Archaeologist Resume examples & templates

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Copyable Archaeologist Resume examples

Climate change is rapidly transforming archaeology from a field focused on historical documentation to one that's racing against time. As rising sea levels threaten coastal sites and extreme weather accelerates erosion, archaeologists are now deploying advanced tech like LiDAR and photogrammetry to document endangered cultural heritage before it's lost. According to the Society for American Archaeology, nearly 32% of coastal archaeological sites in North America are at immediate risk from climate-related threats—a figure that's pushed the field toward preventative excavation and digital preservation techniques that weren't mainstream just a decade ago.

This shift has created an interesting paradox: while archaeology is fundamentally about the past, the profession now requires forward-thinking specialists comfortable with cutting-edge technology and cross-disciplinary approaches. Today's archaeologists aren't just working with trowels and brushes; they're collaborating with climate scientists, using AI to process massive datasets, and making tough decisions about which sites to prioritize as resources stretch thin. For those entering the field now, this presents both challenges and remarkable opportunities to redefine what archaeological work looks like in an era where the past and future are colliding in unprecedented ways.

Junior Archaeologist Resume Example

Eleanor “Ellie” Maxwell

Denver, CO • (720) 555-9182 • emaxwell@emailprovider.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/eleanormaxwell • Portfolio: emaxwellarchaeology.com

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Recent archaeology graduate with field experience at two Bronze Age excavation sites in Colorado and New Mexico. Trained in artifact cataloging, GIS mapping, and soil sampling techniques. Seeking to apply my background in Southwestern archaeology and ceramic analysis while developing expertise in cultural resource management. Quick learner with strong documentation skills and physical stamina for extended fieldwork.

EXPERIENCE

Field Technician – Mesa Verde Research Institute, Cortez, CO
June 2023 – Present

  • Assist senior archaeologists with excavation of a newly discovered Ancestral Puebloan dwelling, carefully documenting and photographing 47+ artifacts
  • Record stratigraphic layers and collect soil samples for microbotanical analysis
  • Catalog findings using MVRI’s proprietary database system, maintaining 99.7% accuracy in data entry
  • Create detailed field notes and contribute to weekly progress reports for the project director
  • Help supervise 3 undergraduate volunteers during summer field season

Archaeological Field School Participant – University of Colorado, Boulder
May 2022 – August 2022

  • Completed 12-week intensive field training at the Henderson Mesa site under Dr. Andrea Martinez
  • Learned proper excavation techniques including troweling, screening, and context recording
  • Processed and analyzed ceramic sherds dating from 900-1150 CE
  • Created site maps using total station and ArcGIS software

Museum Collections Intern – Southwest Heritage Museum, Santa Fe, NM
January 2022 – April 2022

  • Assisted with inventory of 1,500+ Native American artifacts in preparation for NAGPRA compliance review
  • Photographed and measured ceramic vessels for digital catalog
  • Helped create educational materials for K-12 outreach program on Southwestern archaeology

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, concentration in Archaeology
University of Colorado, Boulder – May 2022
GPA: 3.78/4.0

Certificate in Cultural Resource Management
Colorado Archaeological Society – September 2022

TECHNICAL SKILLS

  • Excavation & Survey: Pedestrian survey, shovel testing, trowel excavation, screening
  • Documentation: Harris Matrix, context sheets, field photography, artifact sketching
  • Software: ArcGIS, QGIS, Adobe Lightroom, Microsoft Office Suite, FileMaker Pro
  • Lab Techniques: Ceramic typology, lithic analysis, flotation, artifact cleaning & preservation
  • Equipment: Total station, GPS units, digital calipers, soil resistivity meters

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Languages: English (native), Spanish (conversational)
  • Wilderness First Aid Certified (2022)
  • Member, Society for American Archaeology
  • Co-authored poster “Ceramic Distribution Patterns at Henderson Mesa” presented at Rocky Mountain Anthropological Conference 2022

Mid-level Archaeologist Resume Example

MAYA SUTHERLAND

Denver, CO | (720) 555-3481 | maya.sutherland@email.com | linkedin.com/in/mayasutherland

Archaeologist with 5+ years of fieldwork experience across diverse cultural contexts and challenging environments; Skilled in artifact analysis, stratigraphic excavation and GIS mapping with particular expertise in pre-Columbian ceramics. Proven track record of securing research grants and publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals while maintaining strong relationships with indigenous communities and stakeholders.

