Archaeological Field Director

WSP in Canada; Whitby; On-site; CAD 63,600 - 92,300; Full time

Job summary

WSP in Canada is seeking an Archaeological Field Director to lead archaeological field programs across Ontario, focusing on quality and compliance in diverse environments.

The ideal candidate will possess a degree in Archaeology and a valid Professional Archaeological License. You will inspire field teams, support reporting, and champion health and safety while engaging with Indigenous communities.

Competitive compensation ranges from $63,600 to $92,300 depending on location and qualifications.

Qualifications

• Degree in Archaeology or a related discipline.
• Valid Professional Archaeological License (Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism) in good standing.
• Strong knowledge of Ontario’s Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists.
• Experience leading archaeological fieldwork as a Field Director or similar supervisory role.
• Proficiency in digital field tools such as Field Maps, Collector, or ArcGIS.
• High attention to detail in field documentation and health & safety reporting.
• Experience supporting or engaging with Indigenous communities.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel, including extended field assignments.

Responsibilities

• Lead archaeological field programs including surveys, excavations, and data collection.
• Inspire and motivate field teams to deliver efficient, high-quality results.
• Conduct in-field identification of artifacts to support interpretation.
• Mentor and develop field technicians.
• Support technical reporting and contribute to proposals.
• Champion health and safety by embedding best practices.
• Collaborate with project managers and stakeholders.
• Contribute to preserving cultural heritage while enabling sustainable development.

Skills

Leadership in archaeological fieldwork

Knowledge of Ontario’s Standards and Guidelines

Proficiency in digital field tools

Attention to detail

Community engagement

Education

Degree in Archaeology or related discipline

Valid Professional Archaeological License

Tools

Field Maps

Collector

ArcGIS

Job description

Archaeological Field Director – Job Description

Lead meaningful archaeological work that shapes how communities grow and evolve across Ontario.

Location

Whitby (the GTA), Burlington, Mississauga, or Ottawa.

Responsibilities

• Lead archaeological field programs including surveys, excavations, and data collection with a strong focus on quality and compliance.
• Inspire and motivate field teams to deliver efficient, high‑quality results in fast‑paced environments.
• Conduct in‑field identification of Indigenous and Euro‑Canadian artifacts to support accurate interpretation.
• Mentor and develop field technicians, strengthening team capability and engagement.
• Support technical reporting and contribute to proposals that help secure impactful projects.
• Champion health and safety by embedding best practices into all field activities.
• Collaborate with project managers, stakeholders, and Indigenous communities to achieve project objectives.
• Contribute to preserving cultural heritage while enabling sustainable infrastructure development.

Qualifications

• Degree in Archaeology or a related discipline.
• Valid Professional Archaeological License (Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism) in good standing.
• Strong knowledge of Ontario’s Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists.
• Experience leading archaeological fieldwork as a Field Director or similar supervisory role.
• Proficiency in digital field tools such as Field Maps, Collector, or ArcGIS.
• High attention to detail in field documentation and health & safety reporting.
• Experience supporting or engaging with Indigenous communities.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel, including extended field assignments.

Compensation

• AB, BC, NT, NU, SK & YT: $69,700 – $92,300
• MB & ON: $63,600 – $87,500
• NB, NL, NS, PE & QC: $62,900 – $83,600

The final salary awarded for this role may vary from the above range based on relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity

WSP is committed to the principles of employment equity. WSP welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.