Career Opportunities

Woodland Heritage Northwest is an Indigenous-owned archaeological and heritage consulting firm working across northwestern Ontario. We provide archaeological and heritage services in collaboration with Indigenous communities and support proponents navigating Ontario’s heritage legislation. Our work is grounded in respect, collaboration, and consent-based approaches on traditional lands.

We welcome students and early-career archaeologists who are looking to build practical field experience in a challenging and rewarding environment. Our projects are located across remote areas of northwestern Ontario, and fieldwork often begins where roads end. Work may involve helicopter access, canoe or boat travel, remote forest investigations, and construction camp settings. These experiences provide hands-on exposure to real-world archaeology while developing independence, adaptability, and confidence in the field.

Woodland Heritage Northwest is committed to mentorship and professional development. Students and early-career staff work alongside experienced archaeologists and are supported as they develop technical skills, field judgment, and an understanding of regulatory and community engagement processes. All employees participate in cross-cultural training with Indigenous communities, as well as health, safety, and professional development training.

We offer competitive wages, comprehensive health benefits, and opportunities for financial assistance to support continued education and professional growth. Woodland Heritage Northwest is committed to supporting early-career professionals as they build the skills and experience needed to advance into supervisory and project leadership roles.

If you are interested in gaining meaningful field experience, working respectfully with Indigenous communities, and developing a strong foundation for a career in archaeology, we encourage you to apply and grow with our team

Available Positions

Woodland is seeking Archaeological Field Technicians. Workdays and hours often vary based on project, location, and weather conditions during the season. Successful applicants will travel in a company vehicle or drive their personal vehicles to their assigned work site. Under the direction of experienced Field Directors, successful applicants will assume responsibility for assisting in the completion of Stage 2-4 archaeological fieldwork.

Responsibilities:

  • Complete Stage 2-4 fieldwork using appropriate techniques and methods according to site type and conditions.
  • Ensure that all fieldwork meets the requirements of the 2011 Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists, and associated Technical Bulletins, as issued by the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism.
  • Perform extensive manual labor including excavation with shovels and moving buckets filled with dirt.
  • Screen excavated soils for archaeological materials.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of occupational health and safety policies and procedures.

Requirements:

  • Previous field school or archaeology work is an asset.
  • Be physically able, with or without accommodation, to perform for extensive periods work involving bending, kneeling, standing, lifting, and carrying objects up to 50 lbs. weight.
  • Possess a tolerance for working in outdoor environments, prolonged walking, and standing on various terrain in a wide range of weather conditions.
  • Be willing to travel, as there is often out-of-town or overnight work.
  • Maintain an excellent work ethic and team-player attitude.
  • Exhibit strong attention to detail, with proven ability to follow specific instruction.

Note: Woodland Heritage Northwest’s experienced staff can work with you to direct and educate you on how to complete tasks so if you have no previous experience, we can help with that.

Successful applicants will lead a crew of Field Technicians to conduct archaeological assessments. Field Directors work under the leadership of a Project Archaeologist and will be responsible for ensuring the integrity and thorough documentation of fieldwork as well as providing initial analysis and recommendations based on the results of assessments.

Responsibilities:

  • Complete Stage 1-4 fieldwork using appropriate techniques and methods according to site type and conditions.
  • Know, understand, and ensure that all fieldwork meets the requirements of the 2011 Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists and associated Technical Bulletins, as issued by the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism.
  • Manage, mentor, and train Field Technicians.
  • Complete accurate, detailed, and comprehensive field documentation.
  • Provide initial analysis of fieldwork and recommendations for further work.
  • Professional and consistent engagement with Indigenous communities.
  • Complete professional development assignments and additional tasks as assigned in the off-season.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of occupational health and safety policies and procedures.

Skills Required:

  • Be physically able, with or without accommodation, to perform work requiring extensive periods of bending, kneeling, standing, lifting, and carrying objects up to 50 lbs. weight.
  • Possess a tolerance for working in outdoor environments, prolonged walking, and standing on various terrain in a wide range of weather conditions.
  • Maintain an excellent work ethic and team-player attitude.
  • Exhibit strong attention to detail, with proven ability to follow specific instruction.
  • Be familiar with the use of modern digital devices and software (touch screen tablets, GPS devices, communications software, etc.).
  • Exhibit proven leadership skills.

Requirements:

  • Valid Research Licence (R-Licence) with the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism
  • Previous experience in a Field Director or an archaeology supervisory role (2 years minimum)
  • First Aid/CPR certification considered as asset (however Woodland will schedule training if required).
  • Driver’s license is an asset but not required.
  • Willingness to travel (most work is out of town and can be remote).

Woodland Heritage Northwest is accepting resumes for the full-time position of Project Archaeologist. Project Archaeologists will be responsible for the coordination and management of a wide range of archaeological projects, including linear corridors, mining, and Stage 4 assessments.

Responsibilities may include but may not be limited to:

  • Liaising with clients, property owners, Indigenous communities, provincial agencies and the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism.
  • Development of work plans and proposals.
  • Coordination of field projects (including staffing, communications, property access, field and laboratory work, research, Ministry correspondence, and Indigenous community participation).

This position is based in Thunder Bay.

Qualifications:

  • Minimum Master’s degree or equivalent in archaeology, anthropology, geography, history or a related field.
  • Hold a valid Ontario Professional (P) License or could earn one in the very near future.
  • Five years of experience working in archaeological Project Management in Ontario or a similar context.
  • Prior experience in supervising archaeological field projects and report writing.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong organizational and research skills.
  • Ability to work cooperatively in a team setting and meet deadlines.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office suite.
  • Experience in cultural resource management and knowledge of the 2011 Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists, general planning practices and principles, and environmental assessment legislation.

Please Note:

  • Archaeological projects throughout northern Ontario.
  • Field seasons typically last from early spring to late fall.
  • Field staff must be prepared for overnight travel with accommodations and per diem provided (where appropriate).
  • Travel can include, vehicle, boat and aircraft (such as helicopter and plane).
  • Projects are run out of the Thunder Bay office.
  • Field staff will be transported to site and paid their full wage for travel.
  • Fieldwork could be conducted jointly with Indigenous communities and Indigenous Community Members. We welcome applications from Indigenous and other Descendant community members.

Please send applications or questions to info@woodlandheritage.com

We are grateful for all applicants, however only those under consideration will be contacted.

Woodland Heritage Northwest is an indigenous owned and equal opportunity employer.