EXPERIENCE

Project Archaeologist – Frontier Archaeological Services, Denver, CO
March 2021 – Present

  • Lead field crews of 4-6 technicians on Phase I-III cultural resource management projects throughout the Rocky Mountain region
  • Designed and implemented survey methodology for a 17-mile pipeline project that reduced field time by 23% while maintaining data integrity
  • Authored 8 technical reports for state and federal compliance, meeting 100% of client deadlines
  • Collaborate with Native American tribal representatives to document culturally significant sites and ensure respectful treatment of heritage resources
  • Created a field documentation system using tablet-based forms that cut post-field processing time in half (seriously saved my sanity during the Miller Canyon project)

Field Archaeologist – Southwest Heritage Foundation, Tucson, AZ
June 2019 – February 2021

  • Participated in 12 cultural resource surveys and 3 large-scale excavations across Arizona and New Mexico
  • Specialized in ceramic typology analysis, processing over 2,500 sherds from Hohokam sites
  • Co-authored a journal article on settlement patterns in the Sonoran Desert published in American Antiquity
  • Trained 7 field school students in proper excavation techniques and artifact processing

Archaeological Field Technician – Mesa Verde Research Institute, Cortez, CO
Summers 2017-2018

  • Conducted pedestrian surveys and shovel testing at ancestral Puebloan sites
  • Assisted with mapping architectural features using total station and GPS equipment
  • Processed and catalogued artifacts in lab setting following NAGPRA guidelines

EDUCATION

Master of Arts in Anthropology – University of Colorado, Boulder
Thesis: “Ceramic Production and Exchange Networks in the Central Mesa Verde Region”
May 2019

Bachelor of Science in Anthropology – Arizona State University
Minor: Geographic Information Systems
May 2017

CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING

HAZWOPER 40-Hour Certification (2022)
Wilderness First Responder (2020, renewed 2023)
Section 106 Compliance Workshop – Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (2021)
Advanced GIS for Archaeologists – ESRI Certified (2020)

TECHNICAL SKILLS

  • Field Methods: Pedestrian survey, shovel testing, unit excavation, feature mapping
  • Laboratory Analysis: Ceramic typology, lithic analysis, flotation, radiocarbon sampling
  • Digital Tools: ArcGIS, QGIS, total station, GPS, drone mapping, FileMaker Pro
  • Compliance: NHPA Section 106, NEPA, NAGPRA, state cultural resource regulations
  • Languages: Intermediate Spanish, basic Navajo (still working on this one!)

PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

Sutherland, M., & Johnson, K. (2022). “Shifting Settlement Patterns in Response to Climate Variability: Evidence from the Mesa Verde Region.” Journal of Archaeological Science, 46(3), 78-92.

Sutherland, M. (2021). “Community-Based Approaches to Archaeological Research in Indigenous Contexts.” Paper presented at the Society for American Archaeology Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL.

Senior / Experienced Archaeologist Resume Example

Meredith A. Calloway

Boston, MA | (617) 555-8217 | mcalloway@emaildomain.com | linkedin.com/in/meredithcalloway

Archaeologist with 11+ years excavating prehistoric and colonial sites across North America and Central America. Specialist in lithic analysis and remote sensing techniques with experience managing teams of 6-12 field technicians. Published researcher with strong grant writing success ($1.3M secured since 2015) and a passion for public outreach and education.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Lead Archaeologist, Westbrook Archaeological Associates | Boston, MA | Sep 2018 – Present

