Crew Chief - Archaeologist II

Kleinfelder Inc; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) plan

Paid holidays

Job summary

Kleinfelder Inc. invites an Archaeologist II - Cultural Survey Crew Chief to lead field surveys across the western United States.

You will direct pedestrian surveys, mentor crews, coordinate logistics, and ensure safety and compliance with federal, state, and Tribal requirements. The role emphasizes leadership, site documentation, GPS/GIS data collection, and collaboration with Project Managers to deliver high-quality cultural resource products.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Archaeology or Anthropology or related field.
• Completion of an accredited archaeological field school is required.
• 2–4 years CRM survey experience with crew supervision preferred.
• Familiarity with Section 106 compliance and cultural resource practices.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel extensively.

Responsibilities

• Field Leadership: direct survey crews and ensure safety and quality.
• Lead pedestrian surveys, inventories, and cultural resource investigations.
• Mentor field technicians and junior archaeologists daily.
• Promote a respectful, collaborative team culture and accountability.
• Ensure field activities meet project objectives safely and efficiently.
• Technical responsibilities: document sites and assist with reporting.

Skills

Field leadership

Team mentoring

Logistics coordination

Safety leadership

Field data collection

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Archaeology or Anthropology

Accredited archaeological field school

Tools

GPS

ArcGIS Field Maps

Survey123

Job description

Job Description

Take Your Cultural Resources Career to the Next Level

Kleinfelder, a Forbes' Top Employer for Engineers in North America, is committed to a people-first culture, technical excellence, and creating opportunities where employees can thrive!

Cultural Resources professionals work on exciting projects involving the identification, preservation, and management of historic, archaeological, and culturally significant sites and resources. They help to ensure that roads, bridges, pipelines, buildings, and other development projects do not accidentally damage important historical sites, archaeological artifacts, cemeteries, or places that have cultural significance to communities and tribes.

Step into Your New Role

Are you an experienced field archaeologist who thrives in the outdoors and enjoys leading teams in remote environments? As an Archaeologist II - Cultural Survey Crew Chief, you will play a critical role in guiding archaeological survey crews across the western United States while ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality field operations.

This position is ideal for a motivated professional who combines strong archaeological skills with exceptional leadership, logistics coordination, and a commitment to safety. You will serve as the day-to-day leader in the field, directing survey efforts, mentoring crew members, coordinating field logistics, and ensuring compliance with project requirements and cultural resource regulations.

This is an opportunity to advance your archaeology career while exploring some of the most remarkable landscapes in the West. You'll gain leadership experience, work alongside talented professionals, contribute to meaningful resource stewardship, and play a vital role in delivering successful projects while protecting our shared cultural heritage.

If you're ready to lead from the front, prioritize safety, support your team, and make a lasting impact in cultural resource management, we'd love to hear from you.

Job Responsibilities:

• Field Leadership
• Lead archaeological survey crews conducting pedestrian surveys, inventories, and cultural resource investigations.
• Provide daily direction, mentorship, and support to field technicians and junior archaeologists.
• Promote a positive team culture built on respect, communication, accountability, and collaboration.
• Ensure field activities are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with project objectives.
• Safety Management
• Champion a strong safety culture and lead by example in all field activities.
• Conduct daily safety briefings, hazard assessments, and tailgate meetings.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with remote work, rugged terrain, weather conditions, wildlife encounters, and vehicle travel.
• Ensure compliance with company health and safety procedures and client requirements.
• Respond appropriately to changing field conditions and emergency situations.
• Logistics Coordination
• Coordinate daily field operations, travel arrangements, lodging, vehicle assignments, equipment, and supplies.
• Monitor crew productivity and survey coverage to meet project schedules and budgets.
• Manage field data collection, equipment inventories, and project documentation.
• Communicate regularly with Field Directors, Principal Investigators, and Project Managers regarding project progress and field conditions.
• Technical Responsibilities
• Conduct and oversee archaeological surveys in accordance with federal, state, local, and Tribal requirements.
• Identify, document, photograph, and record archaeological sites, historic properties, and isolated finds.
• Utilize GPS, GIS, digital data collection platforms, and mapping technologies.
• Review crew documentation for accuracy, completeness, and quality control.
• Assist with technical reporting and site documentation as needed.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related field.
• Completion of an accredited archaeological field school.
• Minimum of 2-4 years of archaeological survey experience in a Cultural Resource Management (CRM) environment.
• Experience supervising archaeological field crews and directing daily survey activities.
• Familiarity with Section 106 compliance and cultural resource management practices.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel extensively.
• Ability to hike long distances carrying field equipment in varying terrain and weather conditions.

Preferred Skills/Experience:

• Experience leading surveys on federal, state, or private-sector projects.
• Knowledge of western U.S. archaeology and regional cultural resources.
• Proficiency with GPS, ArcGIS Field Maps, Survey123, and other digital field technologies.
• Experience working in remote areas requiring multi-day travel assignments.
• First Aid/CPR certification and off-road driving experience.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic field environment.

Following an offer, candidates will be required to satisfactorily complete employment reference checks, verification of professional licensure and/or educational credentials, a motor vehicle report (MVR), and a comprehensive background check.

Move Forward with Kleinfelder:Kleinfelder and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, has been connecting great people to the best work since 1961. We are engineers, scientists, and construction professionals providing solutions that improve our clients’ transportation, water, energy, and other private infrastructure. As a responsive, cross-disciplinary team of bright, curious, and innovative problem-solvers, we are dedicated to doing the right thing, every day, on every project from over 110 offices in the US, Canada, and Australia.Connecting great people to the best work is our purpose – together, we deliver.

Progress with an Employer that Values You

Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, is an inclusive organization free from discrimination. We are a stronger organization when we are a diverse workforce and believe that through diversity, equity, and inclusion comes creativity, innovation, and unity. We are proud to offer the following:

Benefits:Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, offers an excellent compensation and benefits package, including: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid holidays.

Colorado: The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Salary range: $55,426 - $92,530. We will be accepting applications through 01/17/2027.

Career Development:We are committed to investing in the professional development of our staff, offering each employee every opportunity to grow, develop, and take control of their career paths. We support these efforts through reimbursements for continuing education as well as many of the expenses associated with trainings and certifications, and opportunities for career development through our internal Mentoring Program.

Equal Opportunity:Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans. (Compliant with the new VEVRAA and Section 503 rules)