Lead Archaeologist (Crew Chief - New Mexico)

Southeastern Archaeological Research, LLC.; New Mexico; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Job summary

Southeastern Archaeological Research, LLC. is seeking a Full-Time Lead Archaeologist to join their Terrestrial Archaeology division. The successful candidate will lead field crews in New Mexico or Arizona, utilizing their expertise to conduct archaeological surveys, excavations, and monitoring.

Applicants should possess a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and have a minimum of two years of professional experience. This position offers competitive salary, health insurance, and unlimited PTO.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of professional archaeological field experience.
• At least one year of supervisory experience in the field.
• Ability to meet deadlines while remaining detail oriented.

Responsibilities

• Identify and target locations based on environmental features.
• Conduct archaeological survey, testing, and excavation.
• Provide in-field supervision to field teams.

Skills

Verbal and written communication skills

Detail-oriented and organized

Field supervision

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or related field

Completion of accredited archaeological field school

Tools

GPS equipment

iPad/ArcCollector

Job description

Title: Lead Archaeologist

Location: New Mexico/Arizona

Job Code: LArch_NM_26

Position Information

SEARCH has an immediate opening for Full-Time Lead Archaeologists to join our Terrestrial Archaeology division. Selected candidates must be based in New Mexico or Arizona with regional CRM experience and permissible to lead crews in the field in both/either state.

Key Responsibilities

• Use experience, education from a degreed program, and professional judgment to identify and target locations of enhanced site probability based on cultural, geological, and other environmental features.
• Adhere to project health and safety plan and participate, and/or lead when necessary, in office and field training and meetings. Offer recommendations for improvements to Health & Safety Manager.
• Based upon education, field observations, and scientific judgment, revise field methodology to meet goals of the overall project, in consultation with project leadership.
• Perform pre-field background research, prepare maps, input data into electronic devices, and prepare project summary for field staff.
• Conduct archaeological survey, testing, and excavation in support of Phase I, II, and III studies in accordance with the research design to identify, record, and evaluate historic and prehistoric cultural resources.
• Conduct archaeological monitoring during project construction as required, including coordination with contractors.
• Provide in-field supervision to field teams including Archaeological Assistants, Archaeological Technicians, Archaeologists, and other Lead Archaeologists while working alongside them to fulfill the daily, weekly, or project-length research requirements.
• Provide daily updates on project progress to the Principal Investigator/Project Manager.
• Recognize archaeological signatures and apply reasoning to evaluate resources.
• Record accurate, organized, and clear field notes, maps, drawings, logs, forms, tables, databases, artifact bags, box labels, and other project documentation.
• Collect and inventory artifacts, ecofacts, and samples in accordance with the research design, and keep an accurate field specimen log.
• Identify potential human and faunal remains, and treat any suspected human burial remains respectfully and in a manner consistent with the research design and applicable State and Federal guidelines and laws.
• Perform quality control of field data (hand-written and electronic) on a daily basis to ensure information is accurate and complete.
• Use electronic and traditional navigational equipment (GPS, iPad/ArcCollector/Survey 123, compass, transit, etc.) to determine project limits, record fieldwork, document findings, and communicate progress.
• Photo-document artifacts, features, excavation units, land use, landscapes, unique environmental features, historic structures, archaeology sites, unique environmental features, specialized equipment or technique usage, and work-in-progress.
• Procure and maintain field equipment, technology, field laboratory supplies, vehicles, and supplies in a clean, working, and safe manner and report any malfunctions, shortages, and risks to project leadership.
• Occasionally meet with, coordinate, and collaborate with landowners, land agents, clients, other field research teams, and visiting regulatory agency staff.
• Occasionally contribute to thorough, accurate, professional, high-quality technical reports and minor project reviews.
• Complete timesheets and other administrative or project requirements accurately and on schedule.
• Understand and adhere to the SEARCH Brand Guidelines, SEARCH Style Guide, SEARCH Fieldwork Guide, and the SEARCH Employee Manual, and encourage others to do the same.
• Understand and strictly adhere to SEARCH’s confidentiality, non-disclosure, and social media agreements, as well as any project- or client-specific requirements limiting the release of project data.
• Analyze artifacts and write up artifact descriptions.
• Maintain utilization goals.
• Travel for extended periods of time.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a closely related field.
• Permitted or eligible to be permitted in NM or AZ (BLM, ASM, and/or State Lands).
• Completion of an accredited archaeological field school.
• Minimum of two (2) years of professional archaeological field experience.
• At least one (1) year of supervisory experience in the field.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines while remaining detail oriented, organized, and able to work well on multiple tasks.
• Ability to obtain government security clearance.
• Valid driver’s license, a good driving record, and access to reliable transportation.
• Based in New Mexico or Arizona.
• Experienced in Southwestern archaeology.

Qualifications Preferred

• Graduate degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a related field.
• Located in, or willing to relocate to, Tucson, Arizona.
• Understanding of the Cultural Resource Management (CRM) industry (firms, clients, contracts, new research, and projects) at the regionwide, nationwide, and worldwide level.
• Understanding of State and Federal cultural resource laws, particularly the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.
• Meet the Secretary of the Interior’s professional qualifications standards for archaeology and be an RPA or be eligible to become an RPA
• Report writing experience as main author or contributor.
• Competent at collecting field data using a total station or land survey equipment.
• Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) or other remote-sensing technology.
• CPR, Lifesaving, Wilderness First Aid, HAZWOPER, or other health and safety training.
• Off-road driving training and/or experience.

Application Requirements

• Cover letter
• Resume
• 3 Professional references
• Optional: Writing sample (if a collaborative report, identify sections authored).

Other Important Need-To-Know Information

• This position will require flexible availability outside of standard working hours.
• Applicants must be eligible to be employed in the United States.
• SEARCH is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where a variety of backgrounds, cultures, orientations, ideas, and talents can flourish.
• SEARCH is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
• SEARCH is an affirmative action employer and a drug-free workplace.
• Employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory verification of criminal, education, driving, and/or employment background checks as well as passing results from a pre-employment drug screen.
• We will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation to the known limitations of a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or, if requested, to participate in an interview, please let us know.

Physical Demands

To successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of the job, the employee should have the ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including:

• Hear normal conversations and receive ordinary information.
• Communicate verbally and in writing.
• Use average and ordinary visual acuity necessary to excavate and inspect artifacts and distinguish features.
• Carry up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
• Sit for extended periods during travel or in an office.
• Walk up to 5.0 miles per day carrying gear over uneven terrain.
• Undertake physical work outside, often in inclement weather.
• Travel to remote locations, frequently up to or exceeding 10 consecutive days away from home.
• Drive for extended periods up to 11 hours per day.

SEARCH Compensation and Benefits include

• Competitive Salary
• Per Diem (for overnight travel)
• SEARCH-subsidized Group Health Insurance (including Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage)
• SEARCH-provided Short-Term Disability Insurance
• SEARCH-provided Long-Term Disability Insurance
• SEARCH-provided Group Term Life Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Emergency Travel Assistance
• Generous 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Holidays (11)
• Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Merit-Based Raises, Bonuses, and Promotions

For inquiries, email [e-mail]. Include Job Posting code (LArch_NM_26) in subject line.