Archaeologist II

See full job description here: Application Link

How You’ll Make an Impact 

Dudek is seeking an Archaeologist II to support cultural resource management (CRM) projects through archaeological investigations, fieldwork, cultural resource analysis, technical reporting, and regulatory compliance. This role is responsible for conducting surveys and other field activities, researching and evaluating cultural resources, and preparing documentation that supports project and permitting requirements. The ideal candidate has hands-on archaeological field experience, strong research and analytical skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a project environment. While contributing to a variety of CRM projects, the Archaeologist II will continue developing technical expertise in archaeological methods, cultural resource regulations, and industry best practices, with a primary focus on field-based responsibilities and project execution.

This role is hybrid and will be based out of our Santa Cruz, CA office.

Duties and Responsibilities  

Fieldwork and Site Investigations

• Participates in archaeological field surveys, excavations, construction monitoring, and site assessments.
• Records stratigraphic, contextual, and spatial data through detailed field notes, sketches, GIS mapping,
• and photography.
• Assists in implementing excavation techniques, artifact recovery, and site preservation procedures.
• May include crew chief, field lead, or field director responsibilities.

Laboratory Analysis and Curation

• Cleans, classifies, and catalogs artifacts, ensuring adherence to curation protocols.
• Conducts artifact and ecofact analyses to determine cultural and historical significance.
• Maintains accurate laboratory records and contribute to artifact conservation efforts.

Data Analysis and Research

• Conducts research using historical documentation, previous site records, and comparative analysis to interpret findings.
• Uses GIS and other analytical tools to assess spatial relationships between cultural resources.
• Assists in developing cultural sensitivity assessments for project planning.

Technical Reporting and Documentation

• Contributes to the preparation of technical reports summarizing field methodologies, findings, and cultural significance assessments.
• Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal CRM regulations, including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).
• Assists in developing environmental impact assessments and cultural resource management plans.

Project Management

• With guidance, tracks objectives, safety responsibilities, and field practices to meet appropriate standards
• and requirements.
• With guidance, understands and tracks scoped work and budget parameters as they relate to anticipated field efforts (e.g., number of field days, per diem), and communicates status with supervising staff.

Regulatory Compliance and Stakeholder Coordination

• Ensures all work aligns with cultural resource laws and regulations (e.g., California Environmental Policy Act, NHPA, Archaeological Resources Protection Act).
• Assists in preparing permit applications and compliance documents for regulatory agencies.
• Participates in engagement with tribal representatives, government agencies, and community members on cultural resource concerns when required.
• May support agency or client meetings or communication, completed in coordination with supervising staff.

Minimum Qualifications 

• Experience: 3+ years’ experience in archaeological fieldwork, CRM, or related areas.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related field.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by the first day of employment.

Compensation: $35-$39 hourly*

*Final agreed-upon compensation will be based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, an individual’s related experience, education, certifications, skills, and work location. Successful candidates must pass a pre-employment drug test and background check prior to beginning employment.