Archaeologist I

Location(s): Sacramento, Auburn, or Oakland
Work Environment: Hybrid
Compensation: $28-$35 hourly*

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 Sacramento, Auburn, or Oakland 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• Conducts basic background research using site records, maps, and historical documents.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: $28-$35 hourly*