Cultural Resources Principal Investigator

North Eastern Services; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Allen Engineering and Science seeks a Cultural Resources Principal Investigator to lead and manage projects from proposal development to completion. Responsibilities include acquiring projects, designing research, budgeting, scheduling, staffing, and ensuring regulatory compliance with agency standards.

The role may involve supervising field activities, coordinating with clients and agencies, and delivering high-quality reports while maintaining safety and schedule requirements.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• At least five years of documented archaeological field experience, including two years of project management and supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of local, state, and federal cultural resources regulations and compliance requirements (Section 106, NEPA, ARPA, NAGPRA).
• Experience conducting and managing cultural resources surveys, testing, mitigation, monitoring, and technical report preparation.
• Experience managing project scope, budgets, schedules, staffing, field logistics, and deliverables.
• Ability to conduct thorough QA/QC reviews of reports and regulatory documents.
• Experience coordinating with regulatory agencies, clients, landowners, and stakeholders.
• Regional experience in the southeastern United States; willingness to travel and conduct fieldwork.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage cultural resources projects from proposal development through project completion.
• Support project acquisition through strategic planning, proposal preparation, procurement, and scoping.
• Develop and refine research designs, methodologies, field strategies, and project procedures.
• Manage project planning, budgets, schedules, staffing, logistics, and execution.
• Oversee fieldwork and coordinate personnel, equipment, and documentation.
• Monitor progress and adjust schedules, staffing, and field methods as needed.
• Provide leadership on field decisions, safety, and problem-solving.
• Perform QA/QC reviews of technical reports, regulatory documents, and client communications.
• Manage cultural resources surveys, testing, mitigation, monitoring, artifact analysis, and lab activities.
• Ensure objectives align with approved designs, client expectations, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with clients, regulatory agencies, landowners, and stakeholders.
• Support additional project and practice needs as assigned.

Skills

Project management

Regulatory compliance

Field supervision

QA/QC

Team collaboration

Travel readiness

Shovel testing in rugged terrain

Driving and field logistics

Education

Master's degree in Anthropology/Archaeology or related field

Ph.D. in Anthropology/Archaeology or related field

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Allen Engineering and Science is seeking a Cultural Resources Principal Investigator to lead and manage cultural resources projects from proposal development through project completion. This position is responsible for project acquisition support, research design, regulatory compliance, budgeting, scheduling, staffing, technical quality, and successful project delivery.

The Principal Investigator may also supervise or participate in field activities depending on project needs. This role works with clients, regulatory agencies, landowners, project managers, technical staff, field crews, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure work is completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with project scope and applicable professional and regulatory standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage cultural resources projects from proposal development through project completion.
• Support project acquisition through strategic planning, proposal preparation, procurement activities, and development of project scopes and cost estimates.
• Develop and refine research designs, methodologies, field strategies, and project procedures.
• Manage project planning, budgets, schedules, staffing, logistics, and overall execution.
• Oversee fieldwork and coordinate personnel assignments, equipment, documentation, and other project resources.
• Monitor project progress and adjust schedules, staffing, field methods, or documentation procedures as needed.
• Provide leadership and guidance on field decisions, crew safety, conflict resolution, and project-related problem-solving.
• Perform quality assurance and quality control reviews of technical reports, regulatory documents, and client communications.
• Manage or oversee cultural resources surveys, testing, mitigation, monitoring, artifact analysis, laboratory activities, and technical report preparation.
• Ensure project objectives are achieved in accordance with approved research designs, client expectations, company standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate and communicate with clients, regulatory agencies, landowners, and other project stakeholders.
• Support additional project and practice needs as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• At least five years of documented archaeological field experience, including at least two years of project management and supervisory experience at the Project Archaeologist level or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of local, state, and federal cultural resources regulations and compliance requirements, including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, NEPA, ARPA, and NAGPRA.
• Experience conducting and managing cultural resources surveys, testing, mitigation, monitoring, and technical report preparation.
• Experience managing project scope, budgets, schedules, staffing, field logistics, and technical deliverables.
• Ability to conduct thorough quality assurance and quality control reviews of technical reports, regulatory documents, and client communications.
• Experience coordinating and communicating with regulatory agencies, clients, landowners, and other stakeholders.
• Regional experience in the southeastern United States, including knowledge of applicable state regulations and permitting requirements.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.Willingness and ability to travel and conduct fieldwork as needed.
• Ability to navigate rugged terrain and conduct shovel testing at prescribed intervals, potentially covering up to 10 miles per day while carrying field equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet company driving requirements.
  

Preferred:

• Familiarity with prehistoric and historic artifact analysis, laboratory procedures, and archaeological equipment.
• Experience supporting pipeline, utility transmission, petrochemical, or other energy-sector projects.
• Established experience with cultural resources regulations and permitting requirements in the southeastern United States.

WHY ALLENES?

Allen Engineering and Science offers competitive compensation, a generous benefits package, professional development opportunities, and the chance to work alongside talented professionals on impactful projects.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Allen Engineering and Science is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.