OPT Archaeologist Jobs
Archaeologist jobs on OPT are available across federal agencies, universities, cultural resource management firms, and museums. Most roles qualify as STEM-adjacent or fall under social sciences, giving you solid ground for standard 12-month OPT. Field and lab positions both count toward authorized employment.
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SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking an Associate Project Archaeologist for our Rocky Mountain Plains subregion. This position will be based out of our Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN office, or our Bismarck, ND office, but distributed employees within driving distance of either office will be seriously considered. Under the supervision of a Project Manager or Lead Archaeologist, the Associate Project Archaeologist will be responsible for assisting on all aspects of cultural resource projects from pre-field desktop reviews to coordinating agency deliverables. This work is well suited for a team-oriented individual that thrives in a collaborative work environment. Creative problem-solving skills are a must. This position has an approximately 30% field-based component, with overnight travel required.
SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing, 1,850+ staff, employee-owned firm, providing a full-spectrum of environmental services. Our Vision (the North Star) is to make SWCA the best workplace and industry leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges while maintaining a dedication to employee-ownership. We live our core values: we collaborate as #OneSWCA; we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack.
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.
WHAT YOU WILL ACCOMPLISH:
- Assist project managers on all aspects of cultural resource projects, including budgeting, schedule, fieldwork, and reporting.
- Conduct background research for archaeological studies, including records searches.
- Ensure that appropriate preliminary research is conducted and organized prior to fieldwork, and that necessary equipment, staff, and other resources are ready for fieldwork.
- Coordinate with agency personnel, subconsultants, construction crews, and Native American monitors, as needed, to arrange fieldwork and facilitate projects.
- Supervise fieldwork, including archaeological survey, testing, data recovery, and/or construction monitoring and ensure quality and completeness of data collected.
- Communicate regularly with project managers to ensure that a project’s budgetary and timetable needs are met.
- Take initiative, resolve problems, and create improved procedures to ensure that tasks are completed in the most effective and efficient manner.
- Maintain SWCA’s high standard of scientific ethics and quality assurance; is motivated to identify and resolve problems in creative ways.
- Take responsibility for team safety, developing safety plans (when applicable), and anticipating potential safety hazards.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR SUCCESS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a related field.
- Meets the requirements to be an Archaeological Principal Investigator in North Dakota.
- Experience with the archaeology of the Midwest.
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience in cultural resources management (CRM) on a variety of project types, sizes, regions, and agencies, with demonstrated increasing levels of responsibility.
- Minimum of one (1) year of experience in managing all aspects of archaeological projects (from pre-field tasks through final report preparation), including working on a variety of project types and sizes, in multiple regions, and with a variety of regulatory agencies.
- Experience with federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to the management of cultural resources (National Environmental Policy Act, Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, and Section 106 and Section 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act).
- Has provided QA/QC review of field documents, site forms, and reports.
- Ability to adapt quickly to changes in project needs, agency requests, and more.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a variety of colleagues, clients, and agency representatives.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Team-oriented attitude.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in cultural resources management (CRM) on a variety of project types, sizes, regions, and agencies, with demonstrated increasing levels of responsibility.
- Master’s degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a related field.
- Meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards in archaeology, including at least one year of supervisory experience in prehistory and/or history.
- Excellent technical writing skills with a record of completing technical reports in a timely fashion.
- Has worked on an interdisciplinary team of subject matter experts and planners.
- Experience and interest in business development, proposal writing, and client management.
- Experience overseeing junior staff.
- Experience leading archaeology crews on a variety of project types and sizes, regions, and agencies.
- Experience collecting field data utilizing modern mobile technology (tablets, Bluetooth GPS receivers, mobile software).
- Experience with computer-based programs such as Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, ArcGIS Online, and others.
WHY WORK AT SWCA:
We are #OneSWCA and collaborate across all our offices, programs, and disciplines. We are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack. We are 100% employee-owned, and we build our success together. It is imperative for the successful candidate to fit SWCA's unique culture. Do you appreciate sustainability and environmental awareness? Is giving back to your community a priority? SWCA is a team of scientists, planners, technical experts, and corporate services professionals that are committed to our culture.
