Archaeologist Principal Investigator /Field Director

About the role

The is a leadership position focused on the oversight and execution of cultural resources projects within the state of Idaho. In this capacity, you will own the full lifecycle of project delivery for complex archaeological endeavors, ensuring adherence to regulatory frameworks and client expectations. You will spearhead business development initiatives while simultaneously directing the technical and operational facets of field investigations. This role requires a proactive approach to assembling and guiding multidisciplinary field teams through challenging environments. You will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of project mobilization and demobilization to remote and often sensitive project sites. Success in this position hinges on your ability to provide independent management and strategic direction for archaeological and historic resources projects. You will ensure compliance with federal legislation, specifically supporting Section 106 and Section 110 of the NHPA through rigorous analysis and permitting processes. Ultimately, you will safeguard the integrity of the cultural record while delivering high-value technical services to a diverse client base.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead cultural resources projects, business development opportunities and provide successful and independent management of archaeological and historic resources projects, including direction of field studies and assembly, supervision and direction of field teams.
• You will Coordinate project mobilization and demobilization to project sites, managing logistics and ensuring safe and efficient transport of personnel and equipment to often remote locations.
• Provide successful and independent management of archaeological and historic resources projects, including direction of field studies and assembly, supervision, and direction of field teams to ensure quality data collection.
• Support Section 106 and Section 110 of the NHPA, including analysis, technical studies and project permitting for a wide variety of private, federal, state and local government clients and tribal entities, navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
• Mentor and provide technical and operations resources for staff and project managers and supervise cultural staff, fostering professional growth and adherence to best practices.
• Lead technical and strategy elements of proposal development including scope, schedule and budget, crafting compelling narratives that align with client needs and project realities.
• Meeting project scope, schedule, and budget obligations for project management tasks, balancing competing demands to achieve successful outcomes.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality technical products through implementation of independent and quality review protocols, maintaining a sharp focus on accuracy and compliance.
• You will conduct comprehensive site surveys and develop detailed cultural resource management plans tailored to specific project requirements and environmental conditions.
• You will interpret field data within the context of regional archaeological frameworks to produce defensible conclusions and reports.
• You will cultivate and maintain positive working relationships with stakeholders, including government agencies, tribal representatives, and community groups.
• You will implement risk management strategies to identify potential project obstacles and develop mitigation plans proactively.
• You will utilize advanced digital tools for data recording, mapping, and analysis to enhance the efficiency and reliability of project outputs.
• You will contribute to the development of firm-wide business development strategies by identifying new opportunities and leveraging past project successes.

Requirements

• You need Mentor and provide technical and operations resources for staff and project managers and supervise cultural staff, demonstrating leadership through action and guidance.
• You need Lead technical and strategy elements of proposal development including scope, schedule and budget, ensuring alignment with firm standards and client expectations.
• You need Meeting project scope, schedule, and budget obligations for project management tasks, delivering results on time and within financial parameters.
• You need Ensure the delivery of high-quality technical products through implementation of independent and quality review protocols, upholding the highest standards of service.
• You need Minimum Qualifications as defined by the firm for this level of responsibility and complexity.
• You need Master's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology or a related field, providing a strong theoretical and practical foundation for field operations.
• You need Registered Professional Archaeologist, holding current certification in good standing to practice in the United States.
• You need Ability to hold state permits for archaeology, specifically within the state of Idaho, to legally conduct fieldwork and investigations.
• You need Demonstrated experience managing complex cultural resources projects from initial scoping through final report delivery.
• You need Proven ability to lead and supervise field teams in dynamic and sometimes remote conditions, ensuring safety and productivity.
• You need Thorough understanding of federal historic preservation laws, regulations, and compliance procedures, particularly regarding NHPA Sections 106 and 110.
• You need Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively interface with clients, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies.
• You need Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to navigate complex archaeological sites and regulatory challenges.
• You need Commitment to upholding ethical standards and professional integrity in all aspects of archaeological practice.

Nice to have

The SOURCE listing does not specify any preferred qualifications, skills, or experience beyond the mandatory requirements. No additional nice-to-have items are provided in the source material.

Practical notes

The engagement for this position is Full-time. The specific location for the work is identified as Idaho, requiring the successful candidate to be able to perform duties in that state. Travel to remote field sites is an inherent and expected part of this role, necessitating adaptability and physical capability. The candidate must possess the ability to obtain and maintain state-level permits for archaeological work. There are no stated deadlines for application submission within the provided source document; however, interested candidates are encouraged to apply with current credentials. The use of specific technical software mentioned includes AWS (cloud computing services) and Go (a programming language), indicating a need for digital literacy in modern technological environments.