Southeastern Archaeological Research, LLC (SEARCH) is hiring a full-time Archaeologist, Osteologist to lead archaeological investigations and analysis. In this role, you will apply your professional judgment to identify sites, implement research designs, and perform detailed osteological analysis of human remains. You will be responsible for project leadership, field team management, and the preparation of technical reports.
What You'll Do
- Identify and target locations of enhanced site probability based on cultural, geological, and environmental features.
- Administer project health and safety plans and participate in training.
- Ensure the implementation of the research design.
- Revise field methodology based on observations and judgment, in consultation with project leadership.
- Perform pre-field background research, prepare maps, input data, and prepare project summaries.
- Perform and lead archaeological surveys using GPR, magnetometers, metal detectors, and other remote-sensing instruments.
- Provide leadership to field teams conducting archaeological monitoring, survey, testing, and excavation for Phase I, II, and III studies.
- Recognize archaeological signatures and evaluate the extent and integrity of resources.
- Record accurate, organized field notes, maps, drawings, logs, forms, databases, and other documentation.
- Collect and inventory artifacts, ecofacts, and samples, keeping an accurate field specimen log.
- Identify potential human and faunal remains and treat suspected human remains respectfully and in accordance with laws.
- Perform daily quality control of field data.
- Use GPS, mobile devices with FieldMaps, and compass for navigation, recording, and communication.
- Photo-document artifacts, features, units, landscapes, structures, and work progress, keeping an accurate photo log.
- Use or review GIS data to organize, interpret, and document field research.
- Under PI supervision, identify, record, and prepare preliminary evaluations of archaeological resources per State and Federal laws.
- Provide daily updates on project progress to the Principal Investigator/Project Manager.
- Meet with, coordinate, and collaborate with landowners, agents, clients, other teams, and agency staff.
- Interview informants to gather property history and use information.
- Prepare and/or contribute to technical reports, including writing, graphics, production, and quality control.
- Assist the PI and/or Project Manager with other research, project management, and administrative tasks.
- Prepare research permit applications for PI review and submittal.
- Under PI/PM supervision, draft proposals and cost estimates.
- Procure and maintain field equipment, technology, vehicles, and supplies, reporting malfunctions and risks.
- Perform osteological analysis of human skeletal remains, including age estimation, sex assessment, and documentation of trauma, pathology, and anomalies.
- Photograph human remains in a lab setting and prepare photos for reports, following Tribal stipulations when applicable.
- Summarize results of osteological analysis in reports and synthesize with relevant background research.
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a closely related field.
- Completion of an accredited archaeological field school and/or six months of field experience.
- Minimum three years of professional archaeological field experience encompassing some supervisory experience.
- Experience identifying and analyzing human remains, including fragmentary remains.
- Ability to travel for extended periods of time.
- Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license, a good driving record, and access to reliable transportation.
- Ability to obtain government security clearance.
- Eligibility to be employed in the United States.
Nice to Have
- Master’s degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a closely related field.
Technical Stack
- Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR)
- Magnetometers
- Metal detectors
- Remote-sensing instruments
- GPS
- Mobile device equipped with FieldMaps
- Compass
- GIS
Team & Environment
Reports to Principal Investigator/Project Manager. You will work within a professional and collaborative atmosphere dedicated to a flexible and inclusive environment.
Benefits & Compensation
- SEARCH-subsidized Group Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision)
- SEARCH-provided Short-Term Disability Insurance
- SEARCH-provided Long-Term Disability Insurance
- SEARCH-provided Group Term Life Insurance
- Voluntary Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Emergency Travel Assistance
- Generous 401(k) Retirement Plan with match
- Paid Holidays (10)
- Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Merit-Based Raises, Bonuses, and Promotions
- Per Diem for overnight travel
- Competitive salary, commensurate with education and experience.
Work Mode
This is a hybrid position combining remote work with extensive field assignments. You can report out of any SEARCH office or remotely.
SEARCH is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
