On-Call Field Archaeologist – California and Nevada

The Opportunity:

Tetra Tech is adding On-Call Field Archaeologist 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 $26 to $35 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:

• Conduct archaeological fieldwork, including field surveys, site recordation, testing, data recovery, and archaeological construction monitoring, under the supervision of a Field Director or Principal Investigators.
• Work collaboratively with field personnel, Field Directors, Principal Investigators, project managers, Native American Tribal representatives, and technical specialists in a team-oriented environment.
• Collect GPS data using Trimble units or tablets and perform digital photography.
• Recognize and document California precontact and historic-period cultural resources, with the ability to identify, document, and process cultural resource isolates or sites (including artifacts, features, objects, topography, geology, flora, and fauna) and prepare accurate California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR 523) and IMACS records in a timely manner.
• Conduct activities in line with internal procedures, legislation, and industry standards.
• Travel to project locations throughout the region for fieldwork, including multi-day assignments and work in remote or challenging conditions.
• 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.
• Operate 4WD vehicles on rugged, backcountry roads safely.
• Additional duties as required by supervisors or project managers.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archaeology, or a closely related field.
• Completion of an accredited archaeology field school.
• Minimum of 1 year of professional experience in California or Nevada archaeological fieldwork.
• Ability to work independently in the field, evaluate site conditions, and make informed decisions consistent with current California or Nevada cultural resource guidelines and standards, project objectives, and established protocols.
• Proficiency with GPS units (Trimble, Bluetooth with tablets), TerraSync, ArcGIS, and software such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Strong archaeological technical writing skills to complete field documentation and post-field documents.
• Familiarity with California Department of Parks and Recreation 523 forms and Intermountain Antiquities Computer System (IMACS) forms in a timely manner.
• Demonstrated strong work ethic, attention to detail, and effective organization and communication skills.
• Ability to travel without restriction for extended fieldwork across California, Nevada, or other locations.
• 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: $26.00/hr. - $35.00/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.