Field Director - Archaeologist

Kleinfelder Inc; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 67,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) plan

Paid holidays

Job summary

Kleinfelder Inc. in Colorado is seeking an experienced Archaeological Survey Field Director to lead surveys and manage field crews across diverse projects, ensuring safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

You will mentor junior staff, coordinate with project teams, prepare field reports, and contribute to proposals while upholding scientific excellence and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Archaeology/Anthropology or related field.
• 5+ years of archaeological survey and CRM experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading archaeological field crews.
• Knowledge of Section 106 and cultural resource compliance requirements.
• Experience preparing and reviewing archaeological technical reports and field documentation.

Responsibilities

• Independently evaluates and selects the most appropriate archaeological methods for field operations.
• Provides on-site guidance to field teams, ensuring safe and high-quality surveys.
• Coordinates logistics, schedules, and resources for field operations.
• Collects and records field data with high precision and compliance.
• Supports resolution of field challenges by applying advanced archaeological knowledge.
• Ensures adherence to safety and environmental protocols during field activities.
• Mentors junior field staff on methods and safety practices.
• Prepares and maintains comprehensive field reports and findings.
• Assists in preliminary data analysis for project reports.
• Communicates progress and adjustments to project managers.

Skills

Field crew leadership

Regulatory compliance

Report writing

Archaeology methods

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Archaeology/Anthropology

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

Klienfelder is seeking an experienced, enthusiastic, and highly motivated Archaeological Survey Field Director to lead and oversee archaeological survey projects that support responsible development, resource stewardship, and cultural heritage preservation. This role offers an exciting opportunity to manage field investigations, mentor archaeological professionals, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to meaningful projects throughout diverse geographic regions.

The Archaeological Survey Field Director serves as a trusted technical leader who is passionate about delivering exceptional client service, maintaining scientific excellence, and promoting a culture of safety, teamwork, and continuous learning. Successful candidates will thrive in a dynamic environment where innovation, professionalism, and respect for cultural resources are highly valued.

Job Responsibilities

• Independently evaluates and selects the most appropriate archaeological and technical methods for field operations, applying judgment to adapt standard procedures to meet specific project goals and challenges.
• Provides on-site guidance to field teams, ensuring the successful execution of archaeological surveys, excavations, and monitoring activities, while prioritizing safety and project quality.
• Assists in coordinating logistics, schedules, and resources for archaeological field operations, ensuring all required equipment, tools, and materials are available, functional, and prepared for fieldwork.
• Collects and records archaeological field data with high precision, ensuring complete compliance with project specifications, archaeological standards, and regulatory guidelines.
• Supports the resolution of field challenges by applying advanced archaeological knowledge and assisting in adjusting methodologies or techniques as directed.
• Ensures strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental protocols during all field activities, participating in safety briefings and helping to monitor team compliance, and addressing any safety concerns promptly.
• Provides guidance to junior field staff, providing guidance on archaeological field methods, safety protocols, and best practices to enhance team skill levels and performance.
• Prepares and maintains comprehensive field reports, documenting procedures, field data, and findings with clarity and attention to detail.
• Assists in preliminary data analysis for incorporation into project reports or publications.
• Communicates regularly with project managers and senior supervisors, providing detailed updates on field progress, data collection status, emerging challenges, and adjustments to project timelines.
• Collaborates with project teams to integrate field data into the overall archaeological research framework, ensuring alignment with project objectives and maintaining data quality.
• Contributes technical expertise to the preparation of project proposals and research plans, providing insight into field operations, logistics, and methodologies for the successful execution of archaeological projects.

Position Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Archaeology/Anthropology or related field.5+ years of archaeological survey and CRM experience.Demonstrated experience leading archaeological field crews.Knowledge of Section 106 and cultural resource compliance requirements.Experience preparing and reviewing archaeological technical reports and field documentation.

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.

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: $66,531 - $111,036. We will be accepting applications through 01/17/2027.

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.

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)