Cultural Resources Technician

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants seeks temporary Cultural Resources Technicians for our Las Vegas and Reno, NV offices to assist on projects based throughout the state. The schedule requires extensive travel subject to variable hours and schedules. This position is an hourly, non-exempt, and temporary position.

SWCA’s Las Vegas Cultural team has an array of upcoming field projects that include excavation, intensive pedestrian survey, visual effects analysis, construction and exploration monitoring, and historical research. Crew members would participate as part of field crews across a variety of work activities. Standard field sessions last for eight 10-hour days, with up to six days off in between. On occasion, field sessions can last for 10 12-hour days, with up to 4 days off in between sessions. 

Field session lengths may vary from project to project. SWCA pays travel time to and from the project, hotel and camping fees, and per diem for each day of fieldwork. SWCA supplies all field documentation tools and materials, and personal protective equipment when necessary; however, field personnel must supply their own personal gear (boots, backpack, field clothing, etc.). SWCA also supplies vehicles for travel and fieldwork. Personal vehicles may be used to travel to a project area but may not be used for conducting fieldwork (some exceptions may apply).

This is a temporary, hourly/non-exempt, and field-based assignment based out of either our Las Vegas, NV or Reno, NV office.

Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be scheduled as qualified candidates are identified. This position may close without prior notice once a strong candidate pool is established.

About SWCA

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm providing full spectrum environmental services across the United States. Our North Star is to be the best place to work and a leader in sustainability, delivering sound science and creative solutions to complex environmental challenges.

 We are guided by our core values every day. We collaborate as #OneSWCA, we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack to our communities. With offices nationwide, SWCA offers a collaborative, team focused environment where employees can build meaningful and long-term careers.

What you will accomplish

• Assists with the completion of technical project tasks, in the field, laboratory, or office, including data and information collection, processing, and documentation, as well as quality control. Technicians are expected to work efficiently, in manners that ensure accuracy and thoroughness in ethically applying the directed approach.
• Supports the assessment of cultural values and resources and potential impacts to these from proposed projects, to inform strategies that aim to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects on cultural values, resources, and the people and communities who hold them significant.
• Communicates effectively with team members and supervisors, soliciting and valuing their input to meet client requirements and project goals diligently. This involves clear articulation of task needs, issues, and progress to the field supervisor or task lead, fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Follows directions, safety and quality protocols, and other established procedures to complete tasks successfully and with accountability.
• Follows applicable federal, Tribal, state, local, industry, contractual, and company regulations, standards, and specifications.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Additional Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Conducts archaeological pedestrian surveys, site identification and recording, monitoring, and data recovery excavations.
• Identifies and documents historic and prehistoric artifacts and features.
• Completes cultural resource records searches and archaeological laboratory analyses.
• Performs extended fieldwork in extreme temperatures, inclement weather, and rugged terrain.
• Must be able to hike up to 8 miles per day in rugged terrain.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge normally obtained through post-secondary education or training; bachelor's degree or higher preferred. Demonstrated awareness and interest in one or more technical area is preferred; or any equivalent combination of experience, performance, training, and/or education.

Experience and qualifications for success

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must have a valid driver's license, the ability to pass a Motor Vehicle background screening, and have access to reliable transportation.
• Able to carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Available for fieldwork on local projects and for fieldwork requiring extended travel (staying in a hotel for up to 12 days at a time).
• Available for fieldwork on local projects and for fieldwork requiring extended travel (staying in a hotel or camping for up to 12 days at a time.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a related field
• Completion of an accredited Field School
• Experience with a range of field methodologies; including survey, testing, excavation, and heavy equipment or ground disturbing activity monitoring

Other Job Conditions

Applicants must be willing to participate in drug and alcohol screening as part of the pre-employment process, when required by project or client requirements. 

Applicants must possess a valid driver's license and meet SWCA's driver requirements. 

This position may require domestic travel, including travel by commercial airline. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain all valid travel documents and identification required for work-related travel throughout the duration of employment.  

Adheres to the safety program and looks out for the safety of others, promptly communicating and mitigating safety hazards.   

Work is regularly performed outdoors and involves hiking over uneven terrain, lifting and carrying equipment up to 25–50 pounds, and working in varying/extreme weather conditions. Employees may be exposed to vegetation, wildlife, insects, dust, chemicals, sharp or heavy tools, and other environmental conditions while following required safety procedures. 

Pay Range

SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency. The expected pay range for this Las Vegas, NV- based position is $19.31 to $25.49 per hour. Actual pay may vary based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law.

This position offers flexibility, paid wellness time, and opportunities to build technical skills and gain experience across a variety of environmental projects. Learn more about our On-Demand Employee Benefits and Career Development Guide.

Closing

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact [email protected].

If you require assistance with the application process, please contact [email protected].

Use of Technology in Hiring 

SWCA may use approved technology, including AI-assisted tools, to support parts of the application and recruiting process. All selection and hiring decisions are made by SWCA employees, and candidates are not selected or rejected by automated systems. We are committed to a fair, transparent, and human-centered hiring experience. 

Candidate Use of AI 

Candidates may use AI tools to help prepare application materials and interviews. However, all application materials, assessments, and interview responses must accurately reflect their own experience, skills, and qualifications. AI must not be used to fabricate experience, complete assessments on their behalf, or otherwise misrepresent their background or abilities. 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

SWCA Environmental Consultants is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive. 

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.

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