Archaeological Field Technician - Northern California

As-Needed Archaeological Field Technician - Northern California

We are Dudek, a leading environmental, planning, and engineering firm that helps public and private clients plan, design, and build projects that improve communities’ built and natural infrastructure. Founded in 1980, Dudek has grown to more than 800 professionals across the U.S. and received the Top Workplace Award for 2024.

As a 100% employee‑owned company, Dudek rewards smart, productive team members with ownership, professional development, and financial benefits. We seek creative, pragmatic problem‑solvers who work at the intersection of science, engineering, regulations, and stakeholders’ interests to meet client goals. Our culture values trust, respect, teamwork, fun, and well‑being.

We are hiring qualified, experienced Archaeological Field Technicians for various projects throughout California on an on‑call/as‑needed basis. Immediate needs are in the northern and central California regions, but additional opportunities exist statewide and in other states. Candidates may be based near our Oakland, Sacramento, or Auburn offices or elsewhere.

To thrive at Dudek, you should be comfortable with accountability, collaboration, flexibility, and independent problem‑solving. We value curiosity, solution‑focused thinking, and the ability to adapt quickly to a changing industry.

• Archaeological survey, excavation, and monitoring

• Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology or Anthropology
• Current valid driver’s license and ability to safely operate a 4WD vehicle
• Must be insured to drive a vehicle and/or hold current auto‑insurance
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by first day of employment
• Pre‑employment drug test and background check required

• Experience with a wide range of archaeological field methods including pedestrian survey, testing/evaluation, and monitoring
• Ability to operate field equipment, including GPS, cameras, and tablets
• Physical ability to carry equipment and supplies (up to 40 lbs.) and walk or hike for long hours during fieldwork
• Understanding and willingness to safely accommodate difficult weather and other environmental conditions
• Willingness to travel to a project location for several consecutive days
• Completed accredited field school certification
• Previous archaeological survey experience in California or adjacent areas, and experience recording various site and isolate types
• Knowledge of and experience using ESRI Collector

• Job operates in outdoor or office‑based environment and requires use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc.
• Job requires project site visits outdoors with excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, moving vehicles and equipment
• Requires working on a computer, sitting or standing for long periods of time in an office or remote office setting
• Must be capable of bending, squatting, climbing ladders, and lifting up to 35 lbs. unassisted; 50 lbs. in a team lift
• Requires attending meetings, both in person and virtually, and speaking on the phone with government agency representatives and the public
• Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
• Outdoor activity may involve walking/trekking in uneven terrain over long distances in extreme weather conditions for extended periods

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

USD $21.00–$31.00 hourly. Final compensation will be based on experience, education, certifications, skills, and work location.

• Competitive salary and benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, discretionary bonuses, yearly merit review, employee stock ownership program, and dog‑friendly offices
• Paid Time Off (PTO) packages for both salaried and hourly employees
• 401(k) plan, sick leave, Employee Assistance Program (EAP); part‑time and as‑needed employees may have additional benefits if they meet minimum hours during the 12‑month look back period

Dudek is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

Dudek is a U.S.

-based employer. All positions are based in the U.S. and require U.S. work authorization.