As-Needed Archaeologist - Central Coast CA

Company: Dudek
Location: Santa Barbara
Posted on: January 15, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Location(s): Santa Barbara County, San Luis Obispo County, Monterey County (Central Coast of California) Practice/Department: Cultural Internal Title: As-Needed Field Technician Work Environment: Field Work Compensation: $18-31/hourly * Dudek’s journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California’s water and wastewater agencies. Today, we are a 100% employee-owned firm supporting clients nationwide and delivering projects that improve and protect the built and natural environments of communities throughout the United States. Our work has been recognized by leading industry organizations, and we’ve been honored with multiple national Top Workplace Awards. Our employee-owners are unified by a singular commitment to supporting projects that address key societal issues, such as the transition to renewable energy, infrastructure hardening and repair, environmental protection, and community resilience. Learn more about our award-winning culture , the benefits and perks of being a Dudekian, and the projects you will have the opportunity to shape. Who You Are As an employee-owner , you embrace accountability, working safely, and collaboration while thinking resourcefully and independently. Like all Dudekians, you are curious and solution-oriented , with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and approach challenges with a spirit of innovation . How You’ll Make an Impact We are seeking qualified, experienced Archaeological Field Technicians for various archaeological projects on the Central Coast of California (Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Monterey Counties). An archaeological field technician must possess basic archaeological field and laboratory skills for various survey, excavation, laboratory, and construction monitoring work. Additional assignments may be available for qualified individuals who work well with our team. Competitive wages are based on level of education and experience. Duties and Responsibilities Archaeological survey, excavation, and monitoring During archaeological monitoring the applicant would be responsible for on-site communication with construction and Native American personnel, and for maintaining daily logs that include detailed descriptions of construction activities, communication, and future plans During survey work the applicant will be expected to communicate effectively with crew leader to verify understanding of instructions or site-specific information. Scientific photography, measurement, artifact identification, and recordation of resources will be required During excavation, the applicant will be expected to work well with a team to ensure clear communication. Ability to identify buried resources and document them effectively while working in a team will be necessary Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology or Anthropology The ability to safely operate a 4wd vehicle Physical ability to carry equipment and supplies (up to 40 lbs.) and walk or hike for long hours during fieldwork Willingness to travel to a project location for several consecutive days Must possess a valid driver’s license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by first day of employment Must possess a valid driver’s license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by the first day of employment Preferred Qualifications Completed an accredited field school certification Previous archaeological survey experience in California, the Desert West, the Pacific Northwest and/or the Mid-Atlantic, and experience recording a variety of site and isolate types in the respective region(s) Experience with a wide range of archaeological field methods including pedestrian survey, testing/evaluation, and monitoring Understanding and willingness to safely accommodate difficult weather and other environmental conditions and challenges Ability to operate field equipment, including GPS equipment, cameras, and tablets Knowledge of and experience using ESRI Collector and/or Field Maps Compensation: $18-31/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. Working Conditions: Environment This job operates in a remote or office-based environment and this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc. This job may also require occasional project site visits, based outdoors which can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, and moving vehicles and equipment. Physical Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This job requires the following: Working on a computer, sitting, or standing for long periods of time in an office or remote office setting. Employees must be capable of bending, squatting, climbing ladders, and lifting up to 35 lbs. unassisted; 50lbs in a team lift (two or more employees). Attending meetings, both in person and virtually, and speaking on the phone with peers, clients, etc. Specific vision abilities, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Dudek is committed to creating a workplace where all employees, regardless of their background, feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunities to succeed. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our business success, and we are dedicated to fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We are committed to fair and equitable processes, based on merit, free from any discrimination. Dudek is genuinely committed to equal employment opportunities within our company and on our project teams. Dudek is also committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in Dudek’s operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of Dudek, including supervisors and coworkers. Equal employment opportunities will be extended to all persons (including those with disability and veteran status) in all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination. Any employee who violates this policy and Dudek’s commitment to equal employment opportunities will be subject to disciplinary action. Dudek is a U.S.-based employer. All positions are based in the United States and require U.S. work authorization. Powered by JazzHR zIf6yQcE2P

Keywords: Dudek, Delano , As-Needed Archaeologist - Central Coast CA, Science, Research & Development , Santa Barbara, California