Archaeologist Principal Investigator/Project Director

True Environmental; Carlsbad (NM); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

True Environmental seeks an experienced Archaeologist Principal Investigator/Project Director to lead cultural resources field crews in New Mexico. The role involves conducting investigations under the National Historic Preservation Act, mentoring staff, and managing archaeological projects.

A Master's degree and five years of supervisory experience are necessary. Knowledge of GIS is preferred. The position offers opportunities for professional growth within a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of supervisory experience – preferably eight in cultural resource positions.
• Familiarity with GIS data management and ability to work with professionals.
• Must be eligible to be employed in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct cultural resource investigations under NHPA.
• Supervise and mentor junior cultural resource personnel.
• Coordinate project mobilization and demobilization.

Skills

Project planning

Verbal and written communication

Detail-oriented

GIS data management

Problem-solving

Education

Master's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related field

Registered Professional Archaeologist

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Sundance Consultants, a part of True Environmental and its partner firms, have united their strengths to establish the nation's premier environmental and engineering services consulting firm. This powerhouse organization offers an extensive range of services aimed at revolutionizing the built environment and preserving the natural one. Its diverse expertise encompasses environmental remediation, urban planning, engineering iconic coastal and marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction methods. Explore further at Sundance-inc.com and True-Environmental.com to discover the full scope of our capabilities.

Career opportunity for an Archaeologist Principal Investigator/Project Director (PI/PD) to lead cultural resources field crews and assist in the expansion of archaeology services in New Mexico. This position is responsible for leading and conducting all phases of cultural resource investigations under Section 106 and 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and other environmental planning projects, including but not limited to consultation, preparing data recovery and monitoring plans, field coordination, interpretation of state and federal laws, and report writing. The position may also require knowledge of and experience with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and writing cultural resource sections for proposed permitting actions. The Archaeologist PI/PD will supervise and mentor junior or temporary level cultural resource personnel, frequently interact and coordinate with clients as well as agency and Tribal representatives, and be knowledgeable of federal, state, and local historic preservation and cultural resources regulations.

What You'll Do

• Lead cultural resources projects, business development opportunities, and provide independent management of archaeological and historic resources projects, including direction of field studies and supervision of field teams.
• Act as Lead/Principal investigator for cultural resources projects, performing research, archaeological fieldwork surveys, monitoring, testing, data recovery projects, historical research, preservation activities, report preparation, site forms, and curation of archaeological artifacts.
• Coordinate project mobilization and demobilization to project sites.
• Support Section 106 and Section 110 of the NHPA, including analysis, technical studies, and project permitting for private, federal, state, local government clients and tribal entities.
• Mentor and provide technical and operational resources for staff and project managers, and supervise cultural staff.
• Lead technical and strategic elements of proposal development, including scope, schedule, and budget.
• Meet project scope, schedule, and budget obligations for project management tasks.
• Ensure delivery of high‑quality technical products through implementation of independent quality review protocols.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related field.
• Registered Professional Archaeologist.
• Ability to hold state and federal permits in New Mexico and Arizona.
• Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience, preferably eight (8) years in progressively responsible cultural resource positions, including management and/or educational experience in the desert southwest and intermountain west region and experience working with architectural historians.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines while remaining detail‑oriented, organized, and able to work well on simultaneous tasks and be team oriented.
• Familiarity with GIS data management and working with GIS professionals.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication, professional writing, and problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in project planning, development, and management.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with general supervision.
• Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office suite, strong people skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to satisfactorily pass pre‑employment and post‑employment drug and alcohol tests.
• Valid driver's license and good driving record.
• Must be eligible to be employed in the U.S.
• Successful completion of fit‑for‑work testing, including drug and alcohol testing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Permitted or able to be permitted in Texas, Utah, Colorado, or Nevada.
• Ten (10) or more years field experience, preferably eight (8) years in progressively responsible cultural resource positions, including management and/or educational experience in the desert southwest and intermountain west region and experience working with architectural historians.

Sundance is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer, Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.