Archaeologist on-call

Albion Environmental, Inc.: At Albion, we provide high quality, ethical, and collaborative cultural resource consulting services. We are women-owned, family- and pet-friendly, and support our personnel in continually expanding their skill sets and knowledge. We believe that employing a variety of people who contribute distinct perspectives and life experiences enriches our culture and improves our work. We aim to provide an open and inclusive environment based on mutual respect, where everyone can enjoy working and grow professionally. We strongly encourage applicants who provide a diverse perspective to apply for open positions.

Position Status: Temporary, On-Call. Please note that on-call work is variable as needed, but we are currently hiring for a large field project that will also have up to 35 weeks of full-time work available between March 2027 and March 2028.

Compensation: $27.78-$35.99, depending on education, skill set, and experience, as well as role and responsibility on the project.

Location: San Jose, CA

Dates: February 2027 – March 2028

Position Description: Albion is seeking multiple Archaeologists to support a large historical archaeology testing and data recovery project in San Jose, CA. The site dates between 1870 and 1930, and includes a variety of archaeological property types, including privies, infrastructure, and architectural features. All features will be recorded and evaluated for eligibility to the CRHR and NRHP. Project impacts to eligible resources will be mitigated through archaeological data recovery.

The ideal candidate will be hard-working, self-motivated, respectful, responsible, and collaborative. They should be able to communicate effectively, show integrity, and contribute to a positive working environment. Some training will be available.

Required Qualifications:

  • B.A. or M.A. or equivalent in Anthropology, Archaeology, or related field

  • Three years of technical experience in CRM, on a wide range of projects (survey, testing, data recovery, monitoring)

  • Awareness and basic understanding of CRM laws (CEQA, Section 106, and NAGPRA)

  • Willingness and ability to work within Albion’s Safety Plan[1], which requires all personnel to complete required safety trainings (including 40-hr HAZWOPER training, lead awareness training, HASP training), and wear Level D PPE (e.g., Tyvek Suit, Work Gloves, Nitrile Gloves, Safety Glasses, Steel-Toed Boots, Half-face respirator with P-100 HEPA filters[2]). Equipment will be provided, and any safety trainings and respirator fit testing will be paid time.

Required Experience:

This position requires confident field and laboratory skills required for construction monitoring, excavation, and laboratory work, and the ability to oversee less-experienced crew members in either fieldwork or labwork. The ideal applicant will be capable of performing Lead Monitor or Crew Chief responsibilities, and feel comfortable directing and managing crew in a collaborative way. They should also have the following:

  • Background in North American history (precolonial or historic)

  • Broad selection of technical archaeological skills, requiring minimal supervision

  • Competency in recording archaeological data through photography, mapping, drawings, and standard archaeological forms

  • Significant experience with identifying a variety of cultural materials

  • Experience with washing and organizing materials, and basic curation skills

  • Ability to professionally represent Albion to clients, subcontractors, and the public

  • Confidence to regularly exercise discretion and independent judgment during project work

  • Clear communication skills

Preferred Experience:

  • Previous training and experience in North American historical archaeology

  • Previous training and experience with the Harris Matrix

  • Previous training and experience analyzing historic-era archaeological assemblages.

  • Crew Chief, Field Director, and/or Lab Director experience on data recovery projects

  • Working directly with Project Managers and Principal Investigators

  • Assisting with field logistics (e.g., attending construction meetings, coordinating with crew for scheduling, managing vehicles and equipment)

  • Recognizing and addressing health and safety issues

To Apply: Submit your information through our form for on-call archaeologist applications.  Please note in the availability section that you are interested in the San Jose project.

Position is open until filled.

[1] Based on geotechnical investigations, the potential contaminants of concern present at the project site include the hazards associated with exposure to metals, pesticides, and crystalline silica. Albion will provide the services of a Certified Industrial Hygienist to develop and oversee the implementation of a Health and Safety Plan for all crew.

[2] Respirators will likely not be required for the entire duration of the field project. After the Negative Exposure Assessment is completed, we anticipate being able to work safely without respirators, and instead relying on our engineering controls (e.g., dust suppression) to keep our work environment safe.