Project Archaeologist

Responsibilities

• Direct technical work under the supervision of a Principal Investigator
• Support adherence to applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Section 106
• Provide coordination assistance with applicable agencies and stakeholders
• Support and help lead field teams
• Prepare technical reports, research designs, treatment plans, and other deliverables
• Balance scope, schedule, and budget considerations as part of project delivery
• Manage processing of records and materials collections
• Develop expertise in a cultural resources subfield, such as artifact analysis, GIS, geoarchaeology, or technical documentation
• Participate in professional organizations and continuing education
• Provide coaching, training, and knowledge sharing to early-career professionals
• Provide preliminary analysis and assessment of cultural materials to the Principal Investigator
• Maintain accurate field records and documentation
• Model accountability, clear communication, and respect

Qualifications

• 4 years of archaeological experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a related discipline
• Completion of an academic archaeological field school preferred
• Experience with Phase I–III investigations, artifact analysis, and report preparation
• Experience supporting permits and regulatory coordination
• Basic experience with project budgets, cost estimation, and financial tracking preferred
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to plan and coordinate archaeological tasks and field activities
• Meets criteria for Registered Archaeologist through the Register of Professional Archaeologists preferred
• Typical workweek is Monday–Friday during standard business hours, with flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, and travel based on project needs.
• Working knowledge of Section 106 of the NHPA, Antiquities Code of Texas, and NEPA
• Working knowledge of curation standards for the Texas Archeological Research Laboratory and the Center for Archaeological Research at the University of Texas at San Antonio preferred
• Demonstrate competency in subfield of cultural resources management, such as artifact analysis, bioarchaeology, GIS, geo-archaeology, deliverable preparation, or similarly applicable subfield
• Prominent ability to direct and mentor field and lab technicians
• Exceptional organizational and record keeping, critical thinking, and time management skills
• Ability to successfully delegate tasks
• Ability to successfully manage multiple collections concurrently
• Experience writing technical reports from start to finish
• Experience working on testing and data recovery projects preferred
• Experience conducting archival research preferred
• Experience with digital data collection platforms and Global Positioning Systems
• Must be able to work in the field under various terrain and weather conditions as needed
• Must be self-motivated and able to work independently
• Must be able to walk and stand for prolonged time periods; dig with a variety of hand tools, bend, kneel, and stand
• Must be able to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 lbs. such as a bucket filled with rocks or soil; boxes of stone artifacts
• Position may require irregular hours due to client needs; work responsibilities may require out of town/overnight travel to Pape-Dawson offices or project locations
• Must have a valid Driver’s License
• Working knowledge of Excel and managing large databases
• GIS experience preferred