifacts.

• Support preparation of archaeological field documentation and data used in final technical reports.

• Coordinate daily field activities with Principal Investigators, federal agency staff and interdisciplinary project teams.

• Operate safely in remote outdoor environments while following agency safety procedures and environmental compliance requirements

• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of standard archaeological field survey methods and excavation techniques.

• Familiarity with federal cultural resource regulations, including NHPA, ARPA, NEPA, and Section 106 compliance.

• Knowledge of North Carolina archaeological survey standards and NC OSA field guidelines.

• Experience conducting pedestrian surveys, shovel testing, and archaeological site documentation.

• Ability to accurately identify, document, and record archaeological resources.

• Experience using GPS units, mobile GIS applications, and digital field mapping technologies.

• Ability to prepare detailed field notes, soil descriptions, excavation records, and photographic documentation.

• Knowledge of archaeological artifact handling and field collection procedures.

• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.

• Ability to work independently and effectively within multidisciplinary field teams.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to safely perform physically demanding outdoor work in varying environmental conditions

• Proficiency using: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher), GPS data collection equipment, Mobile GIS applications such as Avenza Maps, ArcGIS Field Maps, Survey123, or similar technologies

Education and Experience

• Required: Bachelor's degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a closely related

• Required: Successful completion of an accredited archaeological field school

• Required: Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience serving as an Archaeological Field Technician

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in rugged, remote, and environmentally challenging terrain.

• Ability to hike long distances over uneven ground while carrying field equipment.

• Ability to perform repetitive digging and screening during archaeological surveys.

• Ability to lift, carry, and transport field equipment, screens, shovels, backpacks, and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.

• Ability to bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, climb, and stand for extended periods.

• Ability to work in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, humidity, and dense vegetation

• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, etc.

• Valid driver's license with the ability to travel extensively throughout North Carolina.

Pre-employment Requirements

Due to the nature of Chloeta's services, this position is contingent upon completing with a satisfactory outcome some or all of the following pre-employment background screenings: government security clearance, federal and state criminal background checks, drug test (urinalysis), Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review, educational history, employment history, and/or credit check. In accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), pre-employment background screenings will require the employee's written authorization and will occur after acceptance of an offer of employment and prior to commencing work. Additionally, employees are required to complete the federal I-9/E-Verify process.


Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy

Employees may be subject to undergoing additional drug screens and/or alcohol testing at any time during the period of employment, including without prior notice.


EEO Statement

Chloeta provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.


About Chloeta


Chloeta is a Native American owned enterprise providing a diverse range of engineering, scientific, and technical solutions to support military, energy, homeland security, emergency preparedness, and critical infrastructure requirements.