Lead Archaeologist — Hybrid Cultural Resources Leader

SWCA Environmental Consultants; Washington; Hybrid; USD 82,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Lead-level Archaeologist – Principal Investigator to join our Pacific Northwest Subregion. The role focuses on leading complex cultural resources projects, developing proposals, and mentoring staff while ensuring QA/QC and regulatory compliance.

The position offers a hybrid or remote work arrangement, with travel up to ~20% and collaboration with state and federal agencies. A master’s degree is required; a Ph.D. is preferred for advanced leadership.

Qualifications

• Six years of relevant, progressively responsible experience; master’s degree often required.
• Master’s degree in Archaeology or Anthropology required.
• Ability to be listed on BLM cultural resources permits in the Pacific Northwest (OR, WA, ID, AK, MT).
• Experience with federal, state, and local regulatory cultural resources compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic project leadership and oversee technical approach, QA/QC.
• Demonstrate exemplary leadership and manage client and team priorities.
• Innovate standards and practices to improve project quality and efficiency.
• Oversee field research, data collection, inventory, analysis, and final report production.
• Mentor staff in NRHP procedures, reporting, and recording protocols.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Technical Writing

Mentorship

Travel

Education

Master’s degree in Archaeology or Anthropology

Ph.D. in Archaeology or Anthropology

Job description

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Lead-level Archaeologist – Principal Investigator to join our Pacific Northwest Subregion. The role focuses on leading complex cultural resources projects, developing proposals, and mentoring staff while ensuring QA/QC and regulatory compliance.

The position offers a hybrid or remote work arrangement, with travel up to ~20% and collaboration with state and federal agencies. A master’s degree is required; a Ph.D. is preferred for advanced leadership.