Job Description

Environmental At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

Jacobs is looking for an on-call archaeologist to work on a variety of projects throughout southern California. This position involves providing cultural resources support for planning, engineering, and construction services to renewable energy, government, military, transportation, and commercial clients. The archaeologist career path provides the opportunity to work on projects that require compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Native American Graves Repatriation and Protection Act (NAGPRA), and state regulations. All work will be conducted under the guidance of senior cultural resources staff. 

The ideal candidate will have a B.A. in anthropology with experience working in California, experience in conducting archaeological surveys and construction monitoring (including mapping, data recording, site documentation, and photography), and conducting archaeological monitoring. Other qualifications include excellent writing and verbal communication skills, strong organizational skills, and technological proficiency that includes some experience working with GIS and relational databases.  Frequent travel is expected for the position. It is imperative that candidates be able to work 8 to 10 hour days in a variety of conditions and understand that there will be frequent stays away from the office.  The successful candidate should have a desire to grow personally as well as professionally with each project.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct archaeological survey and exploratory subsurface testing.
• Conduct archaeological monitoring during ground-disturbing activities in compliance with project-specific mitigation plans.
• Identify, document, and recover cultural resources in the field.
• Maintain detailed field notes, site forms, and monitoring logs.
• Coordinate with project managers, environmental teams, and construction personnel.
• Ensure compliance with applicable cultural resource laws and guidelines, including:
  • National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)
  • Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA)
  • Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA)
  • California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)

Here's what you'll need

• Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archaeology, or a closely related field.
• Minimum 3 years of professional archaeological field experience in California.
• Familiarity with California state regulations and local agency requirements for cultural resources.
• Proficiency in GPS technology, field documentation, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently in remote field conditions for extended hours (8–10 hour days).
• Must be based in southern CA.
• Strong communication, organizational, and observational skills.

Ideally, you'll also have: 

• Experience conducting archaeological surveys, shovel testing, and site documentation.
• Familiarity with Section 106 compliance, site recordation, and artifact analysis.
• Experience contributing to technical reports and cultural resource documentation.
• Prior work experience in a consulting or compliance-driven environment.
• Meets Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for Archaeology.

Posted Salary Range: Minimum

34.08

Posted Salary Range: Upper

46.88

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $34.08 to $46.88. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Job posted on May 14, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support .

Locations

City State Country
San Diego	California	United States
Irvine	California	United States
Los Angeles	California	United States

Job Tags

Full time, Work experience placement, Work at office, Local area, Remote work

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