How to apply for Entry-Level Archaeological Technician

About AECOM

AECOM is a global infrastructure and environmental firm that works on projects including cultural resource management. This role supports Phase I, II, and III archaeological studies across the US. The position is remote and part-time, which may suit someone who wants flexible field and lab work.

About the role

As an entry-level archaeological technician, you will perform fieldwork such as pedestrian walkovers, shovel test pits, test units, and feature excavation, plus lab tasks like washing, cataloging, and marking artifacts. You will also complete field and lab forms, do data entry, and support supervisors with project organization and equipment preparation. The work directly supports cultural resource projects nationwide.

A typical day

A typical day might involve traveling to a field site to conduct pedestrian walkovers, excavate shovel test pits or test units, and document sites with mapping and forms. On lab days, you could wash, catalog, and mark artifacts, enter data, and help organize project paperwork or equipment. You would report to a Crew Chief or Field Director and work with other field and lab staff.

Who AECOM is looking for

• Has knowledge of basic field excavation techniques and can properly fill out field and laboratory forms.
• Can process recovered artifacts by washing, cataloging, and marking them.
• Is able to perform pedestrian walkovers, excavate shovel test pits, test units, and features, and do mapping and site documentation.
• Works well under Crew Chiefs, Field Directors, and Principal Investigators, and can provide graphic support, writing, travel coordination, and paperwork organization as needed.

Tips for this application

• Highlight any hands-on experience with shovel test pits, test units, or feature excavation in your resume or application.
• Mention specific examples of artifact processing you have done, such as washing, cataloging, or labeling.
• Note your ability to fill out field and laboratory forms accurately, since the job description lists this as a key duty.
• State your availability for remote, part-time work and your willingness to travel for field projects across the US.
• If you have experience with data entry or project paperwork organization, include that because the role includes supporting supervisors with these tasks.

What to cover in your cover letter

In your cover letter, focus on your field excavation skills, artifact processing experience, form completion accuracy, and ability to support supervisors with project organization and equipment preparation. Mention any experience with Phase I, II, or III studies. Keep it factual and tied to the duties listed in the job description.

Research before applying

• Read AECOM's cultural resource management pages to understand their approach to archaeological projects.
• Look up examples of Phase I, II, and III studies to understand the work you would support.
• Check AECOM's recent project announcements or news related to environmental and infrastructure work.
• Review the job description carefully to note every duty mentioned, so you can speak to them in your application.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Describe your experience with basic field excavation techniques, including shovel test pits and test units.
• How do you ensure accuracy when filling out field and laboratory forms?
• Walk through how you process artifacts, from washing to cataloging and marking.
• Give an example of how you supported a supervisor with project paperwork or equipment preparation.
• What is your understanding of Phase I, II, and III archaeological studies?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Do not claim experience with techniques or tasks you have not actually performed, such as specific excavation methods or artifact processing steps.
• Avoid ignoring the part-time and remote nature of the role, or failing to mention your ability to travel for field projects.
• Do not submit an application without addressing the specific duties listed, such as filling out forms or supporting supervisors with paperwork.