Principal Archaeologist & Cultural Resources Leader

ERM; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 111,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

ERM is seeking a Principal Consultant, Archaeologist to lead cultural resources programs across the United States. You will guide multi-state projects, mentor teams, and strengthen client relationships while advancing ERM’s leadership in environmental and sustainability consulting.

The role requires a graduate degree in anthropology or archaeology, 6–8 years of experience, RPA certification, and proven oversight of investigations, reporting, and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or closely related field, or equivalent experience.
• 6–8 years of related paid experience.
• RPA certification meeting SHPO requirements.
• Demonstrated field experience and principal-level oversight for projects.
• Experience authoring agency-reviewed technical reports (e.g., NEPA-related reports).
• Experience interacting with regulatory agencies as a consultant.
• Ability to work within multidisciplinary teams of archaeologists and other specialists.
• Willingness to occasionally travel to field sites.
• Experience with mapping equipment and field technologies (GPS, ArcGIS FieldMaps, Survey123, total station).
• Driver's License required for travel to client locations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a permitted BLM Principal Investigator.
• Obtain necessary federal and state permits for projects.
• Provide QA/QC of deliverables prepared by other archaeologists.
• Oversee desktop studies and field investigations (surveys, testing, excavations).
• Lead and manage archaeologists across experience levels (hiring, mentoring, training).
• Coordinate with unit leads and partners to support performance and delivery.
• Sign as PI and/or Task Manager for cultural resources studies on major projects.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, and within scope and budget.
• Support multi-state infrastructure projects and site-specific assignments.
• Expand ERM’s market share through technical excellence and business development.
• Partner with leadership to deepen client relationships and drive revenue.
• Identify opportunities for cross-selling cultural resources services.
• Collaborate with environmental planners, GIS professionals, and engineers.
• Represent ERM to clients, partners, and regulators.
• Manage subcontractor needs and performance.

Skills

Field leadership

Mentoring

Client relationship

Regulatory reporting

Multi-disciplinary teamwork

Travel readiness

Education

Graduate degree in Archaeology or Anthropology

Tools

GPS

ArcGIS FieldMaps

Survey123

Total station

Job description

ERM is seeking a Principal Consultant, Archaeologist to lead cultural resources programs across the United States. You will guide multi-state projects, mentor teams, and strengthen client relationships while advancing ERM’s leadership in environmental and sustainability consulting.

The role requires a graduate degree in anthropology or archaeology, 6–8 years of experience, RPA certification, and proven oversight of investigations, reporting, and regulatory compliance.