Cultural Resources Discipline Lead

Internetwork Expert; Pleasanton (CA); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

BKF is seeking a Cultural Resources Discipline Lead to grow our team of archaeologists, paleontologists, and tribal resources specialists. The role blends technical leadership with strategic business development across California, with options for remote or hybrid work.

Strong leadership, regulatory knowledge, and client development are essential. The ideal candidate will oversee compliance, lead reporting for Phase I/II surveys, coordinate tribal partnerships, and grow BKF’s cultural resources

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in geospatial sciences, geography, biology or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years in progressive leadership roles overseeing cultural resource professionals.
• Strong understanding of federal and state historic preservation laws.
• Valid California Class C driver’s license and clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Lead and expand the cultural resources team and client portfolio.
• Oversee Phase I/II surveys and compliance with NHPA, NEPA, and CEQA.
• Provide monitoring for archaeological and paleontological resources on projects.
• Coordinate tribal partnerships for monitoring and consulting.
• Develop PRIMP program for complex projects.
• Support and coach staff; represent BKF at conferences and professional organizations.

Skills

Leadership experience

Client communication

Team management

Regulatory knowledge

Business development

Travel willingness

License verification (CA)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in geospatial sciences / geography / biology

Master’s degree preferred

Secretary of the Interior Professional Qualification Standards

Job description

At BKF, we’re not just growing—we’re thriving! As a dynamic multi-service consulting firm, we specialize in planning, environmental compliance, engineering, surveying, and construction management. With more than 20 West Coast offices, we’ve been a trusted partner in the land development, transportation, water resources, and government services and markets for over 110 years. Our firm combines deep technical resources with a collaborative approach to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions that bring community visions to life. If you’re looking to be part of a forward-thinking company that’s making a real impact, BKF is the place for you!

BKF is hiring a Cultural Resources Discipline Lead to run and build out our burgeoning team of archaeologists, paleontologists, and tribal resources specialists. This position has the option of being remote (with the ability to be in an office when necessary), or hybrid (sharing time between one of our California offices and home). We are excited to grow this additional service within our portfolio, and we are looking for someone who is equally excited to expand their own team and client portfolio. The ideal candidate will be able to oversee the technical aspects of cultural resources compliance as well as execute an effective business development strategy, with significant internal support, to grow our cultural resources portfolio.

Responsibilities

BKF is seeking a self-driven, results-oriented and experienced cultural resources practitioner to support our growing environmental consulting practice throughout California. Job duties include:

• Invest in cross-selling cultural resources services to our current clients and developing new clients for cultural resource monitoring and CEQA/NEPA compliance.
• Provide field assessments and written reports for initial due diligence and resource constraints assessments of archaeological and paleontological resources.
• Provide monitoring support for construction projects with archaeological and paleontological resource concerns.
• Coordinate monitoring support from indigenous tribal partners.
• Develop professional Paleontological Resources Impact Mitigation Program (PRIMP) for complex projects.
• Lead and author cultural resource assessments and surveys in compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA, NEPA, and CEQA.
• Prepare technical reports, including Phase I and II surveys and coordinate with the California Office of Historic Preservation and other relevant agencies.
• Develop internal cultural resources protocols and processes.
• Work collaboratively and effectively with environmental/regulatory permitting, biology, CEQA/NEPA, and planning staff to advance projects from concept to construction stages.
• Effectively generate new client base through outreach within professional networks.
• Efficiently prepare scope of work and bid estimates, monitoring reports, and due-diligence survey reports.
• Serves as a project/task manager on archaeological and paleontological tasks and projects.
• Drive thought leadership and BKF name recognition by presenting at conferences, publishing white papers, and serving in a leadership role in professional organizations.
• Provide day-to-day staff oversight and management, as well as ability to coach, mentor, and develop staff capabilities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in geospatial sciences, geography, biology, or a related field.
• Master’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• Preference is for a candidate that meets Secretary of the Interior Professional Qualification Standards for archaeology, anthropology, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in progressive leadership roles with oversight of cultural resource professionals.
• Strong understanding of federal and state historic preservation laws.
• A high energy, passionate, results-oriented team player and resourceful leader.
• Ability to effectively manage teams and communicate with clients.
• Valid California Class C driver's license and an acceptable driver’s record are required

Physical Demands: Must be able to regularly talk, hear and operate a computer, keyboard and mouse and occasionally lift, pull/push and carry up to 20 pounds with accommodations.

Work Conditions: Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds at a low or moderate level consistent with an office setting. Exposure to high-stress, fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment. Travel to other BKF locations and client sites may be required.

• The typical base salary range for this position is $170,000.00 - $210, 000.00, annualized depending upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location. This is a salary position paid biweekly.
• Competitive salaries, profit sharing, and 401k.
• Generous paid time off packages.
• 9 Paid Holidays.
• Flexible schedules.
• Education reimbursement, paid annual dues for professional and societal organizations.
• BKF offers competitive and award-winning benefits and perks. To learn more click here.

BKF provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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