  • Direct archaeological investigations for 7+ CRM projects annually, including pre-construction surveys and Phase I-III excavations
  • Supervise field crew of 10 archaeologists and technicians across multiple concurrent projects while maintaining 97% on-time completion rate
  • Secured $875K in research funding through competitive grant applications to the NSF and Smithsonian Institution
  • Led interdisciplinary team investigating 17th century colonial settlement, uncovering trade network connections that revised understanding of early European-Indigenous relations
  • Developed and implemented drone-based photogrammetry protocol that reduced site mapping time by 43%
  • Collaborated with Abenaki tribal representatives to ensure culturally appropriate handling of sensitive materials (my proudest professional accomplishment)

Project Archaeologist, Mesoamerican Research Institute | Guatemala City, Guatemala | Jan 2016 – Aug 2018

  • Co-directed excavation of Late Classic Maya site, managing team of 8 local workers and 4 graduate students
  • Analyzed 1,200+ ceramic artifacts using portable XRF spectrometry to identify material sourcing
  • Authored 3 peer-reviewed publications on findings, including discovery of previously unknown trade routes
  • Created GIS database of regional archaeological sites that improved excavation planning efficiency by 31%
  • Designed and delivered 22 educational workshops for local communities, reaching 700+ participants

Field Archaeologist, Northeast Cultural Resource Management | Providence, RI | May 2012 – Dec 2015

  • Conducted Phase I and II archaeological surveys for compliance with Section 106 of NHPA
  • Performed lithic analysis on 3,000+ artifacts from 14 prehistoric sites throughout New England
  • Trained and supervised 6 seasonal field technicians in proper excavation and documentation techniques
  • Authored 17 technical reports for state and federal regulatory agencies, all accepted without revision

EDUCATION

Ph.D. Anthropology, Focus in Archaeology | Brown University | 2016

Dissertation: “Lithic Technology and Social Organization in Pre-Contact New England”

M.A. Anthropology | Boston University | 2012

B.A. Anthropology, Minor in Geology | University of Vermont | 2010
Magna Cum Laude

CERTIFICATIONS & SPECIALIZED TRAINING

Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA), 2013 – Present
HAZWOPER 40-Hour Certification, 2014 (renewed 2020)
Wilderness First Responder, 2015 (renewed 2021)
Advanced GIS for Archaeological Applications, ESRI, 2017

TECHNICAL SKILLS

  • Remote Sensing Techniques (Ground-penetrating Radar, Magnetometry)
  • ArcGIS, QGIS and AutoCAD Map 3D
  • Portable X-Ray Fluorescence (pXRF) Spectrometry
  • Total Station and GPS Mapping Systems
  • Harris Matrix Stratification Analysis
  • LiDAR Data Interpretation
  • Ceramic and Lithic Analysis
  • Drone Photography & Photogrammetry
  • R Statistical Software for Archaeological Analysis
  • Section 106 & NEPA Compliance Procedures

PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

Calloway, M. & Johnson, T. (2020). “Remote Sensing Applications at Colonial Contact Sites.” Journal of Archaeological Science, 47(3), 112-128.

Calloway, M. (2019). “Maya Trade Networks: New Evidence from Ceramic Analysis.” Presented at Society for American Archaeology Annual Meeting, Albuquerque, NM.

Calloway, M., et al. (2017). “GIS Modeling of Resource Distribution in the Maya Lowlands.” Latin American Antiquity, 28(2), 263-281.

How to Write an Archaeologist Resume

Introduction

Landing that dream archaeology position means more than just having the right field experience—you need a resume that excavates your professional value. As someone who's reviewed hundreds of archaeology resumes for cultural resource management firms and academic institutions, I've seen what works (and what gets buried in the application pile). This guide will help you create a resume that showcases your fieldwork experience, lab skills, and academic credentials in a way that resonates with hiring managers.

Resume Structure and Format

Your resume should be as methodical as an archaeological dig—organized, precise, and revealing the important artifacts of your career.

  • Keep length to 1-2 pages (unless you're applying for academic positions with extensive publication history)
  • Use clean, readable fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman (10-12pt)
  • Include clearly labeled sections with consistent formatting
  • Save as PDF (unless specifically requested in another format)
  • Name your file professionally (e.g., "JaneDoe_Archaeologist_Resume.pdf")

Profile/Summary Section

Your professional summary should be like a well-crafted research abstract—concise, informative, and compelling. Aim for 3-5 lines that capture your specialization, years of experience, and key qualifications.

