Mid / Senior-level Archaeologist

Location(s): San DiegoPractice/Department: Cultural-PaleoWork Environment: HybrodCompensation:$120,000-$175,000 annually*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 beenrecognized by leading industry organizations, andwe’vebeen honored with multiple national Top Workplace Awards. Ouremployee-ownersare 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 ouraward-winning culture, thebenefits and perksof being aDudekian, and theprojectsyou will have the opportunity to shape.Who You AreAs anemployee-owner, you embrace accountability, working safely, andcollaborationwhile thinking resourcefully and independently. Like allDudekians, you are curious andsolution-oriented, with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and approach challenges with a spirit ofinnovation.HowYou’llMake an ImpactDudek is seeking to fill a Mid/Senior-level staff archaeologist position for our San Diego or Encinitas offices with a preference to be in southern San Diego County. The minimum qualified candidate will have graduate degree in anthropology or a closely related field and strong experience in cultural resource management, ability to be permitted as Principal Investigator, and regional ties to the larger archaeological community. The successful candidate should have excellent writing and communication skills and a working knowledge of California pre-contact and historic archaeology, with focused experience within San Diego, Imperial, and Riverside Counties. The preferred candidate would have experience working on energy or utilities infrastructure projects. The advertised role includes managing complex archaeological investigations and analyses, developing and implementing innovative research methodologies, and providing advanced technical expertise in cultural resource management projects. The role requires expertise in data analysis and interpretation, technical reporting, field methodology development, regulatory compliance, and have experience mentoring junior staff. Additional responsibilities include managing schedules, workflows, field staff, sub-consultants, budgets, scoping for technical work, implementing safety plans, and acting as senior project archaeologist during meetings requiring direct client/agency interface. This role is anticipated to largely be office-based, however, candidate should have capacity to attend regular offsite in-person meetings with Dudek and clients within San Diego, as determined by project needs. Site visits to surrounding regions for field support is also likely to be required periodically. As such, candidates must be able to work under physically strenuous conditions. Excellent communication skills, team-focus, ability to work as a crew member and/or manage field crews, ensure paperwork is completed accurately, and to logically support field decisions are also desirable qualities. Duties and ResponsibilitiesField and Technical Duties and ResponsibilitiesWill work under the direct supervision of Senior cultural staff, as well as in coordination with other cultural resources staff throughout DudekPreferred location is southern San Diego County with a strong preference to be in a Dudek or client office 2-3 days per week.Primary travel, fieldwork and reporting focus will be in the Southern California region.Ability to coordinate and oversee multiple field crews, including subcontractors. Work is intended to be approximately 30% in the field and 70% in the office, although this may vary depending on project and seasonal fieldwork needs.Knowledge of southern California and surrounding regional prehistoric and historic archaeologyUnderstanding of standard office applications and field mapping softwareTeam-oriented attitude and approach a mustExcellent organizational and communication skillsHas existing, positive relationships with regional agency staff and Native American TribesProject Management and Client EngagementDevelops and manages project plans, including scope, schedules, budgets, and deliverables pertaining to cultural resources tasksCoordinates project teams, resources, and timelines to ensure project successInterfaces with clients and directs teams on projects of varying size and complexityBuilds strong relationships with clients, including key decision makers and agency representativesCoordinates and facilitates client, partner, and regulatory agency meetings and presentationsManages agreements with sub-contractors and Tribal partnersMinimum QualificationsMA or PhD in Anthropology/Archaeology or a closely related fieldMinimum of 12 years’ work experience in archaeology as cultural resources management specialist completing and managing fieldwork, analysis, reporting, monitoring coordination, and drafting/implementing management plans and mitigationExperience with Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III archaeological survey, analysis, and documentation requirementsLarge-scale renewable energy generation and transmission line project experienceListed and/or qualified for listing as PI on County of San Diego, County of Riverside, State Parks, USFS, and BLM permitsRegistered Professional Archaeologist (or ability to become certified upon hire)Mustpossessa valid driver’s license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by the first day of employmentPreferred QualificationsProactive, archaeological field lead experience, strong technical writing, communication, organization, and problem-solving skillsAnalytical expertise in a specialized field related to anthropology or archaeologyKnowledge of local, state, and federal cultural resources regulations and guidelines, and understanding of regulatory agency programs, procedures, and policies (CEQA, NEPA, and Section 106 of the NHPA)Strong organizational, coordination, verbal communication, research, and writing skillsCompensation: $120,000-$175,000 annually**Finalagreed-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 Conditions EnvironmentThis job operates in an outdoor or office-based environment and this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc.Outdoor activity may involve walking/trekking in uneven terrain over long distances in extreme weather conditions for extended periods of time.This job requires project site visits, based outdoors which can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, and moving vehicles and equipment.Physical RequirementsThe 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).Attending meetings, both in person and virtually, and speaking on the phone with peers, clients, etc.Specific vision abilities, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus..Connect with us!?LinkedIn?Instagram▶️YouTube?Dudek Talent CommunityDudek 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 andequitableprocesses, 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 lawsprovidingequal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to allpersonsinvolved 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.

Created: 2026-03-07