Archaeological Field Technician

Archaeological Field Technician

Requisition Number: 2026-1610-02

Do you want to transform your passion for the past into work that makes a lasting impact on cultural heritage? S&ME is seeking a detail-oriented, passionate, temporary, as-needed Archaeological Field Technician to join our team in Columbia, South Carolina.

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What You Will Do:

As an Archaeological Field Technician, you will play a key role in uncovering, preserving, and interpreting the material traces of the past. Working closely with senior archaeologists, you will support every stage of field and lab operations, from locating buried cultural resources to meticulously processing artifacts that inform historical and environmental understanding. Your work will directly contribute to ensuring that archaeological data is accurately collected, documented, and integrated into project research, helping teams make informed decisions that honor cultural heritage and regulatory requirements.

• Conduct Field Excavations - Carry out shovel tests, test unit excavations, and systematic artifact collection to identify and document archaeological resources.
• Perform Artifact Processing - Clean, catalog, and prepare recovered materials in the laboratory to ensure accurate analysis and long-term preservation.
• Support Artifact Analysis - Assist with basic artifact identification, sorting, and preliminary interpretation to contribute to broader research and reporting efforts.
• Assist with Background Research - Compile environmental, historical, and cultural data to support project planning, context development, and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain Accurate Documentation - Record field observations, provenience information, and lab data with precision to ensure the integrity and reliability of archaeological findings.

Who We're Looking For:

We are seeking someone who thrives in hands-on, outdoor environments and brings curiosity, reliability, and a strong respect for cultural heritage to every project. We value individuals who work well in team settings, communicate clearly, and approach each task with professionalism and a commitment to high-quality work.

Qualifications:

• Education: High School diploma/GED required, Bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, history, or a related field preferred
• Experience: Prior archaeological experience/field school preferred
• Key Competencies:
  
  
  
  • Strong communication skills (speaking, reading, and writing) using the English language
  • Willingness to accommodate extensively throughout the Southeast, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic
  
  
  
  

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

This role involves hands-on work in outdoor environments, and with Company-provided Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), you'll need to be comfortable with:

• Working outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Routinely lifting and carrying 40-50lbs (field/laboratory samples and equipment)
• Working outside of normal business hours and traveling (typically out-of-town and/or overnight) as project needs arise

We Are S&ME:

At S&ME, we're committed to your growth, professionally and personally. With over 50 years of experience delivering innovative solutions in geotechnical, civil, environmental, and construction materials engineering, we've built a strong foundation for long-term careers. Our team of over 1,000 employee-owners across 10+ states collaborates to create a meaningful impact on our clients and communities. When you join S&ME, you become part of a collaborative, honest, and people-focused culture that invests in your success. We offer exciting project opportunities, ongoing training, and a comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family. This is more than a job; it's a place to grow, thrive, and build a future.

If you're passionate about making an impact and want to work with a firm committed to our employees and providing quality service to our clients, we'd love to hear from you!

This temporary, as-needed role offers competitive pay based on experience. Candidates must comply with our Fleet Management, Substance Policy, and Reference Check requirements. Only candidates with valid employment eligibility (I-9) will be considered. Visa assistance is not available. S&ME reserves the right to hire internally or externally at any time. No candidate/recruiter calls, personal calls, or walk-ins are accepted.