Tailor your summary to match the specific job posting. An application for a field director position should emphasize different skills than one for a museum curator or lab technician role.

Example: "Field archaeologist with 6+ years of experience in prehistoric southwestern sites and 4 seasons as assistant field director. Specialized in lithic analysis with proficiency in ArcGIS mapping and Harris Matrix documentation. Published researcher committed to ethical excavation practices and community engagement."

Professional Experience

This section is your stratigraphic record—show the layers of your career with the most recent on top.

  • Start with job title, organization name, location, and dates
  • Use 3-5 bullet points per position that begin with strong action verbs
  • Quantify achievements where possible (sites surveyed, artifacts processed, etc.)
  • Highlight technical skills used (GPR, total station, flotation techniques)
  • Include any supervisory experience or budget management responsibilities

Instead of "Worked on excavation sites," write "Led Phase II excavation of 3 prehistoric pit houses, managing a field crew of 6 and documenting 178 features using total station and digital photography."

Education and Certifications

Archaeology is credential-heavy, so this section matters. Include:

  • Degrees with majors, universities, and graduation years
  • Relevant certifications (HAZWOPER, First Aid, diving certifications)
  • Field schools attended (especially if you're early in your career)
  • Software proficiencies (ArcGIS, AutoCAD, SPSS, Adobe suite)
  • Language skills (critical for international fieldwork)

Keywords and ATS Tips

Many employers—especially CRM firms and government agencies—use Applicant Tracking Systems to screen resumes before human eyes ever see them.

  • Include terms from the job posting (Phase I/II/III surveys, Section 106, NAGPRA)
  • Mention specific methodologies (pedestrian survey, shovel testing, flotation)
  • List equipment experience (Trimble GPS, ground-penetrating radar)
  • Name relevant software (PastPerfect, Museum+, database programs)

Industry-specific Terms

Sprinkling these terms throughout your resume (where genuinely applicable) demonstrates your familiarity with the field:

  • Cultural Resource Management (CRM)
  • Stratigraphy and soil analysis
  • Artifact conservation and curation
  • Compliance reporting and documentation
  • Remote sensing techniques
  • Faunal/botanical analysis
  • Public outreach and interpretation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on fieldwork when lab skills are required (or vice versa)
  • Listing field schools without explaining the skills acquired
  • Omitting digital documentation skills (crucial in modern archaeology)
  • Being vague about your role on projects ("participated in" vs. specific contributions)
  • Neglecting to mention report writing experience (often a major job component)

Before/After Example

Before: "Worked at various archaeological sites during summer field seasons."

After: "Conducted excavation at 4 Hohokam sites (2019-2022), specializing in feature mapping and ceramic analysis. Processed 750+ artifacts using established laboratory protocols and contributed to 3 technical reports submitted to the State Historic Preservation Office."

Remember that your resume is your professional artifact—it should be carefully crafted, well-preserved, and tell the story of your archaeological career in a way that makes hiring managers want to dig deeper.

Soft skills for your Archaeologist resume

  • Cross-cultural communication – developed through working with diverse teams across 3 countries during field expeditions
  • Patient problem-solving under pressure (crucial when managing unexpected findings with limited time/resources)
  • Team leadership in remote settings – experience directing crews of 4-15 people during multi-month excavations
  • Grant writing and stakeholder communication skills that helped secure $87K in funding for the Westlake Basin project
  • Adaptability to challenging field conditions and changing priorities
  • Meticulous documentation abilities – balancing thoroughness with time constraints

Hard skills for your Archaeologist resume

  • Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and remote sensing interpretation
  • Geographic Information Systems (QGIS and ArcGIS Pro)
  • Stratigraphic analysis and Harris Matrix mapping
  • C14 and dendrochronology dating techniques
  • Trimble GPS and total station equipment operation
  • Adobe Illustrator for site plans and artifact illustrations
  • Forensic anthropology and osteological analysis
  • Lab protocols for artifact conservation (ceramics/metals)
  • Section 106 compliance documentation