Cultural Resources Geoarchaeologist

Rincon Consultants is seeking a mid to senior-level Geoarchaeologist to join our growing Cultural Resources practice. This is an exciting opportunity to bring specialized expertise in geoarchaeology to support large-scale utility, infrastructure, and environmental projects across California. You will play a key role in advancing Rincon’s technical capabilities in cultural resources, collaborating with archaeologists, paleontologists, and environmental planners to deliver high-quality work for clients across energy, water, transportation, and environmental planning market sectors.

The ideal candidate has strong field and laboratory experience, with demonstrated expertise in soil stratigraphy, geomorphology, and archaeological site formation processes. You will contribute to multidisciplinary teams, conduct geoarchaeological studies to inform cultural resources evaluations, and support compliance with CEQA, NEPA, and Section 106 of the NHPA.

While this role may offer flexible work arrangements that can include a mix of in-office and remote work, our changing business needs will ultimately determine our level of remote-work flexibility. Additionally, to promote in-person collaboration and client teaming, we prioritize hiring those who reside within 50 miles of a Rincon office which currently includes: Carlsbad, Fresno, Los Angeles, Monterey, Oakland, Palm Springs, Riverside, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo, San Diego, San Jose, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. We are open to locations across California.

Overview of Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct geoarchaeological investigations including archaeological sensitivity analyses, review and interpretation of geotechnical report data, site formation processes, geomorphological considerations, and soil stratigraphy assessments. Integrate geoarchaeological data into cultural resources evaluations, surveys, and excavation projects.
• Prepare technical reports, geoarchaeological assessments, and contribute to CEQA/NEPA and Section 106 documentation.
• Provide technical support for cultural resources compliance on transportation, energy, water, and community development projects.
• Collaborate with archaeologists, paleontologists, and environmental scientists to deliver integrated project solutions.

Operations and Quality Assurance

• Ensure technical accuracy and consistency in geoarchaeological work, analysis, and reporting.
• Contribute to QA/QC review of cultural resources deliverables with a geoarchaeological focus.
• Support the development of innovative approaches to cultural resources evaluation, including predictive modeling and GIS-based geomorphological analysis.
• Assist with project scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation related to geoarchaeological scopes of work.

Team Collaboration and Mentorship

• Provide mentorship and training to cultural resources staff in geoarchaeological methods and applications.
• Collaborate across Rincon’s Cultural Resources team to expand internal expertise and service offerings.
• Support proposal writing, scope development, and client presentations related to geoarchaeological work.

This Job Might Be for You If You Have the Following

• MA/MS or PhD in Geoarchaeology, Geology, Anthropology, or closely related field.
• Strong academic and/or applied background in stratigraphy, geomorphology, pedology, and archaeological site formation processes.
• 8+ years of professional experience conducting geoarchaeological investigations in California or the western United States.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate geoarchaeological findings into cultural resources compliance under CEQA, NEPA, and Section 106.
• Proven ability to produce high-quality technical reports and collaborate in multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strong GIS and geospatial analysis skills a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Willingness to travel for field assignments throughout California.

Rincon Consultants, Inc. is an award-winning leader in providing quality environmental consulting services throughout California and is recognized as a ‘Best Environmental Services Firm to Work For’ by the Zweig Group. We partner with clients in sectors such as transportation, energy and infrastructure, sustainability, climate change, oil and gas, water, commercial, private development, and government. Our 400+ associates in 13 offices located in Northern, Central and Southern California are dedicated professionals who combine their passion with our purpose.

The base salary range for this full-time position is $140,000 - $160,000 plus benefits and a generous bonus program. At Rincon, our salary ranges are based on market median of similar jobs, according to third party salary benchmark surveys. The base pay that is actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

We are proud to offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Package, providing our valued employees with many benefits to enhance their well-being and financial security. Our health benefits include a range of options such as HMO, PPO, HDHP, and Health Savings Account choices, ensuring you have the flexibility to select the plan that best suits your needs.

Additionally, you can enjoy peace of mind with employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance, as well as dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage. We prioritize your well-being by offering three weeks of vacation accrual in the first year, paid sick leave, and paid holidays, ensuring you have ample time off to rejuvenate. Planning for your future is made easier through our 401(k) / Profit Sharing Retirement Plan and bonus opportunities.

Beyond the essentials, Rincon recognizes the importance of personal and professional growth, that's why we provide opportunities for professional development and mentoring. Our commitment extends to the community through Volunteer Pay for a Day, reinforcing the values of social responsibility. Moreover, we go the extra mile with additional perks like Flexible Spending & Dependent Care, Supplemental life insurance, Legal Shield, Identity Protection, Pet Insurance, and much more. Check out more details on our Rincon Consultants webpage here!

Individuals offered employment must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of employment. Additionally, those hired who may be assigned to federal projects will be subject to further drug testing, including screening for cannabinoids (THC/marijuana), in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and other applicable federal regulations, which take precedence over California state and local laws.

Rincon Consultants, Inc does not accept unsolicited applicant/candidate resumes from search firm recruiters and/or temporary agencies that do not have a signed contract and specified work order with Rincon Consultants. Further, such resumes received will be deemed the sole property of Rincon Consultants and no fees will be paid in the event Rincon Consultants subsequently hires such individual. Rincon Consultants is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

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