Archaeologist

ARCHAEOLOGIST MONITOR

Job Description:

• Archaeological Monitor in the United States, specifically aligned with federal guidelines, tribal consultation practices, and cultural resource management (CRM) industry standards.

Job Title:

• Archaeological Monitor (Cultural Resource Monitor)

Position Summary:

• Archaeological Monitor plays a critical role in the protection of cultural and historical resources during ground-disturbing activities on construction, utility, infrastructure, and environmental remediation projects. The monitor is responsible for observing excavation and construction work, identifying any cultural or archaeological materials encountered, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and tribal cultural resource laws and guidelines, including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor active construction or excavation sites for archaeological deposits, including features, artifacts, burials, or historic/prehistoric cultural materials.
• Document and assess findings in real time and advise contractors to halt work as needed to protect cultural resources.
• Maintain detailed field notes, daily monitoring logs, and photo documentation.
• Contribute to or prepare monitoring reports, discovery logs, and incident forms.
• Record GPS data and draw sketch maps where relevant.
• Work in compliance with federal (e.g., NHPA, ARPA, NAGPRA) and state environmental and cultural regulations.
• Notify and coordinate with Principal Investigators (PIs), project archaeologists, and Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPOs) in case of discoveries.
• Participate in pre-construction briefings and ensure crews are informed of cultural sensitivity protocols.
• Communicate effectively with construction crews, project managers, government agencies, and when applicable, tribal representatives or monitors.
• Work under the direction of a PI or cultural resource manager but may act independently onsite.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor degree from an accredited university in Anthropology, Archaeology, Cultural Resource Management, or a closely related field.
• Completion of an archaeological field school (required by many employers).

Experience:

• Minimum of 6 months to 1 year of professional archaeological fieldwork experience (survey, excavation, or monitoring).
• Familiarity with regional prehistoric and historic cultural material, stratigraphy, and local compliance laws.

Technical Skills:

• Basic understanding of artifact identification, site formation, and soil profiles.
• Competence in GPS, digital photography, and field forms.
• Ability to follow site-specific Cultural Resources Treatment Plans (CRTP) and Discovery Protocols.

Preferred Qualifications:

• OSHA 10/30 Construction Safety Training
• HAZWOPER Certification (for contaminated sites)
• First Aid/CPR certification
• Tribal or government monitoring experience
• Familiarity with Section 106 compliance and SHPO/THPO procedures

Work Conditions:

• Field-based position requiring outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• May involve remote locations, rugged terrain, and extended travel.
• Must be able to lift 40+ lbs, walk long distances, and work long hours.