Job Description

Position Summary

The Archaeological Field Technician assists with cultural resources fieldwork under the supervision of senior archaeological staff. This entry level position is designed for students or recent graduates seeking hands on experience in pedestrian survey, site identification, and site documentation.

For more information about our department, please visit https://cemml.colostate.edu/

Essential Job Duties

• Conduct systematic pedestrian archaeological survey following established transects and project protocols

• Identify, flag, and document archaeological sites and artifacts

• Record site information, observations, and measurements using paper forms, GPS units, tablets, or mobile data collection apps

• Assist with site delineation, mapping, and basic sketching

• Photograph sites, features, artifacts, and survey areas following project standards

• Maintain accurate and legible field notes and forms

• Follow safety protocols, environmental compliance measures, and supervisor instructions at all times

• Support other field tasks as assigned

Conditions of Employment

• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires). 

• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.

• The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date; the department will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Supervision

• None

Minimum Qualifications

• Current enrollment in, or recent completion of, a college‑level archaeology, anthropology, or related program

• Coursework in archaeological methods or field techniques (field school preferred but not required)

• Ability to follow direction, work collaboratively, and maintain attention to detail

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and terrain

• Basic familiarity with maps, compass use, and GPS concepts

• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of an archaeological field school

• Previous experience with pedestrian survey or site recording

• Familiarity with Colorado archaeology (helpful but not required)

• Experience using GPS units, tablets, or GIS‑based field applications

Salary Range

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.