Senior Archaeologist

Position Overview

The Senior Archaeologist serves as a senior technical expert responsible for leading and overseeing complex archaeological investigations while advancing innovation in cultural resource management (CRM).

Technical Strategy and Field Methodologies

• Serves as a senior technical expert responsible for leading and overseeing complex archaeological investigations.
• Led the design and execution of sophisticated archaeological field surveys, excavations, and site assessments.
• Spearheads the development and application of geospatial technologies, including geographic information systems (GIS), LiDAR, photogrammetry, and remote sensing, for enhanced site analysis and predictive modeling.
• Innovates artifact recovery, documentation, and conservation methodologies to improve data integrity and analytical accuracy.
• Oversees quality control processes to ensure standardization and precision in field data collection and documentation.

Advanced Data Analysis and Research

• Directs high-level statistical and geospatial analysis to refine interpretations of archaeological findings.
• Develops and refines predictive modeling techniques for site sensitivity assessments and CRM planning.
• Integrates multidisciplinary data sources, including environmental, geological, and hydrological datasets, to strengthen archaeological interpretations.
• Leads advanced material composition studies, use-wear analysis, and artifact provenance research.

Regulatory Compliance and Industry Leadership

• Ensures technical reports and project deliverables meet or exceed federal, state, and local regulatory standards, including National Historic Preservation Act, National Environmental Protection Act, and California Environmental Quality Act compliance.
• Provides expert consultation on regulatory strategy and compliance approaches for complex projects.
• Engages with industry groups, regulatory agencies, and professional organizations to influence best practices and emerging standards in CRM.

Technical Reporting and Documentation

• Oversees the development of high-quality technical reports, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and methodological rigor.
• Establishes and maintains best practices for archaeological documentation, data management, and reporting protocols.
• Has advanced understanding of technical responsibilities for most regional, state, and federal regulatory conditions.
• Contributes to publications, technical white papers, and professional conference presentations to advance industry knowledge.

Mentorship, Training and Innovation

• Provides leadership and mentorship to archaeological staff, fostering technical expertise and professional growth.
• Develops and implements internal training programs on emerging archaeological technologies, methodologies, and regulatory trends.
• Leads workshops, seminars, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to enhance technical competencies across project teams.
• Champions the adoption of innovative digital tools, such as machine learning applications in archaeology and automation of data processing workflows.

Business Development

• Acts as seller-doer, capable of helping existing work translate into winning additional work and cross-selling services.
• Understands the technical details of projects and analysis and level of effort needed to meet specific project, regulatory, and best practice requirements.
• May require direct communication with clients and/or integrating in a proposal.

Project Management

• Guides or strongly informs team's specific technical objectives and related level of effort to meet regulatory requirements and/or preestablished standards.
• Capable of tracking the status of phases and interpreting billings of staff with support of project manager, if needed, as well as developing proposal costs and schedules for completion of work.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience: 18+ years' experience in archaeological fieldwork, technical research, and CRM.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related field.
• Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related field preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in GIS, LiDAR, remote sensing, and digital mapping technologies.
• Strong background in statistical and spatial analysis for archaeological data interpretation.
• Excellent technical writing and documentation skills, with a focus on data-driven reporting.
• Ability to mentor and train junior staff in technical and methodological aspects of archaeology.
• Experience working with indigenous communities and facilitating tribal consultation processes.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret cultural findings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage tasks, coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, and mentor junior staff.
• Willingness to travel for fieldwork, often in remote locations and challenging conditions.