Archaeology Principal Investigator

Westland Resources; Tucson (AZ); Hybrid; USD 82,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9 paid holidays

Healthcare benefits

PTO

401k matching

Flexible work schedules

Remote/Hybrid possibilities

Job summary

WestLand is seeking a full-time Archaeology Principal Investigator to lead our Cultural Resources team in Arizona. The PI will manage research, survey, data recovery, and reporting, mentor staff, and ensure agency compliance. The role may be based in Tucson or Phoenix with potential hybrid work.

Excellent reports and client communications are essential, along with PI qualifications. The role requires strong expertise in cultural resources law and large project management, offering growth in a

Qualifications

• PhD preferred or MA with appropriate experience and permits.
• Five years of cultural resources management field experience in the American Southwest.
• Must hold a Principal Investigator permit or qualifications to obtain one.
• Expertise in local, state, and federal cultural resources laws and regulations.
• Experience managing large cultural resources survey and data recovery projects.
• Proficiency in writing and reviewing technical archaeological reports.

Responsibilities

• Review project technical approach prior to fieldwork.
• Review weekly progress reports from field and laboratory directors.
• Report project status to the Division Director and Principal in Charge.
• Mentor junior staff and participate in client meetings.
• Develop Historic Properties Treatment Plans and syntheses for data recovery reports.
• Ensure compliance with agency guidelines and maintain client relationships.
• Develop scopes of work and budgets aligned to client schedules.

Skills

Cultural resources mgmt

Field experience

PI permit

Report writing

Project management

Education

PhD preferred

MA degree with permits considered

Job description

At WestLand Engineering and Environmental Services, a Trinity Consultants team, we are driven by purpose, innovation, and a shared commitment to the work that we do. As part of Trinity Consultants' Water and Ecology division, we tackle complex environmental challenges, blending expertise in environmental consulting, wetlands, cultural resources, GIS, landscape architecture, and engineering.

WestLand empowers our teams to develop their unique skills while fostering career growth within a company that is large enough to offer diverse opportunities yet agile enough to value individual contributions. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do-our professionals work together on meaningful and impactful projects, delivering solutions that help clients navigate regulatory complexities and see positive project outcomes. Make a difference with us at WestLand!

WestLand is Looking to add a full-time Archaeology Principal Investigator to our growing Cultural Resources team in Arizona. The Principal Investigator manages the research and technical aspects of cultural resources projects, including survey, testing, data recovery, and reporting. Responsibilities include developing treatment plans, directing project-specific research, mentoring junior staff, reviewing reports, ensuring compliance with agency guidelines, and maintaining client relationships. This role requires expertise in cultural resources, laws and regulations, experience managing large-scale projects, and the ability to produce high‑quality technical archaeological reports. This position may be based out of our Tucson or Phoenix offices. You will help to grow and mentor our cultural teams while acting as a technical expert on a wide range of projects.

What will I be doing?

• Review project technical approach prior to fieldwork.
• Review weekly progress reports from field and laboratory directors.
• Report project status to the Division Director and Principal in Charge.
• Assist in new hire interviews and mentor junior staff.
• Participate in monthly senior management meetings at the company and division level.
• Contribute to the development of processes to support company growth.
• Foster a team approach to problem solving.
• Develop Historic Properties Treatment Plans.
• Direct project-specific research of analysts and field directors.
• Write synthesis chapters for data recovery reports.
• Review survey, testing, and data recovery reports for accuracy and adherence to agency guidelines.
• Mentor junior staff in developing research and compliance documents.
• Interact with agency archaeologists to maintain professional relationships.
• Communicate regularly with clients to ensure project needs are met.
• Develop scopes of work and budgets that meet client schedules.
• Participate in client marketing efforts and attend client meetings.
• Respect the confidentiality of client projects.

What qualifications are required for this role?

• PhD preferred; M.A. with appropriate experience and permits considered.
• Five (5) years of cultural resources management field experience in the American Southwest.
• Must hold a Principal Investigator permit or qualifications to obtain one.
• Expertise in local, state, and federal cultural resources laws and regulations.
• Experience managing large cultural resources survey and data recovery projects.
• Proficiency in writing and reviewing technical archaeological reports.

The salary range for this position is $82,000 - $109,000.00 per year.

What does WestLand offer you?

• Comprehensive benefits package: 9 paid holidays, healthcare benefits, PTO, and 401k matching for full‑time employees. Flexible work schedules and remote/hybrid possibilities for most roles.
• Multidisciplinary environment: Unique, creative, and challenging projects where you can develop your vision of clientele and work with industry leaders daily.
• Success‑oriented environment: Two‑way mentorship, financial incentives to publish work, tuition reimbursement, and a career‑path structure to help you reach the next steps in your career.
• Collaborative work environment: Clear and frequent communication, shared information and ideas across teams, and a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

WestLand is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We maintain a drug‑free workplace and perform pre‑employment background checks.