Purpose: Our company purpose is to preserve natural and cultural resources for tomorrow while enabling projects that benefit people today. You are invited to be a part of our success story. 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.
If you need assistance accessing SWCA’s website, completing the online application, or require accommodations at any point during the hiring process due to a disability, please contact us at accommodations@swca.com or call 1-480-581-5378. We’re committed to providing an inclusive and supportive experience for all candidates. This contact information is specifically for accommodation requests; other inquiries will not receive a response.
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. An employee in this North Dakota based position can expect an hourly rate of: $29.87/hr - $38.11/hr. 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.
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.
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY:
SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking an Associate Project Archaeologist for our Rocky Mountain Plains subregion. This position will be based out of our Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN office, or our Bismarck, ND office, but distributed employees within driving distance of either office will be seriously considered. Under the supervision of a Project Manager or Lead Archaeologist, the Associate Project Archaeologist will be responsible for assisting on all aspects of cultural resource projects from pre-field desktop reviews to coordinating agency deliverables. This work is well suited for a team-oriented individual that thrives in a collaborative work environment. Creative problem-solving skills are a must. This position has an approximately 30% field-based component, with overnight travel required.
SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing, 1,850+ staff, employee-owned firm, providing a full-spectrum of environmental services. Our Vision (the North Star) is to make SWCA the best workplace and industry leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges while maintaining a dedication to employee-ownership. We live our core values: we collaborate as #OneSWCA; we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack.
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.
WHAT YOU WILL ACCOMPLISH:
- Assist project managers on all aspects of cultural resource projects, including budgeting, schedule, fieldwork, and reporting.
- Conduct background research for archaeological studies, including records searches.
- Ensure that appropriate preliminary research is conducted and organized prior to fieldwork, and that necessary equipment, staff, and other resources are ready for fieldwork.
- Coordinate with agency personnel, subconsultants, construction crews, and Native American monitors, as needed, to arrange fieldwork and facilitate projects.
- Supervise fieldwork, including archaeological survey, testing, data recovery, and/or construction monitoring and ensure quality and completeness of data collected.
- Communicate regularly with project managers to ensure that a project’s budgetary and timetable needs are met.
- Take initiative, resolve problems, and create improved procedures to ensure that tasks are completed in the most effective and efficient manner.
- Maintain SWCA’s high standard of scientific ethics and quality assurance; is motivated to identify and resolve problems in creative ways.
- Take responsibility for team safety, developing safety plans (when applicable), and anticipating potential safety hazards.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR SUCCESS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a related field.
- Meets the requirements to be an Archaeological Principal Investigator in North Dakota.
- Experience with the archaeology of the Midwest.
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience in cultural resources management (CRM) on a variety of project types, sizes, regions, and agencies, with demonstrated increasing levels of responsibility.
- Minimum of one (1) year of experience in managing all aspects of archaeological projects (from pre-field tasks through final report preparation), including working on a variety of project types and sizes, in multiple regions, and with a variety of regulatory agencies.
- Experience with federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to the management of cultural resources (National Environmental Policy Act, Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, and Section 106 and Section 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act).
- Has provided QA/QC review of field documents, site forms, and reports.
- Ability to adapt quickly to changes in project needs, agency requests, and more.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a variety of colleagues, clients, and agency representatives.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Team-oriented attitude.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in cultural resources management (CRM) on a variety of project types, sizes, regions, and agencies, with demonstrated increasing levels of responsibility.
- Master’s degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a related field.
- Meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards in archaeology, including at least one year of supervisory experience in prehistory and/or history.
- Excellent technical writing skills with a record of completing technical reports in a timely fashion.
- Has worked on an interdisciplinary team of subject matter experts and planners.
- Experience and interest in business development, proposal writing, and client management.
- Experience overseeing junior staff.
- Experience leading archaeology crews on a variety of project types and sizes, regions, and agencies.
- Experience collecting field data utilizing modern mobile technology (tablets, Bluetooth GPS receivers, mobile software).
- Experience with computer-based programs such as Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, ArcGIS Online, and others.
