Spend part of your field season working in the forests and mountain landscapes of Colorado. Stell is hiring Archaeological Field Technicians for cultural resource survey and site documentation in Central and Western Colorado. This position is ideal for early-career archaeologists who want meaningful CRM experience in a beautiful Colorado landscape and who are prepared for the realities of remote, physically demanding fieldwork.
Archaeological Field Technicians
Job Status: Part-Time / Temporary Field Assignment
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Wage: $22-26/hour, depending on experience
Benefits: Company-paid lodging/camping support and daily per diem provided for field assignments, as applicable
Stell is a seasoned veteran- and woman-owned small business providing expertise and innovation across the resilience, environmental, restoration, and compliance service sectors.
Position Overview
Stell is seeking motivated and detail-oriented Archaeological Field Technicians to support cultural resource survey and site documentation in Central and Western Colorado. This is an excellent opportunity for field technicians who want to gain hands-on CRM experience in one of Colorado’s most beautiful and dynamic landscapes while contributing to federal cultural resource compliance and archaeological resource protection.
This position is best suited for candidates who are comfortable working in remote settings and understand that archaeological survey in mountain forest environments can be physically demanding. Field conditions may include steep or uneven terrain, dense vegetation, variable weather, long field days, limited cell service, and camping or staying near the project area during field rotations.
Technicians will work closely with experienced and SOI-qualified archaeologists to assist with archaeological survey, documentation, data collection, and field logistics. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in archaeology, excellent attention to detail, a willingness to learn, and the ability to work safely and cooperatively as part of a field crew.
Responsibilities
Fieldwork Assistance
- Participate in pedestrian archaeological survey and site documentation under the guidance of senior archaeologists and crew leads.
- Assist in identifying, documenting, and recording archaeological sites, isolated finds, features, and cultural materials.
- Support limited subsurface testing activities, if required by the project scope.
- Collect field data using GPS units, tablets, maps, field forms, cameras, and other standard archaeological documentation tools.
- Maintain accurate field notes, photo logs, sketch maps, and daily records.
Field Conditions and Safety
- Hike long distances over steep, uneven, forested, or brushy terrain while carrying a field pack.
- Work in changing mountain weather, including rain, heat, cold, insects, mud, and variable ground conditions.
- Camp or stay near the project area during field rotations, as required.
- Follow all project safety procedures, communication protocols, and crew lead instructions.
- Support a safe, respectful, and professional field environment.
Data Management
- Organize and review archaeological field data for accuracy and completeness.
- Assist with digital data collection and quality control.
- Collaborate with team members to maintain an organized and efficient field workflow.
Equipment Maintenance
- Assist with the care, maintenance, and organization of archaeological tools, GPS units, tablets, field supplies, and safety equipment.
- Ensure proper storage and handling of field and laboratory equipment.
Collaboration
- Work closely with senior archaeologists, crew leads, and other field staff to meet project goals.
- Communicate clearly and professionally with team members.
- Contribute to a positive, reliable, and safety-focused crew culture.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in archaeology, anthropology, history, or a related field.
- Completion of an archaeological field school.
- Ability to conduct physically demanding fieldwork in remote outdoor settings.
- Ability to hike for extended periods over uneven, steep, or forested terrain while carrying field gear.
- Ability to work at elevations above 6500 ft. Asl.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Detail-oriented approach to field documentation and data collection.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a field crew and follow instructions.
- Valid driver’s license.
Preferred
- Previous archaeological survey experience, especially in the Mountain West, especially Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada, or forested/mountainous environments.
- Familiarity with Section 106 compliance, federal cultural resource projects, or BLM cultural resource procedures.
- Experience using GPS units, tablets, ArcGIS Field Maps, Survey123, Trimble, or similar field data collection tools.
- Prior experience camping for fieldwork or working on extended field rotations.
- Comfort traveling on forest roads and working in areas with limited services or cell coverage.
Schedule
Field schedules may vary based on project needs, weather, access, and crew logistics. Work may include:
- 8-hour, 10-hour, or 12-hour field days;
- Day shifts;
- Multi-day field rotations;
- Camping or lodging near the project area;
- Schedule changes due to weather, access, fire conditions, or agency needs.
Work Location
This call is for Archaeological Field Technicians for ongoing work in central, western, and north-central Colorado. Fieldwork will occur in remote forest and mountain settings. Candidates should be prepared for physically demanding survey conditions and extended time outdoors. Remote camping is in areas with nearly pristine dark skies with unrivaled views of the Milky Way, shooting stars, and other celestial events.
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter indicating your availability and salary requirements, along with your resume or CV.
Stell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Pay: $22.00 - $26.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
