Project Archeologist

Compensation: $55,000 to $75,000 based on experience.

About the Role

The Project Archeologist serves as an integral mid-level leader within the Cultural Resources Department, providing field leadership, data analysis, technical production, mentoring, and quality assurance for archeological investigations. This position generally consists of approximately 60 percent fieldwork and 40 percent office responsibilities, although project demands may temporarily shift that balance.

Project Archeologists at IES are involved throughout the entire life cycle of a project. In addition to leading archeological surveys, testing, monitoring, and excavations, this position includes processing and interpreting field data, analyzing artifacts, conducting archival and background research, preparing technical reports and agency coordination documents, and assisting with National Register evaluations and other regulatory compliance deliverables for projects throughout the South-Central United States.

Project Archeologists work closely with Principal Investigators and senior archeologists to develop field methodologies, mentor archeological technicians, coordinate with clients, agencies, and internal teams, and gain valuable project management experience. Our goal is to develop well-rounded consulting archeologists who understand every stage of a project—from planning and field investigations to laboratory analysis, technical reporting, agency coordination, and final regulatory approvals. For motivated individuals who enjoy learning, mentoring others, and embracing new challenges, this position provides a clear pathway toward becoming a Principal Investigator and eventually assuming broader leadership responsibilities within the Cultural Resources Department.

Responsibilities

• Lead archeological surveys, testing, monitoring, and excavation projects.
• Develop project-specific field methodologies.
• Supervise archeological field crews.
• Conduct archival and background research.
• Process and interpret archeological field data.
• Analyze artifacts and assist with laboratory processing.
• Prepare technical reports, agency coordination letters, and regulatory documentation.
• Assist with National Register evaluations and cultural resource compliance.
• Coordinate with clients, agencies, Tribal Nations, and internal project teams.
• Mentor archeological technicians and junior staff.
• Assist Principal Investigators with project management, scheduling, and quality assurance.
• Maintain the highest standards of scientific integrity and workplace safety.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Anthropology, Archeology, or a closely related field (preferred).
• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible archeological consulting experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading archeological surveys, testing, monitoring, and/or excavation projects.
• Experience authoring or contributing to cultural resource compliance reports.
• Working knowledge of ArcGIS.
• Experience processing field data, artifact analysis, and preparing technical documentation.
• Ability to develop field methodologies utilizing state and federal archeological standards and Section 106 procedures.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work independently while fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, remote locations, and rugged terrain.
• Commitment to maintaining safe work practices under all field conditions.
• Valid driver's license.

Work Location

Preferred office locations are McKinney, Denton, or Abilene, Texas. Hybrid or remote scheduling may be considered for highly qualified candidates.

Benefits

• Group health insurance with medical (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas) and dental (Principal) to begin the first of the next month after your starting date. IES will pay 75 percent of the employee premium for this health (High Deductible Health Plan [HDHP]) and dental insurance option. There is a buy-up, standard co-pay PPO plan. If you have dependents or a spouse, IES will contribute 50 percent of premium for medical under the HDHP and for dental. The employee may buy-up into the standard PPO plan.
• If you choose the HDHP, you will need to enroll in a Health Savings Account (HSA) with HSA Bank. IES will match up to 25 percent of your annual allowable contribution, which is $4,150 for a single and $8,300 for families.
• Short-term disability (STD), long-term disability (LTD), and accidental death and dismemberment benefit through Principal Life, fully funded by IES. This coverage includes 60 percent of pre-disability weekly earnings after an initial 14-day waiting period. Principal requires that all employees be enrolled in the STD plan for 12 months prior to using the STD coverage.
• Unpaid leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (12 weeks past the STD).
• Optional, employee-funded vision plan through Principal.
• 401(k) eligibility after 6 months of start date with up to 4 percent matching; options include both a pre-tax deduction and a post-tax ROTH account.
• 16 days (128 hours) per year of paid personal time off (PTO) with accrual of up to 240 hours per year. PTO accrues at the rate of 5 hours per pay period. PTO increases to 21 days (168 hours) per year after five years of service.
• Paid holidays (12 to 13 days per year) plus two personal floating holidays of your choosing. Personal holidays are immediately available upon start and do not roll over each calendar year.
• Fitness membership stipend of $100 per month.
• After 6 months of employment:
  • An allowance (not to exceed $250.00) for personal field supplies, once per year.
  • Any necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (e.g., hard hat, safety vest, compass) provided per project requirements.
  • Cell Service Plan and Stipend options:
    • Keep your personal cell phone plan and receive a $300 stipend for a device upgrade every 2 years, or
    • Receive an IES cell phone.
• Relocation assistance may be available.

Why You'll Love Working at IES

• Experience archeology across an incredible variety of landscapes throughout the South-Central United States.
• Work on transportation, energy, utility, water resource, federal, and private development projects.
• Learn directly from experienced Principal Investigators and senior archeologists.
• Develop technical expertise in field investigations, artifact analysis, GIS, report writing, and regulatory compliance.
• Receive meaningful mentorship designed to prepare you for future leadership opportunities.
• Enjoy a clear career path toward becoming a Principal Investigator.