Bill Kendig Receives Society for California Archaeology (SCA) 2025 Golden Shovel Award

Bill Kendig, Project Archaeologist out of our Pasadena office, has been honored with the Society for California Archaeology (SCA) 2025 Golden Shovel Award. This prestigious award is a special presidential commendation given to longstanding SCA members who have made significant contributions through continued efforts in field or lab work.

Bill was nominated by SWCA’s Cultural Resources Technical Director, Michael Bever, who shared these words, “Bill far exceeds the requirements for the Golden Shovel Award. Through the work he does both within and outside his employment, and through his interactions with colleagues, his contributions go far beyond the collection and generation of archaeological field and lab data. Bill is a true scholar and mentor, and an Always Learning student of archaeology.”

Bill’s career in Cultural Resources Management (CRM) spans decades, with extensive field and lab experience across California and beyond, including work in American Samoa. He has led over 150 field projects, conducted every type of fieldwork—from pedestrian surveys to test excavations—and analyzed nearly every type of artifact found in the state. Since joining SWCA in 2012, Bill has served as Senior Field Director and Lab Manager, overseeing some of our largest and most complex projects. He has continuously improved fieldwork processes, integrated new technologies, and mentored junior staff, embodying SWCA’s core values of Never Settle and Always Learning.

The Society for California Archaeology (SCA) is a nonprofit committed to advancing the research, interpretation, and conservation of California’s heritage and surrounding regions. By fostering collaboration among archaeologists, promoting ethical standards, and advocating for responsible site management, SCA plays a vital role in protecting cultural resources and engaging diverse communities.

Bill Kendig receiving his physical Golden Shovel Award from John Dietler