Lead Archaeologist - Principal Investigator

About The Opportunity

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.

What You Will Accomplish

• 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.

Experience And Qualifications For Success

• 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.

Pay

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

Benefits

Regular-status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses. Candidates are also encouraged to consider SWCA’s Total Rewards package (https://www.swca.com/careers/benefits-wellness/), which includes a competitive Benefits package, forward-thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award-winning career development, and more.

Contact Information

We will begin reviewing applications immediately and schedule interviews with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The position will remain open until we identify a strong pool of candidates and may close without prior notice.

We sincerely appreciate the time and effort of all applicants and will thoughtfully review each submission.

If you need assistance accessing SWCA’s website, completing the online application, or require accommodations at any point during the hiring process due to a disability, please contact us at accommodations@swca.com or call 1-480-581-5378. We’re committed to providing an inclusive and supportive experience for all candidates.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply.