Principal Archaeologist

WSP in Canada; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 133,000 - 176,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top 100 Employer in Canada 2026

Flexible work arrangements

Balance-focused culture

Job summary

WSP in Canada is seeking a Principal Archaeologist to guide heritage projects across British Columbia, ideally based in the Lower Mainland. You will lead field programs, manage scopes and budgets, and collaborate with Indigenous Nations and regulators to deliver impactful, compliant work.

Join a team that values safety, mentorship, and client-focused outcomes. You will mentor staff, support business development, and help shape BC's cultural heritage preservation through rigorous reporting and

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Archaeology or Anthropology (or undergraduate degree).
• 10+ years of relevant consulting archaeology experience.
• Registered Professional Consulting Archaeologist (RPCA) in good standing, with Field Director and Permit Holder status in BC Culture Area.
• Experience identifying and evaluating archaeological site types in BC, terrestrial/coastal settings.
• Strong history of collaboration with Indigenous communities.
• Proficiency with GPS data collection tools, handheld tablets, and MS Office for analysis and reporting.
• Ability to prepare and peer-review complex archaeological reports and technical documents.
• Leadership aptitude with supervision of field crews and mentoring staff.
• Valid Class 5 driver's license; ATV/UTV and First Aid training are assets.

Responsibilities

• Lead archaeological field programs while ensuring compliance with permits.
• Secure heritage inspection, investigation, and alteration permits and support proposals.
• Design and oversee field investigations, analysis programs, and technical reporting.
• Manage project scope, schedule, budget, and invoicing.
• Collaborate with Indigenous Nations, clients, and regulators for respectful outcomes.
• Build and maintain relationships with Indigenous communities.
• Participate in business development and client meetings.
• Supervise and mentor junior staff and Indigenous workers.
• Demonstrate strong safety commitment within WSP Health & Safety program.

Skills

RPCA in good standing

Field Director

Permit Holder

GPS data collection

MS Office

Report writing

Leadership

Supervising field crews

Indigenous collaboration

Valid Class 5 driver's license

Education

Graduate degree in Archaeology or Anthropology

Undergraduate degree

Tools

GPS data collection tools

Handheld tablets

Job description

Job Description

What if you could redefine what's possible? With us, you want Purpose. Growth. Opportunity. People who get it. With an unmatched breadth and depth of engineering, advisory and science-based expertise, our global minds unite to power local solutions. We are pathfinders and impact makers.

The Opportunity

Your Impact Starts Here - This is an exciting opportunity to join our Heritage team in British Columbia as a Principal Archaeologist, where you'll guide and manage heritage projects and business opportunities across the province. You'll collaborate closely with our province-wide Heritage team to deliver meaningful work that protects cultural heritage while supporting impactful development. The successful candidate will ideally be based in one of our offices within the Lower Mainland of BC.

Your Impact

• Lead archaeological field programs while ensuring full compliance with Heritage Conservation Act permits.
• Secure heritage inspection, investigation, and alteration permits and support proposal development.
• Design, lead, and oversee archaeological field investigations, analysis programs, and high-quality technical reporting.
• Manage project scope, schedule, budget, and invoicing to achieve successful delivery.
• Collaborate with Indigenous Nations, clients, and regulators to support respectful, technically sound project outcomes.
• Build and maintain meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities and support inclusive project delivery approaches.
• Participate in business development, including supporting proposals and meeting with existing and prospective clients.
• Supervise and mentor junior and intermediate staff and Indigenous workers.
• Demonstrate a strong "Safety First" commitment by actively contributing to WSP's Health & Safety program.

The Skills That Set You Apart

• A graduate degree in Archaeology or Anthropology, or an undergraduate degree
• 10+ years of relevant consulting archaeology experience.
• Registered Professional Consulting Archaeologist (RPCA) in good standing, with Field Director and Permit Holder status in at least one BC Culture Area (Northwest Coast Culture Area considered an asset).
• Demonstrated experience identifying, recording, and evaluating a wide range of archaeological site types in British Columbia, in terrestrial and/or coastal settings.
• Strong history of collaborative work with Indigenous communities, ideally with demonstrated ongoing relationships.
• Proficiency with GPS data collection tools, handheld tablets, and MS Office for analysis and reporting.
• Proven ability to prepare and/or peer-review complex archaeological reports and technical documents.
• Leadership aptitude with experience supervising field crews and mentoring developing professionals and Indigenous workers.
• A valid Class 5 drivers license; ATV/UTV and First Aid training considered assets.

Why Choose WSP?

We exist to shape communities to advance humanity.

• Proudly Canadian - we are a Top 100 Employer in Canada for 2026.
• A global community of brilliant minds - your next great idea, mentor, or opportunity is always within reach.
• Limitless opportunities start here. Whether across the country or around the globe, we'll help you tailor your role to match your ambition - because your growth drives ours.
• Flexible work, real balance - we recognize the importance of balance in our lives and encourage you to prioritize the balance in yours.

#WeAreWSP

Compensation

• AB, BC, NT, NU, SK & YT: $132,700 - $175,800
• MB & ON: $121,100 - $166,700
• NB, NL, NS, PEI & QC: $119,900 - $159,200

Disclosure

The final salary awarded for this role may vary from the above range based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. The wage range provided in this job posting may be subject to change for business purposes.

Make Your Mark with WSP

If you're driven by purpose and impact and want to help protect BC's cultural heritage while supporting meaningful development, we'd love to hear from you.

About Us

At WSP, we exist to shape communities to advance humanity.

It's why we bring people together who are wired to solve complex challenges - engineers, scientists, advisors, and technical experts who are driven by a common passion - to redefine what's possible and shape what comes next. We are Visioneers.

As one of the world's leading professional services firms, we partner with clients across transportation, infrastructure, environment, buildings, energy, water, mining and metals. We pair deep local knowledge with global insights to pioneer solutions designed to leave a lasting, positive impact.

At WSP, you'll join a community of brilliant minds that push boundaries every day - applying deep expertise and fuelling innovation to help create a more connected and resilient future. Here, your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and you are encouraged to bring your authentic self to work. We empower our people to collaborate across disciplines, challenge the status quo, and shape a career with purpose.

Join us.

Please Note: Health and Safety is a core paramount value of WSP. Given the importance of keeping one another safe it is expected that you comply with our Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) policy at all times as well as client HSE policies when working at client locations. Full details here . Some safety-sensitive positions involve fieldwork and may include work in a variety of environmental conditions, such as remote or isolated areas, working alone, and in inclement weather (within safe and reasonable limits). 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. WSP is committed to the principles of employment equity. Only the candidates selected will be contacted. WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Full details here .