Posted: Jun 16, 2025
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As-Needed Archaeological Field Technician

Temporary
Salary: $23.00 - $32.00 Hourly
Application Deadline: Jul 15, 2025
Natural Resources/Environmental

HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. (HELIX), a growing, California-based employee-owned environmental consulting firm, is currently seeking as-needed archaeologists for our Cultural Resources group in southern California for project work primarily based in San Diego, Riverside, and Orange counties. HELIX is a full-service environmental firm providing cultural resources, biological, landscape architecture, regulatory permitting, acoustical, air quality, habitat restoration, and GIS services to public and private clients across a variety of sectors.

As-Needed Archaeologist responsibilities primarily consist of archaeological construction monitoring, record keeping, and communication with HELIX staff. Additional responsibilities may include records searches and background research, field surveys, excavation (testing and data recovery), laboratory work (cleaning, sorting, identifying, and cataloging artifacts), assistance with report writing, and preparation of Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) 523 forms.

Candidates must be comfortable working outdoors in high-heat conditions, sometimes for extended periods; be knowledgeable of the archaeology and culture history of southern California; and be self-motivated and possess strong organizational, interpersonal, and verbal communication skills. Candidates must have reliable transportation with a valid California Driver’s License, be willing to work independently as well as with on-site construction and tribal personnel, and have a positive attitude.

Minimum Requirements for As-Needed Archaeological Field Technician:

  • Must be currently enrolled in (or have previously completed) college-level classes in anthropology, archaeology, history of California, or closely related field, or equivalent experience
  • Demonstrated experience conducting archaeological fieldwork that may include survey, excavation, in-field analysis, monitoring, and documentation
  • Knowledge of the archaeology and cultural history of southern California
  • Ability to identify artifacts and cultural features
  • Possess a valid California Driver’s License and 3 years clean driving record
  • Ability to work full days in outdoor/remote/high heat conditions
  • Demonstrate strong written/verbal communication skills

Additional skills considered a plus for As-Needed Archaeological Field Technician:

  • Bachelor's Degree or higher in anthropology, archaeology, history, or closely related field
  • Professional cultural resources management experience in southern California archaeology
  • Construction monitoring experience
  • Experience with artifact cataloging and analysis
  • Experience documenting sites and preparing DPR forms
  • Willingness to travel and stay overnight
  • City of San Diego-qualified monitor
  • Willingness to work night shifts when needed (projects starting at 5pm or later)
  • Current HAZWOPER certification
  • Current railway/roadway safety training/certification

Hourly wages will be based on qualifications and/or experience. Expected starting pay range of $23 to $32 per hour.

HELIX is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and an inclusive work environment. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply regardless of gender, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, disability, age, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service or veteran status. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs

Please apply through our website career page.