On-Call Archaeological Field Director – California and Nevada

The Opportunity:

Tetra Tech is adding an On-Call Archaeological Field Director for projects in California and Nevada, with opportunities to work on projects in other states. These are part-time, temporary hourly positions with hours that may vary depending on project-specific workload.

Pay rates range between $35 to $45 per hour based on individual qualifications, education, experience, and assigned project roles. Travel expenses are reimbursed per project, including lodging (single occupancy), meals, and incidentals.

Why Tetra Tech:

At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges.  Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world.  For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.  Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development.  Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.

Your Impact:

Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference.  Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.

Essential Job Function:

• Effectively direct and coordinate archaeological field crews in a variety of field investigations, including small and large field surveys, site recordation, testing programs, and data recovery excavations, and monitoring.
• Ensure that all field investigations and associated field and post field data, data analyses, and technical report deliverables are completed in accordance with established quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) standards, and meet project, regulatory, and company requirements.
• Adhere to and promote Tetra Tech’s Health and Safety Program by conducting work safely, identifying and mitigating potential hazards, and ensuring compliance with all company safety policies, procedures, and training requirements.
• Travel to project locations throughout the region and oversee field operations, including multi-day assignments and work in remote or challenging conditions.
• Coordinate and maintain effective communication with Senior Archaeologists, agency representatives, clients, Native American Tribal representatives, and field personnel to support successful project planning, implementation, and completion.
• Recognize and document California precontact and historic-period cultural resources, with the ability to identify, document, and process archaeological resources (including artifacts, features, flora, and fauna) and prepare accurate California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR 523) and IMACS records in a timely manner.
• Operate 4WD vehicles on rugged, backcountry roads safely.
• Additional duties as required.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in anthropology, archaeology, or a closely related field.
• Completion of an accredited archaeology field school.
• Qualifications consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards for Archaeology and current registration as a Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA; or ability to become registered).
• Eligible to be listed as a Crew Chief under Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Cultural Resources Use Permit requirements.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in California cultural resources management (CRM) and archaeological fieldwork
• At least 1 year experience as a crew lead in fieldwork and project coordination and leading small and large crews.
• Knowledge of NEPA, CEQA, and Section 106 compliance requirements, with experience implementing cultural resource investigations and coordinating projects to meet regulatory and permitting obligations.
• Working knowledge of California precontact and historic-period archaeology, including archaeological surveys, site recording, and cultural resource documentation.
• Proficiency with GPS technology (e.g., Trimble units and Bluetooth-enabled tablets), TerraSync, ArcGIS, and Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.
• Strong technical writing, editing, and organizational skills, with the ability to prepare high-quality field records, site forms, and cultural resource management reports.
• Ability to travel without restriction for extended fieldwork across California, Nevada, or other locations.
• Demonstrated strong work ethic, attention to detail, and effective communication skills.
• First Aid/CPR training certification.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record without restrictions.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Ability to perform physically demanding fieldwork, including hiking up to 10–12 miles per day over rugged terrain in varying weather conditions; bending, kneeling, standing for extended periods; excavation with a shovel, and lifting and carrying field equipment weighing up to 35 pounds.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently to project locations and work extended field rotations of 5–10 consecutive days, with flexibility to accommodate changing project schedules, travel plans, and field assignments.

Life at Tetra Tech:

The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:

• Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
• Medical benefits, workers compensation insurance, and 401(k) plan.
• Merit-based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth. 

Compensation:

Pay commensurate with experience

Pay Range: $35.00/hr. - $45.00/hr.

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience and demonstrated work experience in the above role; skills, certifications, and competencies that align to the specified role; geographic location; and education, as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

A pre-employment drug screen in compliance with federal regulations is required, along with a physical if needed.

At Tetra Tech, health and safety play a vital role in our success. Tetra Tech’s employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including public health orders and regulations that are mandated by local, state, provincial, federal, international authorities, and clients.

About Tetra Tech:

Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science^® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.

Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.

We invite applications from all interested parties.

Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers. Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:

LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers

X (Twitter): @TetraTechJobs