Job description template

Archaeologist Job Description Template

A copy-ready archaeologist job description with responsibilities, qualifications, skills and pay guidance: customize it for your company in minutes.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
How to use this template

Copy the template below, replace the bracketed fields and tailor duties to your workplace. For pay, national BLS data shows archaeologists earn a median of $70,770 ($34.02/hour); the middle 50% earn $59,400–$89,670.

Job title

Archaeologist

Job summary

[Company name] is seeking a dependable archaeologist to join our team in [city, state]. In this role, you will survey sites, excavate and support our team’s commitment to safety, quality and service.

Responsibilities

  • Survey sites
  • Excavate
  • Record finds
  • Analyze artifacts
  • Write reports
  • Consult with tribes
  • Advise on compliance
  • Follow company policies, safety procedures and applicable regulations

Required qualifications

  • Master's degree
  • Working knowledge of excavation and survey
  • Patience and attention to detail
  • [Add role-specific requirements, such as driver’s license or ability to pass a background check, if job-related]

Preferred qualifications

  • RPA
  • Field school
  • OSHA 10
  • Experience with trowels

Skills

  • Artifact analysis
  • GIS
  • Report writing
  • Section 106 compliance
  • Teamwork
  • Respect for cultures

Work environment and schedule

Archaeologists work outdoors at sites and in labs and offices. Field projects may last weeks; lab and office work in between.

Pay and benefits

$[min]–$[max] per [hour/year], depending on experience. [List benefits: health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, training and certification support.]

Equal opportunity

[Company name] is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law, and we provide reasonable accommodations upon request.

Tips for a archaeologist job posting that attracts applicants

  • Use the title candidates search for. “Archaeologist” is the clearest; alternates include Anthropologist, Field Archaeologist, Cultural Resource Manager.
  • Show the pay range. Postings with pay get more qualified applicants, and a growing number of states and cities require pay ranges in job postings.
  • Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves. Long requirement lists discourage qualified candidates, especially career changers.
  • Describe a real day. Borrow from our day in the life of an archaeologist so applicants self-select accurately.
  • Mention training. Highlighting structured onboarding: such as Archaeologist training: widens your applicant pool.

Next steps

Screen and interview with our Archaeologist hiring guide, then onboard with the 30-60-90 day plan.

Team pricing