Demo

On-Call Field Archaeologist – California and Nevada

Tetra Tech
Irvine, CA Part Time
POSTED ON 5/9/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/7/2026
The Opportunity

Tetra Tech is adding On-Call Field Archaeologist for projects in California and Nevada, with opportunities to work on projects in other states. These are part-time, temporary hourly positions with hours that may vary depending on project-specific workload.

Pay rates range between $26 to $30 per hour based on individual qualifications, education, experience, and assigned project roles. Travel expenses are reimbursed per project, including lodging (single occupancy), meals, and incidentals.

Why Tetra Tech

At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges.Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world.For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development.Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.

Your Impact

Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference.Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.

Your Role

  • Conduct archaeological fieldwork, including cultural resource monitoring, field survey, testing, and data recovery under the supervision of Principal Investigators.
  • Work collaboratively in a team to map cultural resources in the field.
  • Collect GPS data using Trimble units or tablets and perform digital photography.
  • Identify and record artifacts, features, and resources on appropriate state site forms.
  • Document and process a variety of pre-contact and historic material resource types, as well as flora and fauna.
  • Complete California Department of Parks and Recreation 523 forms and Intermountain Antiquities Computer System (IMACS) forms in a timely manner.
  • Conduct activities in line with internal procedures, legislation, and industry standards.
  • Pursue continuous professional development and maintain a high degree of discipline knowledge and awareness.
  • Work in a safe manner at all times and report all health and safety incidents and concerns.
  • Additional duties as required.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in anthropology or a closely related field.
  • Completion of an archaeology field school.
  • 1-3 years in Cultural Resource Management (CRM).
  • Proficiency with GPS units (Trimble, Bluetooth with tablets), TerraSync, ArcGIS, and software such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Strong writing and editing skills to complete field and post-field cultural resource documents.
  • Ability to travel for extended fieldwork across California, Nevada, or other locations.
  • First Aid/CPR training certification.
  • Please indicate in your application if you have been listed as a crew chief or field director on any federal, state, or local government permits.
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record without restrictions.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

  • Ability to perform physical tasks, including bending, kneeling, standing, lifting, and carrying objects up to 35 lbs.
  • Tolerance for outdoor environments, including prolonged walking or standing on various terrains and in a wide range of weather conditions.
  • Availability to work extended field rotations from 5 to 10 days at a time.
  • Perform manual labor, including excavation with shovels.

Life At Tetra Tech

The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:

  • Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
  • Medical benefits, workers compensation insurance, and 401(k) plan.
  • Merit-based financial rewards.
  • Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
  • Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
  • Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.

Compensation

Pay commensurate with experience

Pay Range: $26.00/hr. - $30.00/hr.

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience and demonstrated work experience in the above role; skills, certifications, and competencies that align to the specified role; geographic location; and education, as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

A pre-employment drug screen in compliance with federal regulations is required, along with a physical if needed.

At Tetra Tech, health and safety play a vital role in our success. Tetra Tech’s employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including public health orders and regulations that are mandated by local, state, provincial, federal, international authorities, and clients.

About Tetra Tech

Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science ® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.

Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.

We invite applications from all interested parties.

Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers . Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:

LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers

X (Twitter): @TetraTechJobs

Additional Information

  • Organization: 194 CES

Salary : $26 - $30

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