Lead Archaeologist - Principal Investigator

About the role

SWCA’s Gulf Coast operation is seeking a Lead Archaeologist in Houston, TX, to support its expanding practice. As a key member of our team, you will collaborate with Directors, Team Leads, and Project Managers to coordinate projects and ensure high-quality cultural resource management services. This is a regular, full-time salaried position reporting to our Senior Cultural Resources Director, offering the flexibility of a hybrid work environment out of our Houston, TX or Baton Rouge, LA offices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and foster client relationships to build business across SWCA's service offerings.
• Lead authorship of technical reports, research designs, and other documentation.
• Oversight of field research, data collection, analysis, and report production.
• Training and mentoring of staff in research protocols, technical reporting, and site recording.
• Problem-solving and process improvement to enhance project efficiency and effectiveness.
• Collaboration with local and regional teams to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Cultivation of strong relationships with agency contacts, clients, and stakeholders.
• Additional project management duties, including budgeting, proposal preparation, and client management.
• Demonstrated commitment to scientific integrity and SWCA's Mission, Vision, and Values.
• Drives compliance of safety policies and reporting requirements to ensure overall team safety.

Requirements

• Minimum of a master’s degree in Archaeology or Anthropology.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of archaeology fieldwork experience, with academic or research-oriented supervisory experience considered.
• Thorough knowledge of NEPA and Section 106 regulations.
• Registered Professional Archaeologist status or eligibility.
• Experience with content editing of reports and project scheduling/budgeting.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with project teams.
• Willingness to travel approximately 20% of the time.

Benefits

• 100% employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, wellness, life, and disability coverage.
• Access to Employee Assistance Program.
• 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust.
• Award-winning career development program (Career Landscape) with conference attendance, internal and external training, education reimbursement, and bonuses for qualifying publications.
• Performance bonuses for regular-status employees.
• Supportive, team-focused work environment with competitive pay.
• Forward-thinking workplace flexibility and outstanding corporate culture.

Pay

An employee in this Houston, TX-based position can expect a salary of $81,545.10 – $106,289.82 per year. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law.