Archaeological Field Technician at Pape-Dawson

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Archaeological Field Technician
Company: Pape-Dawson Engineers
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Archaeological Field Technician
Date Posted: March 4, 2025

🚀 Role Summary

Conduct archaeological surveys and fieldwork under the guidance of a Project Archaeologist.
Collect GPS data, clean, label, and catalog artifacts.
Maintain field equipment and assist in document writing and production.
Work outdoors in varying terrains and weather conditions, with physical demands such as walking, bending, and lifting up to 50 lbs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong physical presence, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Field Work: Conduct archaeological surveys, including hand-excavated shovel tests, and collect GPS data.
Artifact Processing: Clean, label, and catalog artifacts found during fieldwork.
Equipment Maintenance: Maintain field equipment in good working condition.
Documentation: Assist in document writing and production related to fieldwork and artifact processing.
Physical Demands: Work outdoors in varying terrains and weather conditions, walk, bend, kneel, and stand for prolonged periods, and lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 lbs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a high level of physical stamina and the ability to work in challenging outdoor environments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a related field from an accredited college or university.

Experience: 3-6 months of field and/or lab experience preferred, with experience working in the Greater San Antonio and/or Austin, Texas area being a plus.

Required Skills:

Archaeological survey techniques, including hand-excavated shovel tests.
GPS data collection and mapping.
Artifact cleaning, labeling, and cataloguing.
Equipment maintenance and organization.
Document writing and production.

Preferred Skills:

Experience working in the Greater San Antonio and/or Austin, Texas area.
Familiarity with local archaeological sites and cultural resources.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

A portfolio showcasing previous archaeological fieldwork, including survey methods, artifact processing, and mapping techniques.
Examples of written reports or documents related to archaeological fieldwork.

Technical Documentation:

Detailed field notes and maps demonstrating survey techniques and findings.
Artifact catalogues and databases showcasing cleaning, labeling, and cataloguing skills.
Equipment maintenance logs and records.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $35,000 - $45,000 per year, based on experience and education level. This estimate is based on regional market research for entry-level archaeological field technician positions in San Antonio, Texas.

Benefits:

Health, dental, and vision insurance.
Retirement plan with company match.
Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
Opportunities for professional development and career growth within the company.

Working Hours: Full-time position with a typical workweek of 40 hours, Monday through Friday. Overtime may be required during peak fieldwork seasons.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is based on regional market research for entry-level archaeological field technician positions in San Antonio, Texas, and may vary depending on experience and education level.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Pape-Dawson Engineers is a multi-disciplinary engineering and environmental consulting firm that provides services to both public and private sector clients. The company has a strong focus on cultural resource management, including archaeological fieldwork and historic preservation.

Company Size: Pape-Dawson Engineers is a medium-sized company with approximately 250 employees across multiple offices in Texas.

Founded: The company was founded in 1965 and has since grown to become one of the leading engineering and environmental consulting firms in Texas.

Team Structure:

Archaeological field technicians work under the direction of a project archaeologist, who oversees fieldwork and ensures that it is conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
The archaeological team at Pape-Dawson Engineers consists of archaeologists, field technicians, and laboratory staff who work together to conduct field surveys, process artifacts, and produce reports.

Development Methodology:

Pape-Dawson Engineers uses a project management approach to archaeological fieldwork, with each project having a dedicated project archaeologist who oversees all aspects of the work.
The company follows industry-standard archaeological field methods and best practices, as outlined by the Society for American Archaeology and the Register of Professional Archaeologists.

Company Website: Pape-Dawson Engineers

📝 Enhancement Note: Pape-Dawson Engineers has a strong commitment to cultural resource management and historic preservation, with a team of experienced professionals dedicated to conducting high-quality archaeological fieldwork.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Archaeological Field Technician Career Level: Entry-level position responsible for conducting archaeological fieldwork under the supervision of a project archaeologist. This role provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field and develop skills in archaeological survey techniques, artifact processing, and mapping.

Reporting Structure: Archaeological field technicians report directly to a project archaeologist, who oversees fieldwork and ensures that it is conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Technical Impact: Archaeological field technicians play a crucial role in the discovery, documentation, and preservation of cultural resources. The work they do helps to inform our understanding of the past and ensures that important archaeological sites are protected for future generations.

Growth Opportunities:

Career Progression: With experience and demonstrated proficiency, archaeological field technicians can advance to roles such as field supervisor, project archaeologist, or senior archaeologist.
Technical Skill Development: Pape-Dawson Engineers offers opportunities for professional development and training, including workshops and conferences, to help employees expand their skills and knowledge in the field of archaeology.
Leadership Potential: As employees gain experience and develop their skills, they may have the opportunity to take on leadership roles within the company, such as mentoring new employees or leading projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Archaeological field technicians at Pape-Dawson Engineers have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, from small-scale surveys to large-scale excavations, and to gain experience in different regions of Texas.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Pape-Dawson Engineers has multiple offices located throughout Texas, with the main office in San Antonio. The archaeological team works out of these offices, with fieldwork conducted at various project sites throughout the state.

Office Location(s): San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and Houston, Texas.