WHY WORK AT SWCA:
We are #OneSWCA and collaborate across all our offices, programs, and disciplines. We are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack. We are 100% employee-owned, and we build our success together. It is imperative for the successful candidate to fit SWCA's unique culture. Do you appreciate sustainability and environmental awareness? Is giving back to your community a priority? SWCA is a team of scientists, planners, technical experts, and corporate services professionals that are committed to our culture.
Purpose: Our company purpose is to preserve natural and cultural resources for tomorrow while enabling projects that benefit people today. You are invited to be a part of our success story. 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.
If you need assistance accessing SWCA’s website, completing the online application, or require accommodations at any point during the hiring process due to a disability, please contact us at accommodations@swca.com or call 1-480-581-5378. We’re committed to providing an inclusive and supportive experience for all candidates. This contact information is specifically for accommodation requests; other inquiries will not receive a response.
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. An employee in this North Dakota based position can expect an hourly rate of: $29.87/hr - $38.11/hr. 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.
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.
See all OPT Archaeologist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Archaeologist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Archaeologist
Target federal and university employers first
Federal agencies like the National Park Service and universities with active field programs sponsor OPT and H-1B visa regularly. These institutions have established HR processes for work authorization and are less likely to reject candidates on visa grounds alone.
Lead with your specialized technical skills
GIS mapping, ground-penetrating radar, zooarchaeology, or bioarchaeology expertise sets you apart. Employers in cultural resource management and research institutions actively seek these skills and are more willing to support work authorization for candidates who bring hard-to-find capabilities.
Understand your OPT employment requirements
Your work must be directly related to your degree in archaeology, anthropology, or a closely related field. Roles in cultural resource management, site assessment, or museum collections qualify. Administrative or unrelated work does not count toward authorized OPT employment.
Pursue cultural resource management firms proactively
CRM firms handle federally mandated archaeological surveys before construction projects. They hire year-round, often struggle to find qualified candidates, and operate under federal contracts that normalize visa sponsorship conversations. Smaller firms are often more flexible than large corporations.
Apply before your OPT start date when possible
Archaeology hiring cycles, especially for field seasons, run months in advance. Submitting applications before your OPT authorization begins shows employers you are organized and reduces their concern about a gap between your start date and work authorization.
Frame your international background as an asset
Experience excavating sites outside the U.S. or familiarity with foreign artifact typologies is genuinely valuable in archaeology. Position your international training and multilingual ability as specialized knowledge, not a complication. Employers working on cross-border or comparative projects actively value this.
Archaeologist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do archaeologist jobs qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes. Archaeology roles qualify for OPT as long as the work is directly related to your degree. This includes field excavation, laboratory analysis, site documentation, GIS mapping, and collections management. Your major should be in archaeology, anthropology, or a closely related discipline. Roles that are administrative or unrelated to your field of study do not count as valid OPT employment.
Where can I find archaeologist jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by visa sponsorship willingness. Searching on Migrate Mate lets you focus on employers already open to candidates on OPT or H-1B, which saves time and reduces rejection from employers who screen out international applicants early in the process.
Can I work for a cultural resource management firm on OPT?
Yes, and CRM firms are often one of the most accessible entry points for OPT students in archaeology. These firms conduct federally mandated surveys and excavations before land development, creating consistent hiring demand. Because they operate under federal contracts and frequently face candidate shortages, many are comfortable working with candidates on OPT or sponsoring H-1B visas afterward.
Does seasonal field work count as valid OPT employment?
It depends on the structure. USCIS requires that OPT employment be at least 20 hours per week to count as valid. Seasonal field positions that meet this threshold and are directly related to your degree qualify. Short-term contracts or volunteer roles that fall below 20 hours per week do not count and could jeopardize your OPT authorization if they represent your only employment.
Which employers in archaeology are most likely to sponsor H-1B after OPT?
Federal agencies including the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Smithsonian Institution have consistent track records of sponsoring work visas. Research universities with active archaeological programs also sponsor regularly. Larger CRM firms with recurring federal contracts are more likely to sponsor H-1B than smaller boutique firms, though exceptions exist for candidates with rare technical specializations.