Project Archaeologist

About the role

RK&K is seeking a Secretary of the Interior (SOI)-qualified archaeological principal investigator in the Southeast region. This is a permanent, full-time position based in one of RK&K’s office locations in North Carolina. The candidate will collaborate closely with RK&K archaeologists, architectural historians, and environmental planners throughout the company. This position may require travel out of state.

As a full-service engineering and construction management firm, RK&K offers the opportunity to directly impact the communities in which we live and work. The firm’s award‑winning culture fosters collaboration and trust, delivering concepts, processes, and outcomes designed for success.

Responsibilities

• Completion of all phases of archaeological investigations throughout the Southeast.
• Proposal development.
• Supervision of field staff.
• Oversight of artifact analysis and the preparation and QA/QC review of technical reports.
• Serving as the subject matter expert, advising RK&K engineers, environmental planners, and clients on Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and state historic preservation regulatory requirements.
• Drafting Section 106 agreement documents.
• Contributing to NEPA documents and assisting with Section 4(f) evaluations.
• Assisting regional environmental planners and firmwide cultural resources staff in business development, including identifying new clients and markets and attending industry conferences.

Requirements

• Masters degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or closely related field
• Eight (8) to Fifteen (15) years of archaeological experience in the Southeast
• Five (5)+ years of archaeological field project management experience implementing archaeological work plans and supervising archaeological crew chiefs and field archaeologists

Qualifications

• Secretary of the Interior (SOI)-qualified in archaeology
• Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA)
• Experience with both precontact and historic period archaeological research
• Expertise with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act consultation
• Understanding of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Section 4(f) of the USDOT Act
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team that includes archaeologists, architectural historians, environmental planners, and engineers
• Solid research, technical writing, and communication skills
• Strong attention to detail when authoring and reviewing work
• Fluent with Microsoft Office
• Experience working on North Carolina Department of Transportation projects
• Ability to work well with others
• Ability to pass a background check
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record

Skills

• Experience with ArcGIS

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Hybrid work (home and office)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances
• Paid parental leave
• Wellness programs and employee resource groups
• Career development
• Matching 401(k) plan
• Paid holidays
• Attractive compensation packages commensurate with experience