New Mexico Office of Archaeological Studies

We're Hiring

OAS is hiring! The Office of Archaeological Studies is currently recruiting for positions including Crew Chief, Project Director, Education Coordinator, and short-term Field Archaeologists.

See a list of available positions here.

Upcoming Events

July 10, 2024

The Edgar Lee Hewett Collection at the New Mexico History Museum
OAS Brown Bag talk by Heather McClure, from the Chavez Library at the New Mexico History Museum, at the CNMA, 12:00 noon, free!

July 24, 2024

When Lightning Strikes Twice: Correlating Lightning Strikes and Rock Art Imagery
OAS Brown Bag talk by John Lawrence Pitts, MIAC research associate, at the CNMA, 12:00 noon, free!

OAS at a Glance

The Office of Archaeological Studies (OAS) has been providing cultural resource management services throughout New Mexico since 1952. . .
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About the Office of Archaeological Studies


The Office of Archaeological Studies (OAS) conducts archaeological research projects throughout New Mexico with a diverse group of 13 archaeologists and support staff. Our mission is to identify, interpret, and share information about prehistoric and historic sites across the state. OAS serves other State agencies and private organizations that require archaeological studies as part of their development projects. In addition, we provide ethnographic and historical research services and have an education outreach program that directly interacts with New Mexicans in order to answer their questions about archaeology, history, and the heritage of New Mexico. That program twice received the Society for American Archaeology's Excellence in Public Education Award, in 2005 and again in 2012.

Roomblocks at the McCarty's highway salvage excavation

In addition to client-initiated projects, OAS conducts research projects that are funded by grants and private donations. Many of the projects make use of a dedicated corps of volunteers or involve our many research associates. OAS provides training opportunities for university students and makes use of their skills in the latest technology. We also engage in educational outreach programs in surrounding states.

OAS has five specialized laboratories, a research library, and a publications department. Our archaeomagnetic dating laboratory is one of two full-time laboratories in the United States that are dedicated to this dating technique and our low-energy plasma radiocarbon sampling laboratory enables us to nearly non-destructive date fragile archaeological materials.