Job Description
About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Cultural Resources Field Technician to join our West Chester, PA or Pittsburgh, PA offices and assist with cultural resources management projects. Our office is actively involved in supporting solar energy and other renewable energy developments throughout the region, ensuring compliance and preservation in line with sustainable development goals.

This is a temporary, field-based assignment typically offering at least 40 hours per week, expected to run from April 1 to June 27th, 2025. Priority consideration will be given to candidates located in or within driving distance of the West Chester, PA or Pittsburgh, PA areas.

Applicant must be willing to participate in a drug testing and alcohol screening as part of the pre-employment process, as some projects require such screenings.

What you will accomplish

Perform complete archaeological surveying and field testing.
Conduct shovel test pits and excavation units.
Execute data recovery and associated field recording.
Complete field forms, digital photography, and in-field mapping.
Assist with archaeological office and lab work.
Participate in GPS data collection in the field under the supervision of a Field Lead or Project Archaeologist.
Adhere to the safety program and look out for the safety of others, promptly communicating and mitigating safety hazards.

Experience and qualifications for success

Minimum Qualifications:

Completion of an accredited archaeological field school.
Ability to travel to a location, walk, and conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather (including extreme heat and humidity), rugged terrain, often at high altitudes.
Ability to carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds.
Current valid driver’s license and ability to safely operate a 4wd vehicle on rugged, backcountry roads required.
Preferred Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s Degree in anthropology, archaeology, or a closely related field.
6+ months experience with a wide range of field methodologies, including archaeological survey, testing, excavation, methodology and monitoring.
Knowledge of Collector and Survey123.
Additional Information:

Compensation based on education and experience.
Estimated time in the field is 90-100%
Project schedules may often include up to 10-hour days, 6 days a week for extended periods.
Hours worked over 40 hours per week are paid at time-and-a-half rate.
Single occupancy hotels paid directly by SWCA.
Per diem up to $68 for full day, unless otherwise noted for specific projects.
Vehicles provided for projects.
Opportunity for advancement within SWCA.
SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full spectrum of environmental services. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms.

SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees.  In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges in all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.

Application deadline: Our team will begin reviewing applications immediately, and interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The application process will remain open until we have received a robust pool of qualified candidates. Once we have identified suitable individuals, we may close the application process without prior notice. We appreciate the time and effort invested by all applicants and will carefully consider each submission.

An employee in this Pittsburgh/West Chester, PA-based position can expect an hourly pay rate of $19.31 to $25.49/hour. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law. Regular-status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses. Candidates are also encouraged to consider SWCA’s Total Rewards package, which includes a competitive Benefits package, forward-thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award-winning career development, and more.

EOE – women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.  At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success.

If you would like to contact SWCA regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the online application process due to a disability, please email accommodations@swca.com or call 1-480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.

SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA’s continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.