Principal Archaeologist- Eastern Region

Tetra Tech; Salisbury (NC); On-site; USD 95,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Tetra Tech is seeking a Principal Archaeologist to join our Federal NEPA, NHPA, and Environmental Compliance team. You will conduct fieldwork, manage large archaeological programs across the eastern United States, and produce technical reports reviewed by federal and state agencies.

The role requires a minimum of 10 years in cultural resource management, strong technical writing, and leadership abilities. Travel and field sessions are common, with potential for remote office flexibility.

Qualifications

• Must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Archaeology and Historic Preservation.
• Outdoor work in remote locations and able to walk up to 10 miles daily in steep terrain; field sessions up to two weeks.
• Willingness to travel regionally and nationally for deployments on project work.
• Proficiency with ESRI products including Survey123, FieldMaps, and ArcPro.
• In-depth knowledge of NRHP and NEPA policy.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a portfolio of projects primarily centered in the Eastern United States.
• Lead the preparation of work plans, reports, and technical documents; ensure data accuracy.
• Manage survey, site testing, data recovery, and monitoring activities.
• Identify and pursue new project opportunities and client development.
• Regularly prepare proposals to maintain and grow the project portfolio.
• Interface with DoD and other federal clients and subcontractors.
• Support Tribal liaison and consultation with SHPOs/THPOs on a nationwide scale.
• Provide technical guidance to staff and coordinate field teams.

Skills

Technical writing

Leadership

Field work

Communication

Education

Master's Degree in Anthropology/Archaeology

Tools

ESRI ArcGIS

ArcPro

Survey123

FieldMaps

Job description

Tetra Tech Inc., an industry leader and nationally recognized engineering and consulting firm, is seeking professional, motivated, and intelligent candidates to fill a Principal Archaeologist role for our Federal NEPA, NHPA, and Environmental Compliance team. The candidate selected will become a part of the Tetra Tech Environmental Government Services cultural resource team and will conduct a variety of field, administrative, and project management tasks to support DoD and other Federal contracts, as well as other state, municipal, and commercial client projects.

Why Tetra Tech:

At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting‑edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.

Your Impact:

Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting‑edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world‑class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.

Responsibilities:

The ideal candidate will meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation, have a minimum of 10 years in cultural resource management or equivalent professional role and extensive experience managing large archaeological programs and facilities in the eastern United States. The candidate should have excellent technical writing skills and the ability to produce reports for review by subject matter experts of federal, state, and tribal agencies under Sections 106 and 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the National Environmental Policy Act, among other historic preservation laws/regulations. Candidates should be able to lead all phases of field work, oversee the production of work plans, management summaries, and technical reports in addition to managing laboratory analysis, QA/QC of GIS data, and leading regional business development.

This is a full‑time salaried position. This position requires the employee to be a U.S. Citizen due to the projects they will be working on.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee a portfolio of projects primarily centered in the Eastern United States and nearby regions.
• Serve a leading role in the preparation all work plans, letter reports, and technical reports; ensure accuracy of site recordation and data collection; oversee the execution of survey, site testing, data recovery, and monitoring
• Ensure quality of all survey, consultation, senior review and delivery of all work products on schedule.
• Identify and pre‑position for new project opportunities, develop existing and new clients.
• Regularly prepare and submit proposals to maintain project portfolio and pursue strategic growth utilizing subject matter experts and supporting proposal staff.
• Interface closely with points of contact with the DoD and other federal clients, federal cooperators, land agencies, and subcontractors
• Serve as lead Tribal Liaison and consultation Subject Matter Expert supporting Tribal interactions and communication on nation‑wide United States and territories.
• Support Section 106 consultation with SHPOs, THPOs, and other stakeholders
• Report on the daily work of crew chiefs, field directors, and field crews and interface with project managers
• Provide technical guidance and expertise to others in support of their functions
• Coordinate technical crew members, including field directors and crew chiefs, to complete assigned tasks. Serving as a field director may be required based upon the project
• Assist with training and mentoring cultural resource staff on themes such as the Section 106 process, developing historic contexts and research designs, evaluating site eligibility and project effects, and site recording protocols
• Develop, track, and maintain project schedules
• Other duties may be assigned as required
• Conduct activities in line with internal procedures, legislation, and industry standards.
• Pursue continuous professional development and maintain a high degree of discipline, knowledge and awareness.
• Work in a safe manner at all times and report all health and safety incidents and concerns.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Qualifications:

• Must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation
• Ability to work outdoors in extreme temperatures in remote locations and walk up to 10 miles a day in steep terrain. Willingness to work field sessions up to two weeks long
• Willingness to travel both regionally and nationally for deployment on project work
• Proficiency with ESRI products including Survey123, FieldMaps, and ArcPro is required.
• In‑depth knowledge of NRHP and NEPA policy
• Knowledge of federal, state, and/or local regulations and statutes.

Education & Experience:

• Master’s Degree in Anthropology/Archaeology with a concentration in North American Archaeology
• A minimum of 10 years of archaeological experience, particularly in the Eastern United States
• Over 5 years’ experience supervising staff
• Archaeological experience in other U.S. regions is also valued
• Prior experience writing work plans, management summaries, technical reports, and NEPA cultural sections is preferred.
• Must have extensive expertise and graduate training in bioarchaeology
• Must have at least 5 years’ experience in collections and laboratory management
• Must have extensive prior experience with NAGPRA policy, processes, and procedures, as well as Tribal, agency, and SHPO consultation.
• Proven history of Section 106 consultation with SHPOs, THPOs, and government agencies
• Previous work with SHPOs in the eastern US is highly desired.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The position frequently performs work in a field environment, primarily in the Great Plains geographic setting. Field work will involve traversing uneven terrain, standing, and walking for extended periods of time and will require lifting up to 50 pounds. However, the position will also require periods of work in an (remote) office environment. Note that office work can be fully remote.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This work is principally performed in a field environment and the employee will be required to travel for field work to complete site investigation and data gathering. The employee may be required to work outdoors in inclement weather conditions as needed to maintain project schedules. Components of the work will also be performed in an office setting, from a home office or in a Tetra Tech office, depending on a candidate’s preference.

Language & Communication Skills:

The employee must be fluent in the English language and able to communicate effectively in both oral and written forms. The employee may be required to make presentations at conferences and to clients, and the employee will be responsible for providing high quality written products to include presentations, reports, and proposals.

Mathematical Skills:

The employee must be able to perform basic math as needed to support data collection and project management (i.e., overseeing project logistics and providing accurate schedule and progress updates).

Other Skills:

The employee must have strong computer skills and be able to use common software needed for project management and product development (such as ArcPro, ArcGIS, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, and ESRI products).

The salary range for this position is $95,000–$110,000. Please note that Tetra Tech considers various factors in determining pay, including, but not limited to geographic location, qualifications, licensures, certifications, experience, and other skills relevant to the needs of the business. Additional information on our benefits package can be found at Life at Tetra Tech - Tetra Tech.

Life at Tetra Tech:

• Comprehensive and market‑competitive benefits.
• Merit‑based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company‑wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.

About Tetra Tech:

Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high‑end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.

Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.