Assistant Project Archaeologist - Field Director

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking an Assistant Project Archaeologist - Field Director to support our Arizona cultural resources team, with offices in Tucson, Flagstaff and Phoenix, AZ. Under the supervision of Cultural Resources Team Leads and Project Managers, an Assistant Project Archaeologist–Field Director performs field and office tasks while working with and supervising crew members. The role will be primarily field-based.

The Field Director will manage all aspects of fieldwork, supervising one or more crews of archaeological surveyors, monitors, and/or excavators. They may also assist with office-based tasks, including preparation of site forms and technical reports in support of a variety of renewable energy, oil and gas, energy transmission, transportation, and land development projects. Some projects include overtime hours or prevailing wage rates and often require travel and overnight stays. Project-related travel and lodging costs are covered, and per diem is provided for project work requiring overnight stays. Anticipated fieldwork will occur throughout Arizona, across various land jurisdictions. The candidate may be asked to submit to background screening to work in some of these locations. This position is a regular, full-time, 40+ hour per week, hourly/non-exempt position. Those with more experience are encouraged to apply and will be considered based on the level of their experience.  

• →Supervise fieldwork, including archaeological survey, testing, data recovery, and/or construction monitoring and ensure quality and completeness of data collected.
• →Provide data QA/QC, organization, and tracking; use field GPS data collection using tablets with ESRI Field Maps, and Geodes.
• →Ensure that appropriate preliminary research is conducted and organized prior to fieldwork, and that necessary equipment, staff, and other resources are prepared for fieldwork.
• →Accurately identify historic and prehistoric artifacts and features, and train less experienced field crew in their identification.
• →Create and maintain good morale among field crew and mentor junior staff.
• →Assist with office-based tasks, as needed, including performing Class I literature reviews, research, site forms, technical report preparation, tracking milestones, schedules, and budgets.
• →Communicate effectively when reporting to Team Leads, Principal Investigators, and Project Managers.

Two years of relevant, progressively responsible experience. Three years of related experience is preferred; or any equivalent combination of experience, performance, training, and/or education. Knowledge normally obtained through a bachelor's degree or higher. 

• Excellent leadership and supervision abilities, including problem-solving, constructive conflict resolution, and decision making.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and technical writing.
• Ability to travel and conduct fieldwork for long hours (sometimes in inclement weather, rugged terrain, and at high altitudes), plus additional hours organizing paperwork/emails daily.
• Ability to carry equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to provide guidance and feedback on crew performance as per company guidelines.

Applicants must possess a valid driver's license and meet SWCA's driver requirements. 

This position may require domestic travel, including travel by commercial airline. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain all valid travel documents and identification required for work-related travel throughout the duration of employment.  

Takes responsibility for team safety, developing safety plans (when applicable), and anticipating potential safety hazards.  

SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency. The expected pay range for this Arizona-based position is $26.78 per hour to 33.99 per hour. Actual pay may vary based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law. Eligible employees may also receive performance-based bonuses.

As a 100% employee-owned company, we invest in your future. Our Total Rewards package includes an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, 401(k) with profit sharing, medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, wellness programs, and professional development opportunities.

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact accommodations@swca.com or call 1 480 581 5378. If you require assistance with the application process, please contact recruiting@swca.com.

SWCA may use approved technology, including AI-assisted tools, to support parts of the application and recruiting process. All selection and hiring decisions are made by SWCA employees, and candidates are not selected or rejected by automated systems. We are committed to a fair, transparent, and human-centered hiring experience. 

Candidates may use AI tools to help prepare application materials and interviews. However, all application materials, assessments, and interview responses must accurately reflect their own experience, skills, and qualifications. AI must not be used to fabricate experience, complete assessments on their behalf, or otherwise misrepresent their background or abilities. 

SWCA Environmental Consultants is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive. 

SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA’s continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.

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