Geoarchaeologist
About Us
We are a California-based environmental consulting firm with 500+ professionals and over 30 years of experience serving clients across the transportation, energy, water, infrastructure, private development, and government sectors. We are proud to be a Certified Great Place to Work, as reflected in the experiences our employees share on Glassdoor and the trust, connection, and sense of purpose felt across our company.
Our mission is to deliver practical, science-based environmental and planning solutions that support communities, infrastructure, and natural systems. At Rincon, people come first. We value collaboration, fairness, and transparency, and we are committed to creating an environment where everyone can grow, contribute meaningfully, and do their best work.
About The Role
We are 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.
How We Collaborate
This role may offer a hybrid work setup, blending time in the office with remote work as business needs evolve. We enjoy coming together in person to collaborate, connect with teammates, and partner with clients, and may prioritize candidates who live within 50 miles of a Rincon office. Eligible office locations for this role include: Carlsbad, Fresno, Los Angeles, Monterey, Oakland, Palm Springs, Riverside, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo, San Diego, San Jose, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.
What You’ll Do
Core 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.
What You'll Bring
- 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.
Investing In You
The base salary range for this full-time position is $140,000–$160,000, plus a generous benefits program. Salary ranges are based on the market median of similar jobs, according to third-party salary benchmark surveys. Base pay is determined based on internal equity and a candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Package designed to support employee well-being, growth, and financial security. Our benefits are designed to offer flexibility and choice, including health coverage options, employer-sponsored insurance, retirement benefits, generous time off, and programs that support learning, growth, and community engagement.
Explore more about our culture, benefits, and life at Rincon on our Culture and Benefits page.
Additional Employment Information
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.