Project Archaeologist

Rk K; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work (home and office)

Tuition reimbursement

Health, dental, vision, life, and dis,

Paid parental leave

Wellness programs

Matching 401(k)

Paid holidays

Career development

Job summary

RK&K seeks a Secretary of the Interior (SOI)-qualified archaeological principal investigator for the Southeast region, based in Texas. The role oversees all phases of archaeological work, from field investigations to reporting, with travel possible out of state.

You will supervise field staff, develop proposals, and advise on Section 106, NEPA, and 4(f) requirements while collaborating with engineers, planners, and clients across the firm.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or closely related field.
• 8–15 years of archaeological experience in Texas.
• 5+ years of archaeological field project management experience.
• SOI qualification in archaeology and RPA certification.
• Experience with precontact and historic period research.
• Understanding of Section 106, NEPA and Section 4(f) processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise all phases of archaeological investigations in Texas.
• Develop proposals and manage field staff.
• Oversee artifact analysis and QA/QC of technical reports.
• Advise clients on Section 106 requirements and regulatory compliance.
• Draft Section 106 agreement documents and contribute to NEPA work.
• Support business development and attend industry conferences.

Skills

SOI-qualified archaeologist

RPA-certified

Field project management

Team leadership

Technical writing

Background check clearance

Education

Masters degree in Archaeology/Anthropology

Tools

ArcGIS

Job description

RK&K is seeking a Secretary of the Interior (SOI)-qualified archaeological principal investigator in the Southeast region. This is a permanent, full-time position based in one of RK&K's office locations in Texas. The candidate will collaborate closely with RK&K archaeologists, architectural historians, and environmental planners throughout the company.

*This position may require travel out of state.

Essential Functions

The successful candidate will serve as a Principal Investigator responsible for:

• Completion of all phases of archaeological investigations throughout Texas.
• Proposal development.
• Supervision of field staff.
• Oversight of artifact analysis and the preparation and QA/QC review of technical reports.
• Serving as the subject matter expert, advising RK&K engineers, environmental planners, and clients on Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and state historic preservation regulatory requirements.
• Drafting Section 106 agreement documents.
• Contributing to NEPA documents and assisting with Section 4(f) evaluations.
• Assisting regional environmental planners and firmwide cultural resources staff in business development, including identifying new clients and markets and attending industry conferences.

Required Skills and Experience

• Masters degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or closely related field
• