Archaeological Field Technician; On-Call

Archaeological Field Technician (On-Call)

Irvine, California;
Los Angeles, California;
Pasadena, California;
Rancho Cucamonga, California;
San Diego, California;
Santa Barbara, California;
Thousand Oaks, California

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is a 100% employee‑owned environmental consulting firm. We plan, design, permit, mitigate, and restore for projects across our communities, infrastructure systems, open spaces, and wildlands. We are 50 years strong in 21 offices across California, the Pacific Northwest, and the southeastern United States.

ESA is actively seeking On‑Call Archaeological Field Technicians in Southern California who are familiar with working on active construction sites, completing DPR forms and are knowledgeable of archaeological materials common to the region. Candidates must have a minimum of one year of field experience or relative academic field experience in Southern California. You must live within a commutable distance to Southern California ESA office locations and be willing to travel for on‑site field work.

• Effective team member experienced in archaeological and/or paleontological monitoring, surveys, and documentation of resources in accordance with local, state, and federal guidelines.
• Live within a commutable distance to Southern California ESA office locations.
• Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in archaeology, anthropology, paleontology or a related field. Demonstrated ability to use app‑based software for field recordation and mapping.
• Familiar with working on active construction sites, completing DPR forms, and knowledgeable of regional archaeological materials.
• Open to travel as needed for projects and site visits. Mileage and travel reimbursements will be provided.
• Enjoy fieldwork, can walk long distances carrying a backpack, and can lift at least 50 pounds. Confident working outside in remote, rural, and urban environments, in all weather conditions. Some night and/or weekend work may be required.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and experience driving 4‑wheel‑drive off‑road vehicles.

• Monitor construction activities and identify archaeological and/or paleontological resources.
• Communicate effectively with construction crews and project personnel.
• Write and maintain daily survey, monitoring, recordation, and cataloging logs, including utilizing electronic data collection tools and GIS mapping applications.
• Perform other ad‑hoc tasks as needed.

Our team includes pre‑contact and historical archaeologists, geoarchaeological specialists, tribal consultation specialists, architectural historians, historians, and paleontologists that provide expertise for many local, state, and federal agencies throughout California.

Joining ESA means becoming part of a close‑knit team of environmental professionals who contribute to outstanding projects, improve environmental stewardship, and advance a more sustainable and resilient future for our communities and wild places.

Eligible to participate in ESA’s sick leave program. May be eligible for an employee stock ownership program and a tax‑deferred 401(k) plan if eligibility requirements are met.

Salary range: $24.34 - $34.08 USD.

Applicants with disabilities requiring accommodations may contact Human Resources at for assistance.

ESA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. (EOEM/V/F/D)