The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) seeks an exceptional individual to fill the position of Executive Director of the Office of Archaeological Studies (OAS). This position is open until filled. Review of applications will begin on October 4, 2023. Download Application Instructions

Upcoming Events

December 6, 2023

Festival of the Cranes (December 6th and 7th)
Wednesday, December 6th and Thursday, December 7th, 2023
at the Macey Conference Center at New Mexico Tech


December 8, 2023

Lights of Gisewa
Friday, December 8th, 2023
at Jemez Historic Site in Jemez Springs


December 15, 2023

Winter Glow Holiday Stroll on Museum Hill
Friday, December 15th, 2023
on Museum Hill in Santa Fe


December 16, 2023

Lights of Los Luceros
Saturday, December 16th, 2023
at Los Luceros Historic Site


OAS at a Glance

The Office of Archaeological Studies (OAS) has been providing cultural resource management services throughout New Mexico since 1952. . .
[ read more ]

About the Office of Archaeological Studies


The Office of Archaeological Studies (OAS) conducts archaeological research projects throughout New Mexico with a diverse group of 8 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.