This Underwater Geophysicist position is located within Florida’s Bureau of Archaeological Research. This grant funded position is focused on the analysis of marine geophysical datasets to identify cultural anomalies. Specific software training will be provided to the selected candidate, but experience with GIS, geophysical datasets, and archaeological target identification is a must.
This position is based in Tallahassee and offers the opportunity to work within a supportive, team-based environment. As part of Florida’s Division of Historical Resources, and working under the SHPO’s office, this position supports a healthy work-life balance while offering experience working in state government
This is a term-limited position (1 year, with the possibility of contract renewal for an additional year) and does not contain the expectation of fieldwork. For further information regarding this position, please contact Florida’s State Underwater Archaeologist, Dr. Ryan Duggins (ryan.duggins@dos.fl.gov or 850 245 6335).
Division of Historical Resources
Archaeological Research
Requisition No: 869836
Agency: Department of State
Working Title: DOS – OPS UNDERWATER GEOPHYSICIST – 45945298
Pay Plan: Temp
Position Number: 45945298
Salary: $22.00 hourly
Posting Closing Date: 02/20/2026
Minimum Qualifications:
- Four (4) years of direct work experience in Anthropology, Archaeology, Marine Geology, Geophysics, Oceanography, or closely related field. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the listed fields can substitute for the required years of experience.
- Experience with GIS systems
- Experience processing archaeological geophysical datasets
Preferences:
Degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, Marine Geology, Geophysics, Oceanography, or closely related field
- Experience conducting submerged cultural resource surveys.
- Experience with underwater geophysical survey software (SonarWiz, Hypack, or QPS)
- Knowledge of the types and distribution of Florida’s submerged pre-contact and historic period archaeological sites
- Successfully completed a Scientific Diving Certification course (AAUS or equivalent)
- Experience using ESRI
- Knowledge of pertinent state and federal cultural resource legislation.
Special Note:
Responses to qualifying questions must be clearly supported in your employment history.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Identifies historic and paleo landform targets of interest from geophysical datasets.
- Creates categorized list of targets, organized by defining characteristics.
- Cross references Florida Master Site File database and updates accordingly.
- Manages and archives large geophysical datasets.
- Works closely with grant manager to ensure deliverables are provided in a timely manner.
- Other duties as required
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Ability to manage databases
- Strong computer literacy focused on the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.), Adobe
Underwater Archaeology and Maritime History jobs 