Principal Archaeologist

WSP in Canada; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 132,700 - 175,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top 100 Employer in Canada

Flexible work arrangements

Opportunities for career growth

Job summary

WSP in Canada is seeking a Principal Archaeologist to manage heritage projects in British Columbia. This role involves leading field programs and ensuring compliance with the Heritage Conservation Act, while collaborating with Indigenous communities to protect cultural heritage.

The ideal candidate should have a graduate degree in Archaeology or Anthropology and over 10 years of consulting experience. A strong commitment to health and safety is essential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant consulting archaeology experience.
• Registered Professional Consulting Archaeologist (RPCA) in good standing.
• Experience with diverse archaeological site types in BC.
• Leadership aptitude in managing field crews and mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Lead archaeological field programs ensuring compliance with permits.
• Design and oversee archaeological investigations and technical reporting.
• Manage project scope, schedule, and budget efficiently.
• Collaborate with Indigenous Nations and support project outcomes.

Skills

Collaborative work with Indigenous communities

GPS data collection tools

Technical report preparation

Leadership and mentoring

Education

Graduate degree in Archaeology or Anthropology

Tools

MS Office

Handheld tablets

Job description

Job Summary

Principal Archaeologist – Heritage Team in British Columbia. Guides and manages heritage projects across the province, leading field programs, ensuring compliance with the Heritage Conservation Act, and supporting meaningful development while protecting cultural heritage.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead archaeological field programs, 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.

Qualifications

• 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 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 driver’s license; ATV/UTV and First Aid training considered assets.

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

Benefits and Perks

• Proudly Canadian – Top 100 Employer in Canada for 2026.
• Global community with limitless opportunities and support for career growth.
• Flexible work arrangements to promote work‑life balance.

Additional Information

Health and Safety is a core paramount value of WSP. You are expected to comply with our Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) policy and client HSE policies when working at client locations. Some fieldwork may occur in remote or isolated areas, working alone, and in inclement weather within safe limits.

WSP welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for all selection stages.

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 are available in the job posting.