Field Director

HDR, Inc.; Metairie (LA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR, Inc. in Metairie, LA, seeks a Field Director, Archaeology to lead surveys, document sites, and supervise field crews. This career-level role focuses on cultural resource management within multi-disciplinary teams.

You will plan fieldwork, prepare NRHP/NEPA reports, and coordinate with Resources, Transportation, and Water Groups across the region. Strong writing and communication skills are essential. Travel is expected up to 80% as projects span the South Central region and nationwide.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Architectural History or closely related field.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Self-starter with excellent writing and communication skills.
• Willingness to work under varied weather conditions.
• Familiarity with field study design, regulatory framework for cultural resource management, and GIS.
• Active participant in our employee-owned culture.

Responsibilities

• Manage archaeological surveys and site documentation, including feature and artifact identification and analyses; performing shovel test pits (STPs); site descriptions; photographs; and mapping.
• Supervise archaeological field technicians and crew chiefs in field and office settings.
• Collaborate with Resources, Transportation, and Water Groups regionally and nationally to plan, staff, and execute cultural resource management efforts.
• Produce professional quality reports for NRHP and NEPA compliance.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Skills

Excellent writing skills

Excellent communication

Self-starter

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Archaeology/Anthropology/Architectural History

Master's degree in Archaeology/Anthropology/Architectural History

Tools

GIS

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story: ' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

To support its growing CRM program in the Louisiana / Mississippi area, HDR is seeking a qualified person for a career level position in our Metairie, Louisiana office. Field directors are responsible for managing archaeological field investigations, directing field crews, documenting archaeological sites, and authoring technical reports.

Primary Responsibilities

In the role of Field Director, Archaeology, we'll count on you to:

• Manage archaeological surveys and site documentation, including feature and artifact identification and analyses; performing shovel test pits (STPs); site descriptions; photographs; and mapping
• Possess the technical knowledge to supervise archaeological field technicians and crew chiefs in field and office settings
• Work with multi-disciplinary teams in our Resources (strong focus on power market sector), Transportation, and Water Business Groups in the South Central (TX, OK, LA, AR, MS) region and nationally to help plan, staff, and execute major cultural resource management efforts
• Manage the production of professional quality reports for NRHP and NEPA compliance
• Perform other duties as needed

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to record cultural resources in the field without any physical assistance (this could include hiking short distances in scrub and native vegetation)
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds without assistance
• Must be able to effectively communicate in person, by telephone, and email
• Must be able to effectively work in minimally supervised and/or unsupervised environments
• Work hours other than 8 to 5 which may include weekends and/or night shifts
• Must have a valid Driver's License
• Be able to operate a vehicle day or night
• Approximately 80% travel required

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience managing junior staff during fieldwork and report preparation Master's Degree Archaeology, Anthropology, Architectural History or closely related field
• Must be able to perform physically demanding tasks in adverse environmental conditions (e.g., rugged terrain, remote locations, hot and cold temperatures).
• Must have good organizational skills, a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to learn and execute new tasks.
• Applicants will be required to submit both a writing sample and verifiable references
• Previous work experience in cultural resource projects

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Architectural History or closely related field
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite
• Self-starter with excellent writing and communication skills
• Willingness to work under varied weather conditions
• Successful candidates must be familiar with field study design and documentation, regulatory framework for cultural resource management, and GIS utilities
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location: United States-Louisiana-Metairie

Other Locations: United States-Louisiana-Baton Rouge

Industry: Environment/Sciences

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Regular

BusinessClass: Cultural Resources

Job Posting: Aug 10, 2026