Archaeologist (California)

Title: Archaeologist
Location: Southern California
Job Code: Arch_CA_2026
Job Link: SEARCH Job Postings - Direct Applications

Position Information

SEARCH has immediate openings for Archaeologists to join our team on a California border monitoring project. This is a Full-Time project hire position expected to run 2 years until the contract ends or is extended. Selected candidates are paid hourly and will work 10-hour days on a 4-on/3-off day schedule for the duration of the project. Work includes monitoring construction sites along the southwestern border, identifying sensitive cultural resources, marking areas of avoidances, conducting surveys, and submitting daily reports to the project lead. Selected candidates must be based in southern California, eligible to work on federal government projects, and meet the project experience qualifications.

SEARCH provides a flexible work environment, a professional and collaborative atmosphere, and a wide range of projects and opportunities for our staff. SEARCH offers a competitive total compensation package with strong health and wellness and retirement plans. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, group term life insurance, 401(k) plan with match, 11 paid holidays per year, and Vacation/Sick leave. Pay range for this position is $30 - $33 per hour, commensurate with education and experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Use experience, education from a degreed program, and professional judgment to identify and target locations of sensitive cultural resources, mark areas for avoidance and buffer zones, and identify site probability based on cultural, geological, and other environmental features.
• Adhere to project health and safety plan and participate, and/or lead when necessary, in office and field training and meetings. Offer recommendations for improvement to Health & Safety Manager.
• Prepare daily and weekly cultural resource monitoring summaries, photo-documentation, and maps; input data into electronic devices.
• Conduct archaeological monitoring, and potentially survey, in accordance with the research design.
• Recognize archaeological signatures and apply reasoning to evaluate resources.
• Evaluate and record accurate, organized, and clear field notes, maps, drawings, logs, forms, tables, databases, artifact bags, box labels, and other project documentation.
• Field identification of artifacts and cultural features.
• Perform quality control of field data (hand-written and electronic) on a daily basis to ensure information is accurate and complete.
• Use electronic and traditional navigational equipment (GPS, iPad/ArcCollector/Survey 123, compass, transit, etc.) to determine project limits, record fieldwork, document findings, and communicate progress.
• Photo-document artifacts, features, land use, landscapes, unique environmental features, historic structures, archaeology sites, unique environmental features, specialized equipment or technique usage, and work-in-progress.
• Procure and maintain field equipment and supplies, technology, , and vehicles, in a clean, working, and safe manner.
• Work closely with other project staff such as environmental monitors and construction crews.
• Organized and clear written and oral communication.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications Required:

• Degree in Anthropology or related field.
• Based in Southern California.
• Knowledge of California cultural resources.
• Archaeological monitoring experience on construction sites.
• Archaeological survey experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work remotely with limited supervision.
• Reliable transportation with clean driving record.
• Eligible for federal projects (i.e. U.S. citizen with no felonies).

Qualifications Preferred:

• Minimum two (2) years of southwestern archaeology border project experience on government projects (i.e., federal, state, municipal,) within California or other southwestern border state.
• Meet the Secretary of the Interior’s professional qualifications standards for archaeology and be an RPA or be eligible to become an RPA.
• Located in San Diego.
• Demonstrated experience using stop work authority on monitoring sites.
• Strong experience working on federal government projects at the California-Mexico border.

Application Requirements

• Cover letter
• Resume
• References
• Writing Sample

Other Important Need-to-Know Information

• This position will require flexible availability outside of standard working hours.
• Applicants must be eligible to be employed in the United States.
• SEARCH is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where a variety of backgrounds, cultures, orientations, ideas, and talents can flourish.
• SEARCH is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
• SEARCH is an Affirmative Action Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace.
• Employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory verification of criminal, education, driving, and/or employment background checks as well as passing results from a pre-employment drug screen.
• We will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation to the known limitations of a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or, if requested, to participate in an interview, please let us know.

Benefits

SEARCH Compensation and Benefits include:

• Competitive Salary
• Per Diem (for overnight travel)
• SEARCH-subsidized Group Health Insurance (including Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage)
• SEARCH-provided Short-Term Disability Insurance
• SEARCH-provided Long-Term Disability Insurance
• SEARCH-provided Group Term Life Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Emergency Travel Assistance
• Generous 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Holidays (11)
• Vacation/Sick Leave
• Merit-Based Raises, Bonuses, and Promotions

About SEARCH:

SEARCH is a global leader in archaeology, maritime archaeology, and the full spectrum of cultural heritage services. SEARCH’s staff are industry leaders and subject matter experts who support commercial and government clients worldwide. Since 1993, SEARCH has completed over 5,000 projects nationwide and across 44 countries, spanning seven continents and four oceans. By integrating science, technology, and creativity, SEARCH harnesses the power of the past to advance the projects, places, and people it serves.


For more information about SEARCH, please visit searchinc.com and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and Twitter .

Please send inquiries about the position to [email protected] . Include the Job Posting code (Arch_CA_2026) in the subject line of your email.