Cultural Resources Intern

Overview

Location(s): Mission Viejo, CA Practice/Department: Cultural/PaleoWork Environment: Field/OnsiteCompensation: $18.00-$20.00/hourly*

Dudek’s journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California’s water and wastewater agencies.

Today, we are a 100% employee-owned firm supporting clients nationwide and delivering projects that improve and protect the built and natural environments of communities throughout the United States. Our work has been recognized by leading industry organizations, and we’ve been honored with multiple national Top Workplace Awards.

Our employees are unified by a singular commitment to supporting projects that address key societal issues, such as the transition to renewable energy, infrastructure hardening and repair, environmental protection, and community resilience.

Learn more about our award-winning culture, the benefits and perks of being a Dudekian, and the projects you will have the opportunity to shape.

Position Overview

Who You Are

To thrive at Dudek, you should be comfortable with freedom and accountability. We value collaborative, resourceful, and independent thinkers. We look for curious, solution-focused people who are able to adapt quickly to an ever-changing industry. There is no single way to solve a problem, so we support your creative approaches to solve problems.

How You’ll Make an Impact

Dudek is seeking a college-level technical student intern interested in California archaeology and anthropology for Fall 2026. This position will be based in our Mission Viejo office and the Carlsbad lab facility. Part-time position totaling 8-20 hours per week; depending on schedules and availability.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist teams in using basic archaeological/anthropological field, library, database and laboratory skills for various surveys, excavation, monitoring, research, laboratories, and curatorial work.
• Other duties as needed or required

Minimum Qualifications

• 2 years college course work in archaeology, anthropology, geology, or related field
• Knowledge and understanding of the regional cultural histories in California
• Working knowledge of prehistoric and/or historical archaeology
• Ability to identify local cultural materials in the field and laboratory
• Ability to take comprehensive notes
• Competency with the Microsoft Office 365 suite
• Read topographic maps and project maps
• Willing to travel, with a Valid CA Driver’s license in good standing and reliable transportation
• Ability to work in extreme climatic conditions. Cold or hot weather.

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work under direct supervision
• Able to work cooperatively with crew members and supervisors, and clients.

Compensation: $20.00-30.00/hourly*

*Final agreed-upon compensation will be based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, an individual’s related experience, education, certifications, skills, and work location. Successful candidates must pass a pre-employment drug test and background check prior to beginning employment.

Working Conditions 

This job requires occasional project site visits-based outdoors which can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, moving vehicles and equipment.

Physical Requirements 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This job requires the following:

• This job requires working on a computer, sitting or standing for long periods of time in an office or remote office setting.
• This job requires attending meetings, both in person and virtually as well as speaking on the phone with peers, clients, etc. Speaking, hearing and listening are required.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

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Dudek is committed to creating a workplace where all employees, regardless of their background, feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunities to succeed. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our business success, and we are dedicated to fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We are committed to fair and equitable processes, based on merit, free from any discrimination.

Dudek is genuinely committed to equal employment opportunities within our company and on our project teams. Dudek is also committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in Dudek’s operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of Dudek, including supervisors and coworkers. Equal employment opportunities will be extended to all persons (including those with disability and veteran status) in all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination. Any employee who violates this policy and Dudek’s commitment to equal employment opportunities will be subject to disciplinary action.

*As-needed and part-time employees are eligible for our 401(k) plan, sick leave, and our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). As-needed and part-time employees have the option of additional benefits like medical benefits and ESOP participation provided they meet minimum hours worked during the 12-month look back measurement period.  Speak with your recruiter to learn more.

Dudek is a U.S.-based employer. All positions are based in the United States and require U.S. work authorization.