Workspace Context:

Archaeological field technicians spend the majority of their time working outdoors in varying terrains and weather conditions.
Fieldwork equipment, including shovels, trowels, screens, and GPS units, is provided by the company.
The company's offices are equipped with laboratories for artifact processing, mapping, and report writing.

Work Schedule: Full-time position with a typical workweek of 40 hours, Monday through Friday. Overtime may be required during peak fieldwork seasons.

📝 Enhancement Note: Archaeological field technicians at Pape-Dawson Engineers have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects and to gain experience in different regions of Texas, with a focus on cultural resource management and historic preservation.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss the candidate's qualifications and experience.
In-Person Interview: A face-to-face interview with the hiring manager and/or other members of the archaeological team to discuss the candidate's experience, skills, and fit for the role.
Field Test: A practical field test to assess the candidate's ability to conduct archaeological surveys, process artifacts, and use field equipment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight previous archaeological fieldwork experience, including survey methods, artifact processing, and mapping techniques.
Include examples of written reports or documents related to archaeological fieldwork.
Showcase any relevant certifications or training in archaeological field methods.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on archaeological survey techniques, including hand-excavated shovel tests.
Familiarize yourself with GPS data collection and mapping techniques.
Practice using field equipment, such as shovels, trowels, and screens.

ATS Keywords: Archaeological Survey, GPS Data Collection, Artifact Processing, Equipment Maintenance, Document Writing, Field Work, Lab Work, Shovel Tests, Outdoor Work, Hand Tools, Physical Stamina, Team Collaboration, Problem Solving, Attention to Detail, Communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's experience, skills, and fit for the position, with a focus on practical fieldwork abilities and attention to detail.

🛠 Technology Stack & Archaeological Tools

Field Tools:

Shovels, trowels, and screens for archaeological surveys.
GPS units for data collection and mapping.
Field notebooks and data recorders for documenting fieldwork.

Laboratory Tools:

Artifact processing equipment, such as sieves, brushes, and tweezers.
Mapping software, such as GIS or CAD programs.
Database software for artifact cataloguing and management.

Safety Equipment:

Hard hats, safety glasses, and gloves for fieldwork.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) for working in hazardous environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is focused on field and laboratory equipment used for archaeological surveys, artifact processing, and mapping. Safety equipment is also an important consideration for fieldwork in varying terrains and weather conditions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Archaeological Values:

Preservation: A commitment to the preservation of cultural resources and the protection of archaeological sites.
Accuracy: A dedication to the accurate documentation and interpretation of archaeological data.
Collaboration: A willingness to work effectively in a team environment, with a focus on communication and cooperation.
Continuous Learning: A commitment to the ongoing development of skills and knowledge in the field of archaeology.

Collaboration Style:

Archaeological field technicians work closely with project archaeologists, laboratory staff, and other members of the team to conduct fieldwork, process artifacts, and produce reports.
The team uses a collaborative approach to problem-solving, with a focus on open communication and active listening.
Pape-Dawson Engineers encourages a culture of continuous learning and professional development, with opportunities for training and mentoring.

📝 Enhancement Note: The archaeological team at Pape-Dawson Engineers values collaboration, continuous learning, and a commitment to the preservation of cultural resources.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Conducting archaeological surveys in varying terrains and weather conditions.
Processing and cataloguing artifacts in a timely and accurate manner.
Maintaining field equipment in good working condition.
Documenting fieldwork and producing reports in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Career Progression: With experience and demonstrated proficiency, archaeological field technicians can advance to roles such as field supervisor, project archaeologist, or senior archaeologist.
Technical Skill Development: Pape-Dawson Engineers offers opportunities for professional development and training, including workshops and conferences, to help employees expand their skills and knowledge in the field of archaeology.
Leadership Potential: As employees gain experience and develop their skills, they may have the opportunity to take on leadership roles within the company, such as mentoring new employees or leading projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Archaeological field technicians at Pape-Dawson Engineers face a variety of technical challenges, from conducting fieldwork in varying terrains and weather conditions to processing and cataloguing artifacts in a timely and accurate manner. However, these challenges also present opportunities for learning and growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Fieldwork Techniques: Describe your experience with archaeological survey techniques, such as hand-excavated shovel tests. How do you ensure the accuracy and completeness of your fieldwork?
Artifact Processing: Walk us through your process for cleaning, labeling, and cataloguing artifacts. How do you ensure that artifacts are processed and catalogued in a timely and accurate manner?
Equipment Maintenance: Describe your experience maintaining field equipment. How do you ensure that equipment is in good working condition and ready for use in the field?

Company & Culture Questions:

Company Fit: Why are you interested in working for Pape-Dawson Engineers? What do you think you can bring to our team?
Teamwork: Describe your experience working in a team environment. How do you approach collaboration and communication with your colleagues?
Problem-Solving: Can you describe a time when you faced a challenge in the field or laboratory? How did you approach the problem, and what was the outcome?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Highlight previous archaeological fieldwork experience, including survey methods, artifact processing, and mapping techniques.
Include examples of written reports or documents related to archaeological fieldwork.
Showcase any relevant certifications or training in archaeological field methods.