Archaeologist (Historic Preservation Specialist)

NOTE: This posting will close on June 10, 2026 or after 50 applications are received, whichever occurs first.

Step into a meaningful career as an Archaeologist with the Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and play a vital role in protecting the state's cultural heritage! This position lets you blend science, history, and teamwork to guide important decisions. Your work will help preserve cultural resources while supporting safe and effective transportation development. Join us today and use your passion for conserving cultural resources in Pennsylvania for the benefit of future generations!

This position plays a crucial part in ensuring that projects within PennDOT's Districts 3 and 4 are executed with a keen awareness of their potential effects on cultural resources, while adhering to environmentally sensitive practices. As an Archaeologist, you will perform the following duties:

• Field Assessments: Conduct archaeological field reviews and prepare assessments for project areas
• Technical Reviews: Review environmental documents for accuracy and compliance with policies
• Consultation Efforts: Coordinate with Native American Tribes and Nations, agencies, and consulting parties on cultural resource matters
• Project Monitoring: Monitor archaeological investigations and make recommendations on site significance and preservation
• Documentation Preparation: Prepare scopes of work, agreements, and other required cultural resource documentation
• Team Coordination: Work with cultural resource team members to address project challenges and identify solutions

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Dunmore. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Meets the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualification Standards for History, Archeology, Architectural History, Architecture, or Historic Architecture.

Additional Requirements:

• You must have a master's degree (or higher) in archaeology, anthropology, or closed related field.
• One or more years of full-time professional experience or equivalent specialized training in archaeological research, administration, or management
• Must have at least four months of supervised field and analytical experience in general North American archaeology
• Completion of an individual research project
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• Master's degree (or higher) in Pennsylvania or Mid-Atlantic Archaeology
• Field work that includes conducting archaeological surveys, National Register eligibility archaeological site evaluations, and/or conducting data recovery mitigation efforts on National Register eligible archaeological sites
• Professional-level experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) related to archaeological work

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.