Principal Investigators (Field Based)

ERM is hiring Principal Investigators to lead on-site cultural resource mitigation, compliance, and mitigation support during the construction phase of a transmission and distribution project in Northern Nevada and Southern Idaho.

About the role

The Principal Investigator will work closely with project managers to understand client risk decisions, schedule drivers, and methods used at specific sites. The role requires making in-field decisions and communicating method changes in real time. The successful candidate will lead teams that may include ERM members, project term-hires, subconsultants, and coordinators to implement mitigation, delineate, analyze, and apply avoidance measures for cultural resources. This ensures uninterrupted project progress while maintaining regulatory compliance. The position demands strong field judgment, clear communication, and the ability to work safely in active construction and diverse, rugged environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead mitigation by following the Historic Properties Treatment Plan and site-specific plan(s).
• Communicate and make real-time decisions on changes to site-specific plans that align with data collection, BLM requirements, and schedule drivers.
• Demonstrate leadership in safety.
• Identify, document, and evaluate archaeological materials, features, and isolated finds, including providing preliminary in-field assessments of NRHP eligibility.
• Implement unanticipated discovery procedures in accordance with project permits.
• Coordinate in real time with project managers and cultural resource leads.
• Maintain compliance with cultural resource permit conditions and environmental commitments.
• Oversee the completion of daily field notes, photographic documentation, and GPS data collection.
• Collect data to support future reporting, summary updates to the BLM, and updates of field forms.
• Ensure quality control for all crew members' collected data and methods.
• Assist with the preparation of documentation and technical memoranda.
• Communicate findings, compliance concerns, and work status to project managers and senior archaeologists.
• Support coordination with Native American tribal monitors, when applicable.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a closely related field (preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of Principal Investigator experience in Great Basin archaeological fieldwork.
• Permitted as a NV BLM Principal Investigator Statewide for Prehistoric and Historic.
• Experience with mitigation for infrastructure projects.
• Strong familiarity with Section 106, NHPA, and BLM, NV, and ID agency permitting requirements.
• Ability to identify prehistoric and historic-period archaeological materials and features.
• Experience using GPS units, Survey123, ArcGIS, or similar field data collection tools.
• Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to work safely in active construction environments and outdoor field conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Archaeology or a related field.
• Qualification under the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards (36 CFR Part 61) in Archaeology.
• Experience working in remote areas for extended periods.
• Demonstrated ability to support projects requiring sustained field engagement.
• Experience working alongside Native American tribal monitors.
• Permittable as PI for ID BLM.
• OSHA 10- or 30-hour construction safety training.
• Wilderness and Remote First Aid Training.

Work Environment

This position is field-intensive and may involve:

• Long hours in outdoor environments and temperature extremes.
• Walking or hiking on uneven terrain while carrying field equipment.
• Working in active construction sites around heavy equipment.

Candidates must be physically capable of performing required field duties safely.

Pay

For the Principal Investigator position, the anticipated annual base pay range is $89,900 – $126,200 ($43.22/hr – $60.67/hr USD) for this limited-term, non-exempt role. Pay position within this range will be based on factors including relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business needs. This role may also be eligible for bonus pay.

Schedule

This is a full-time, limited-term role with a duration of 6 months and the possibility of extension. Work hours are 60-72 hours per week.

Benefits

ERM offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including:

• Paid time off.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Life and disability insurance.

Benefits eligibility is limited to regular employees scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week. Fixed-term employees (including Flexforce) scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are eligible for a limited benefits package. Casual employees are not benefits-eligible.