Steven R. Archer's research concentrates on interactions between grasses and woody plants in relation to soils, climate and land use through remote sensing, geographic information system mapping technology, dendrochronology and stable-isotope chemistry. The results have enabled him to reconstruct vegetation history and to quantify and predict the consequences on sustainability of grazing systems, ecosystem biogeochemistry and land surface-atmosphere interactions.

Archer is known for his unique ability to translate his research in rangeland management to university extension agents so that they can relay the information to ranchers, conservationists and the general public.

His research has advanced ecological understanding of grass-woody plant dynamics. In recognition of his contributions, he was presented with the W.R. Chapline Research Award from the International Society for Range Management in 2019 and was made a fellow of the Ecological Society of America and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Archer also served as the lead author of the Arid Lands Section of the U.S. National Climate Change Science Synthesis/Assessment Product 4.3.