Location(s): Southern California
Practice/Department: Cultural
Internal Title: Archaeologist I
Work Environment: Hybrid
Compensation: $31-$33 hourly*
Dudek's journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California's water and wastewater agencies.
Today, we are a 100% employee-owned firm supporting clients nationwide and delivering projects that improve and protect the built and natural environments of communities throughout the United States. Our work has been recognized by leading industry organizations, and we've been honored with multiple national Top Workplace Awards.
Our employee-owners are unified by a singular commitment to supporting projects that address key societal issues, such as the transition to renewable energy, infrastructure hardening and repair, environmental protection, and community resilience.
Learn more about our award-winning culture, the benefits and perks of being a Dudekian, and the projects you will have the opportunity to shape.
Who You Are
As an employee-owner, you embrace accountability, working safely, and collaboration while thinking resourcefully and independently.
Like all Dudekians, you are curious and solution-oriented, with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and approach challenges with a spirit of innovation.
How You'll Make an Impact
Dudek is looking for an Archaeologist I who will support cultural resource management projects through fieldwork, research, and technical documentation. This is an entry-level role focused on developing expertise in archaeological survey methods, artifact identification, and regulatory compliance while working under the guidance of senior staff.
Primary work will be conducted in Southern California, although responsibilities may include projects in other areas such as the Central Coast, the Central Valley, the western Great Basin, and elsewhere.
Candidates should have experience with survey, excavation, and the preparation of site forms, and should have a working understanding of current archaeological theory and methods. This position is field based; candidates should be able to work full time and have the ability to travel.
This job requires walking, hiking, digging, and other manual work relating to standard field methods.
This role will be a full time; 32-40 hours per week.
Duties and Responsibilities
Fieldwork and Site Investigations
- Assists with archaeological field surveys, shovel test pits, excavations, and site documentation.
- Supports field data collection through note taking, sketching, GPS use, photography, and basic mapping.
- Learns and implements proper techniques for excavation, artifact recovery, and site preservation.
Laboratory Analysis and Curation
- Supports artifact cleaning, sorting, and preliminary classification following established protocols.
- Assists in cataloging and organizing artifacts for analysis and curation.
- Maintains accurate lab records and assists with general lab upkeep.
Data Analysis and Research
- Conducts basic background research using site records, maps, and historical documents.
- California Historical Resources Information System records searches
- Learns to use geographic information systems (GIS) and other analytical tools to support spatial and contextual understanding.
- Contributes to preliminary interpretations of cultural resources under supervision.
Technical Reporting and Documentation
- Supports the preparation of technical memoranda and summary sections for reports.
- Assists with assembling field data, photos, and maps for documentation purposes.
- Gains familiarity with regulatory compliance requirements such as Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).
Regulatory Compliance and Support
- Learns relevant federal, state, and local cultural resource regulations (e.g., NHPA, California Environmental Quality Act, National Environmental Quality Act).
- Assists in preparing documentation for permitting and agency submittals.
- Supports senior staff in coordination with agency and tribal representatives, when needed.
Minimum Qualifications
- 1+ years' experience including previous fieldwork or laboratory experience in archaeology through internships or academic projects.
- Understanding of regional Southern California archeology
- Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related field, and/or equivalent experience gained through work in cultural resource management (CRM).
- General understanding of Word, Adobe Acrobat, Excel, and common GPS and desktop mapping platforms
- Willingness and ability to travel
- Team-oriented attitude and approach
- Excellent communication skills
- Must possess a valid driver's license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by the first day of employment
Preferred Qualifications
- Basic knowledge of geology, artifact identification and archaeological laboratory methods.
- Willingness to be cross-trained in fossil identification and laboratory methods.
- Proficiency in standard office software; experience with specialized software (e.g., GIS) is a plus.
- Ability to use smartphone or tablets, as well as common applications such as camera, Google, and notes functions.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational abilities.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Compensation: $31-$33 hourly*
- *Final agreed-upon compensation will be based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, an individual's related experience, education, certifications, skills, and work location. Successful candidates must pass a pre-employment drug test and background check prior to beginning employment.
Working ConditionsEnvironment
- This job operates in a remote or office-based environment and this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc.
- This job requires occasional project site visits, based outdoors which can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, and moving vehicles and equipment.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This job requires the following:
- Working on a computer, sitting, or standing for long periods of time in an office or remote office setting.
- Employees must be capable of bending, squatting, climbing ladders, and lifting up to 35 lbs. unassisted; 50lbs in a team lift (two or more employees).
- This job requires attending meetings, both in person and virtually as well as speaking on the phone with government agency representatives, members of the public, and others. Speaking, hearing and listening are required.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include 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 of time.
Dudek is committed to creating a workplace where all employees, regardless of their background, feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunities to succeed. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our business success, and we are dedicated to fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We are committed to fair and equitable processes, based on merit, free from any discrimination.
Dudek is genuinely committed to equal employment opportunities within our company and on our project teams. Dudek is also committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in Dudek's operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of Dudek, including supervisors and coworkers. Equal employment opportunities will be extended to all persons (including those with disability and veteran status) in all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination. Any employee who violates this policy and Dudek's commitment to equal employment opportunities will be subject to disciplinary action.
Dudek is a U.S.-based employer. All positions are based in the United States and require U.S. work authorization.
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Dudek
Jan 21, 2026