Archaeologist

ERM; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global sustainability consultancy is seeking an experienced Consultant Archaeologist based in the Gulf region, particularly in Austin, Houston, or New Orleans. The role involves leading archaeological surveys, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and conducting detailed field documentation. Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 3–4 years of archaeological experience. A strong emphasis is placed on teamwork, attention to detail, and proficiency with digital tools for effective project execution.

Qualifications

• 3–4 years of paid professional archaeological experience.
• Demonstrated experience with survey, inventory, testing, and/or data recovery projects.
• Ability to conduct unit excavation and shovel testing.

Responsibilities

• Lead archaeological surveys and field methods.
• Conduct daily safety briefings and follow safety procedures.
• Assure compliance with federal and state regulations.

Skills

Attention to detail

Field documentation

Team collaboration

GPS and digital mapping tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, Archaeology or related field

Tools

GPS-enabled tablets

Digital field tools

Job description

Are you an experienced archaeologist ready to take on projects that shape the way communities understand, protect, and manage their cultural heritage? At ERM, you’ll join a collaborative, mission-driven team where your regional expertise and field leadership directly influence the success of high-impact cultural resources projects across the Gulf. This is your opportunity to grow, lead, and make a meaningful contribution to the discipline—both in the field and within a global sustainability consultancy.

Why This Role Matters

As a Consultant, Archaeologist in Austin, Houston, or New Orleans, you play a critical role in identifying, evaluating, and preserving cultural resources that inform project decisions across diverse industries. Your work ensures compliance with federal, state, and municipal requirements while helping clients responsibly advance their projects. In this role, your technical insights and field leadership strengthen ERM’s reputation for excellence in cultural resources management throughout the Gulf region.

What Your Impact Is

• Leading field crews through all phases of archaeological survey and testing.
• Conducting high-quality artifact, feature, and site documentation using GPS-enabled tablets and other digital tools.
• Evaluating sites for National Register and State Register eligibility.
• Supporting report production and ensuring technical deliverables are completed accurately and on time.
• Promoting a strong safety culture through daily tailgate meetings and adherence to ERM protocols.
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of field methods, logistics, and project workflows.

What You’ll Bring

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a closely related field. Or equivalent experience.
• 3–4 years of paid professional archaeological experience.
• Demonstrated experience with survey, inventory, testing, and/or data recovery projects.
• Experience contributing to technical archaeological reports.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in field documentation.
• Excellent written, verbal, and computer skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Knowledge of Gulf-region archaeology, artifacts, and survey standards.
• Proficiency with GPS, tablets, and digital mapping tools.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Local availability for projects and willingness to travel (approximately 70%, including weekends).
• Ability to walk up to 10 miles per day in variable terrain and weather conditions; lift/carry up to 50 lbs; and conduct unit excavation and shovel testing.
• Driver's License Required: This position requires a valid driver's license and/or the ability to operate a company vehicle due to the nature of job duties, which include frequent travel to various client locations across a large geographical area.
• This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

Preferred

• Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA).
• Ability to be listed on federal and state permits.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Highly detail-oriented, resourceful, and proactive work style.
• Positive attitude, strong initiative, and enthusiasm for field and project work.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct online and in-person background and records searches ahead of fieldwork.
• Support preparation of field logistics, including health and safety planning, survey protocol, and equipment readiness.
• Lead pedestrian Phase I and II archaeological surveys.
• Supervise the documentation of artifacts, features, and sites using digital field tools.
• Conduct daily safety briefings and follow ERM field safety procedures.
• Assess site eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places and applicable state registers.
• Evaluate potential project impacts to archaeological resources.
• Maintain accurate daily field logs and manage both physical and digital field records.
• Assist with report preparation and support project teams in meeting deliverable deadlines.

Who We Are:

As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world’s leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations.

At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world-class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our “boots to boardroom” approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.

Please submit your resume and brief cover letter.

ERM does not accept recruiting agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, ERM employees or any other company location. ERM is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.