Archaeological Field Technician (Nashville, TN)

Planning Practice

We create, integrate, visualize, and communicate planning concepts as they move from the initial vision through implementation. Our planning professionals build strong client partnerships, working with residents, businesses, developers, educational and medical organizations, state and local governments, the military and other federal agencies to successfully plan the future of their communities or institutions. At Michael Baker International, we focus on people and places, improving communities, and creating more sustainable, convenient, equitable, healthful, efficient, and attractive places.

What We’re Looking For:

Michael Baker International is seeking Archaeological Field Technicians for upcoming archaeological investigations in Tennessee and adjacent states. These are temporary field assignments.

This role requires onsite field work M-F. The successful candidates will be within a 5-hour drive of Tennessee.

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE UNABLE TO SPONSOR OR TAKE OVER SPONSORSHIP OF AN EMPLOYMENT VISA FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY AT THIS TIME.

What You’ll Do:

• Perform a variety of field-related tasks including mapping, writing field notes, and taking photographs


• Excavate and screen soils


• Identify cultural features and artifacts


• Maintain equipment and supplies


• Assist in archaeological reconnaissance surveys and shovel testing


• Assist in compass navigation


• Assist in the further delineation of archaeological sites identified during survey via intensive shovel testing and/or excavation of larger test units


• Assist in survey and/or site set-up (e.g., site clearing, grid establishment)


• Other duties as assigned

What You Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology (Archaeology) or closely related discipline (e.g., geomorphology, history) preferred


• 1-2 years of related experience; applicants with archaeological field school and/or previous cultural resource management experience preferred


• Ability to work as part of a team or individually as necessary as well as to write legibly


• Ability to take direction to the satisfaction of the Crew Chief or Field Supervisor


• Must possess a valid Driver's License and be willing to travel

Physical Demands:

Field: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The successful candidate must be able to walk and/or hike over various terrains, sometimes over great distances (average daily walking distances up to 2 miles), while carrying both personal and company equipment (e.g., shovels, screens). They must be able to lift heavy loads (e.g., soil-filled buckets) up to 50 lbs. The job requires repeated bending, lifting, screening, kneeling, digging, etc.

Work Environment:

Field: A standard field workday runs in 8-day sessions, 10 hours per day, in all seasons. Additional hours may be required in the evening for paperwork review or landowner coordination. The work environment is typically outdoors, and sometimes under adverse weather conditions requiring appropriate clothing (e.g., work boots, rain gear, cold-weather gear). At minimum, Field Supervisors are required to have the following personal field tools: backpack, compass, English/Metric tape measure, trowel (e.g., Marshalltown), line level, clip board, pencils, and work gloves.

Compensation:

The approximate compensation rate for this position is $25 per hour. This compensation range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.