As-Needed Archaeological Field Technicians

Description

HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. (HELIX) is seeking Archaeological Field Technicians for fieldwork opportunities in central and northern California. This is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your skills, abilities, and suitability for potential longer-term opportunities with an established, well-regarded, and employee-owned environmental consulting firm. We are looking to deepen our pool of seasoned technicians and identify emerging-career professionals who may be well suited to join the HELIX team. 

HELIX is a growing, employee-owned California-based environmental consulting and planning firm established in 1991 with offices in San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange, Placer, Riverside, and Sacramento counties, along with the Bay Area. HELIX provides 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 Archaeologists responding to this ad would be attached to either the Folsom or Roseville northern California office or be fully remote. Individuals located in the greater Sacramento area and the San Francisco Bay area are especially encouraged to apply.

Anticipated Tasks:

• Archaeological Survey in a variety of terrain types, including both rural and urban settings; conditions will occasionally be physically challenging
• Daily hours and durations of project will vary from project to project
• Identification and documentation of precontact and historic-era cultural resources through field survey
• Participation in field excavation as part of Phase I, II, and III investigations 
• Use of Android Tablets and Survey123 software to collect and manage field data
• Collection of GPS data for site management
• Cultural resource monitoring during construction projects and ground disturbing activities      
• Other duties as assigned by the HELIX Senior Staff

Anticipated Work Schedule: Field assignments will be project specific and will depend on the volume of work at any given time. Assignments would occur during the normal work week (Monday through Friday), with occasional requirement for weekend work. Any hours worked in excess of eight each day will be paid at an overtime rate (1.5x regular pay). 

Overnight stays and extended field assignments are common. In these cases, HELIX will provide lodging and per diem for days worked. 

Work Location: Throughout central and northern California in a variety of locations and terrains. 

Professional Kit Expectations: Candidates will be expected to possess the gear necessary for conducting field work, including appropriate outdoor clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and tools (i.e., a “field kit”) necessary to complete ordinary and industry-standard survey and excavation tasks, including metric tape measures, sight-bearing compasses, clip boards, and trowels. 

Compensation: Hourly wages will be based on qualifications and experience. Starting salary ranges between $25 to $30 per hour and will be commensurate with the candidate’s relevant experience. 

Desired Qualifications:

Successful candidates will be familiar with the principles of archaeological field survey techniques, be competent in the collection of archaeological field data, and should possess good written and verbal communication skills. 

Applicants must have a strong work ethic, positive attitude, experience working in a team-oriented environment, and the ability to complete assigned tasks independently. 

Familiarity with the range of archaeological site types and cultural resources/material culture commonly found on cultural resource sites within central and northern California is also strongly desired. 

Please do apply even if you exceed the qualifications listed above. More skilled applicants may be considered for higher-level positions as they become available.

Interested applicants should provide a detailed resume or curriculum vitae, a cover letter demonstrating your archaeological experience and how you meet this position’s requirements and be prepared to provide a list of no fewer than three references who can speak to your ability to perform the tasks mentioned above. Please also list/describe any additional skills.

HELIX is an equal opportunity employer. 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.

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Requirements

Minimum Requirements for Archaeological Field Technicians: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a closely related field. 
• Familiarity with the principles of archaeological field survey. 
• Competent in the collection of archaeological field data. 
• Good written and verbal communication skills. 
• Ability and willingness to work in challenging terrain and remote locations that often require strenuous hiking in adverse weather.
• Possession of a valid California driver’s license, or capacity to arrange for travel to and from the project provided lodging at the start and end of the project (HELIX staff may be able to assist with this transportation).

Additional skills considered a plus for Archaeological Field Technicians:

• Demonstrated completion of an archaeological field school. 
• Proven track record of previous cultural resource management work, including archaeological surveys, excavations, and site recordings.
• Master’s degrees in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a closely related field.
• Familiarity with, and experience working on archaeological site types and cultural resources/material culture commonly found throughout California’s central valley, the San Francisco Bay area, and the Sierra Nevada.