Cultural Resource Technician | Austin, TX

About the opportunity

Do you thrive in the pursuit of ensuring excellence in environmental consulting services for your clients? SWCA Environmental Consultants is expanding their team and looking for dynamic individuals who are following their passion in delivering the highest-quality project work. SWCA's Austin, TX office offers a unique work environment and a diversified client-base, including generation / renewables, transportation, water infrastructure, oil and gas, and land development.

This posting is for a project specific position that will encompass excavation and laboratory work for a reservoir in northeast Texas. The reservoir is being constructed to supply water to the DFW metroplex and surrounding communities. Intensive archaeological survey has been completed resulting in the identification of numerous prehistoric and historic sites now undergoing Phase II excavation.

The open position is for a temporary field technician to assist on Phase II excavation of deeply buried prehistoric sites. The majority of work will consist of hand excavation in the floodplain of the North Sulphur River. There will be opportunities for field lab work (i.e., water screening and flotation) and additional excavation experience on historic and multicomponent sites. While excavation is just beginning across the project, numerous sites have already been excavated and evidence of human occupation across the area extends to the early Holocene.

This role requires a three-month commitment to the project. Travel and lodging will be covered by SWCA for the duration of the project, as well as per diem on days that are scheduled for work. Please see below (Additional Information) for more details on lodging and travel options.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Cultural Resources Technician for our Austin, TX office. This is a temporary, hourly, non- exempt position subject to variable hours and travel. Pay starts at $22.84 an hour and depends on experience.

What you will accomplish

Work as part of an excavation specific archaeological field team. This will include:

• Conducting archaeological fieldwork under a SWCA crew lead at a testing (Phase II) level excavation.
• Hand excavating 1x1m units on deeply buried prehistoric archaeological sites.
• Completing project specific paperwork to document all excavation procedures and results.
• Assisting in the uncovering, identification, and documentation of burn features.
• Assisting crew leads with mapping responsibilities in the field, including collection of GPS data using Trimble units.
• Participating in lab work on occasion which may include water screening, flotation sampling, and artifact processing.
• Working with a large group of experienced archaeologists from multiple backgrounds and companies.
• Opportunities may arise to assist in zooarchaeological, osteological, and geoarchaeological specific identification and documentation of archaeological sites and assemblages.  

Experience and qualifications for success

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in anthropology, archaeology, or a closely related field.
• An accredited Field School Certification. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Field experience with a wide range of field methodologies, including archaeological survey and Phase II/III excavation.
• Experience with feature excavation, deep excavation (1.5-2m), and/or work in floodplain deposits.
• Experience in field laboratory methods, specifically water screen or flotation.
• Knowledge or experience of Northeast Texas archaeology and/or Caddo archaeological sites and assemblages.
• Knowledge of Trimble R10 units and digital mapping.  
• Interests or experience in zooarchaeology, osteology, or geoarchaeology.

Additional Information:

• Current valid driver’s license and ability to pass a motor vehicle record screening. 
• Ability to travel to a location, walk and conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather (including extreme heat and humidity), and rugged terrain.
• Ability to carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to work variable fieldwork schedules. This project will consist of a 10 day on/4 day off schedule which may shift due to weather or project demands.
• Per diem, housing, and company vehicles provided. Mileage reimbursement is provided for work-related use of personal vehicles
• Hotel will be covered during the 4 days off in between sessions but per diem is only offered for workdays.
• Pet friendly hotel option is available.
• Travel including flight, mileage, and time to and from project will be covered. The project allows for up to 8 hours of travel time and mileage (or equivalent flight). Additional coverage will be provided by SWCA for a 3-month commitment.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full spectrum of environmental services. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms.

If you would like to contact SWCA regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the online application process due to a disability, please email accommodations@swca.com or call 480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response. 

SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees.  In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges on all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency. 

An employee based out of the Austin, TX office can expect an hourly pay rate of $22.84 - $25.99/hour. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law. 

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply