Principal Archaeologist & Cultural Resources Leader

ERM; Walnut Creek (CA); On-site; USD 111,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Parental leave

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life

Disability

AD&D insurance

401(k)

Job summary

ERM seeks a Principal Consultant, Archaeologist to lead major cultural resources projects from a US office. You will mentor teams, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive business development while delivering technically excellent investigations across the United States.

Ideal candidates have a graduate degree in archaeology, 6–8 years of experience, and an RPA credential. Travel to sites is required, and leadership across multidisciplinary teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or closely related field, or equivalent experience.
• 6–8 years of related paid experience.
• RPA qualification listed with SHPO requirements.
• Demonstrated field experience and principal-level oversight for projects.
• Experience as primary author/reviewer on agency reports (Class I/III, NEPA sections).
• Experience interacting with regulatory agencies as a consultant.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams of archaeologists and other specialists.
• Willingness to travel to field sites.
• Experience with mapping equipment and field technologies (total station, GPS, ArcGIS FieldMaps, Survey123).
• Driver's License required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a permitted BLM Principal Investigator.
• Obtain BLM Cultural Resources Use Permits and other necessary permits.
• Provide QA/QC review of deliverables.
• Oversee desktop studies and field investigations including surveys and testing.
• Lead and manage archaeologists, including mentoring and hiring.
• Coordinate with unit leads and partners to support performance and delivery.
• Sign as PI/Task Manager for cultural resources studies on major projects.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.
• Support multi-state projects and site-specific assignments.
• Expand ERM’s profile and market share through technical excellence and business development.
• Partner with managers to deepen client relationships and drive revenue growth.
• Identify cross-selling opportunities for cultural resources services.
• Collaborate with environmental planners, GIS, engineers, and other experts.
• Represent ERM with clients, partners, subcontractors, and regulators.
• Identify subcontractor needs and manage subcontractor QA/QC.

Skills

Leadership

Mentorship

Client relationship management

Team collaboration

Travel willingness

Education

Graduate degree in Anthropology/Archaeology or related field

RPA certification/qualification

Tools

Total station

GPS

ArcGIS FieldMaps

Survey123

Job description

ERM seeks a Principal Consultant, Archaeologist to lead major cultural resources projects from a US office. You will mentor teams, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive business development while delivering technically excellent investigations across the United States.

Ideal candidates have a graduate degree in archaeology, 6–8 years of experience, and an RPA credential. Travel to sites is required, and leadership across multidisciplinary teams is essential.