Field Director / Laboratory Director

North Wind Group; Tempe, Northern (AZ, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k)

Paid leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

North Wind Group in Tempe, Arizona, seeks a Field Director/Lab Director to lead a cultural resources laboratory, perform field surveys, and oversee data collection and analysis for projects in the Greater Phoenix area and across Arizona.

The role requires 5+ years in Southwest archaeology, strong writing and GIS skills, and the ability to travel and work irregular hours. Competitive benefits provided.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience with Class III archaeological surveys, monitoring, testing, and data recovery.
• Experience in Southwest archaeology and familiarity with agency site recording standards for Arizona.
• Proficient in artifact identification, data collection, and field documentation procedures.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a cultural resource laboratory facility and ensure proper storage of project materials.
• Direct lab tasks, analysis, and fieldwork coordination for surveys and data recovery projects.
• Lead field activities including GPS data collection, photography, and artifact identification.
• Prepare permits, reports, and compliance with state, tribal, and federal requirements.
• Mentor crews in survey strategies, data collection, and safety practices.
• Communicate project status with managers and team members; support training.

Skills

Artifact analysis

Technical writing

GIS software

Field data collection

Communication

Field safety

Laboratory procedures

Education

Master’s degree in Archaeology

Tools

Esri ArcMap/ArcPro

Esri Field Maps

Avenza Maps

Google Earth Pro

MS Office 365

Adobe Acrobat

GPS tools

Job description

Location: Tempe, Arizona Title: Field Director/ Laboratory Director Schedule (FT/PT): Regular Full Time Travel Required: Yes (0-25%) Government Clearance: Ability to Obtain

Incorporated in 2011, North Wind Resource Consulting’s core capabilities include environmental documentation and permitting; natural and cultural resource surveys; wildlife and botanical expertise; National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) technical services; historic and prehistoric surveys; environmental consultation such as Section 106 for cultural resources, Section 404 for wetlands, and Section 7 for endangered species); and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and mapping capabilities. North Wind Resource Consulting maintains offices across the country.

POSITION PURPOSE

The Lab Director/Field Director (LD-/FD) is a mid-level position that will be providing management, direction, and oversight of the North Wind, cultural resource lab at the Tempe office. The position will also require the employee to occasionally serve as a Field Director for surveys, and to participate on testing and data recovery projects. The position requires a skilled professional to conduct both in-field and laboratory analysis and scientific studies for projects located within the greater Phoenix area, and across Arizona.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Continue the development of a cultural resource laboratory facility, including the management and organization and proper safe storage of project materials
• Directs employees in completing lab tasks and analysis
• Demonstrates experience following requirements and standards of various curation facilities
• Leads the transportation, organization, and storage of artifacts and data collected in the field during monitoring, testing, and data recovery projects
• Directs the completion and submission of all state, tribal, and Federal permits, including renewals and end of year reports
• Leads Class III surveys as a Field Director for simple to complex projects with accurate information and data collection
• Organizes fieldwork mobilization/demobilization
• Works well with project members and maintains a high level of communication regarding status of work product
• Assists and mentors crews in survey strategies, organization, artifact identification, data collection, following field protocols and safety practices
• Participate in project kickoff meetings and project updates
• Provides mentorship for employees for laboratory procedures
• Leads field activities including (a) collecting data using GPS units (i.e. Garmin, and/or IOS Field Collector), (b) taking photographs of project area, project activities, and (c) artifact/feature identification
• Driving daily to project areas in Arizona using North Wind vehicle
• Maintains both North Wind and project-specific safety awareness and practices at all times
• Communicates regularly with North Wind Project Managers, field technicians, and Line Supervisor
• Participates in North Wind training

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience with Class III archaeological surveys, monitoring, testing, and data recovery projects in the Southwest.
• Possesses 5-years of experience in Southwest archaeology and is familiar with agency’s site recording standards for Arizona.
• Possess site recording knowledge and proficiencies for accurately recording historic and prehistoric sites according to land agency specifications.
• Experience with artifact identification/classification, data collection, in-field documentation procedures using tablets, knowledge of land managing agency requirements, and other specialized skills necessary for the successful conduct and completion of a wide array of archaeological projects.

Skills and Abilities

• Possesses skills for artifact analysis as a specialty, to include either; ceramics, lithics, groundstone, shell, etc.
• Strong technical writing skills demonstrated in completion of Class I and Class III reports
• Demonstrates a strong comprehension of computer programs such as Word, Excel, Adobe, Outlook, MS Office 365 Suite, Adobe Acrobat, Google Earth Pro, Avenza Maps App, Esri Field Maps, Esri Survey123, Esri ArcMap/ArcPro (optional)
• Demonstrates strong technical editing and document formatting abilities to meet agency requirements
• Willingness and desire to learn as well as ask questions
• Ability to follow written and oral instruction
• Displays excellent communication and interpersonal skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to work irregular hours (e.g., early mornings, late nights, weekends)
• Willingness and ability to work in a fast-paced dynamic setting, and to consistently maintain high performance standards
• Possesses a strong understanding of working with various curation facilities, such as S'edav Va'aki Museum, Arizona State Museum, SRPMIC, City of Tempe, and Sharlott Hall
• Applicants will possess an understanding of following project budgets and the ability to communicate efficiencies and overages

Special Requirements

• Must pass pre-employment background check
• Must pass pre-employment drug screening
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with all necessary endorsements
• Applicants are required to have REAL ID ACT compliant documentation at time of hire and nothing on record that would prohibit employment on federal government contracts
• This role requires the ability and willingness to travel to various field locations on various occasions, walk and conduct fieldwork across rugged terrain and in inclement weather.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Archaeology or closely related field and five (5) years relevant experience.
• Previously listed on a variety of federal and state permits in Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah and can demonstrate a strong understanding of Section 106 and 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
• The ideal applicant will be a team player that has managed/participated in small-scale surveys or testing projects.
• Candidates should be able to demonstrate a high level of organization and effectively communicate ideas and processes.
• Applicant will hold or be listed on an AAA, BLM, and Region 3 permits as a Field Director. The work may require some travel.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Sometimes this position may require long periods of walking, climbing, standing, stooping, kneeling, and bending for periods of up to 10-12 hours per day.
• Frequent carrying of a backpack with equipment of up to 20 lbs. across uneven terrain.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

A majority of the work will be performed in an office setting. Some projects may require time outdoors in challenging and rapidly changing environments to include all types of weather conditions to include extreme heat or cold environments, traverse uneven terrain.

North Wind offers a competitive pay and benefits package to include health, life, and disability insurance benefits, 401(k) with company match, generous paid leave and tuition reimbursement for eligible employees. As a company, we are committed to employee wellness, professional development, and work-life balance. We value safety, reliability, and commitment to our people! For more information about our benefits or hiring philosophy, visit the North Wind Career Opportunities Page.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The nature of those accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis. If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact our Helpline +1.208.528.8718 or use the Request for Reasonable Accommodation form to get assistance.

North Wind is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, religion, or other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Proof of citizenship will be required as a condition of employment.

Candidates may be required to obtain and hold a Secret or Higher US Government Clearance.

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information NW collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here: https://northwindgrp.com/wp-com.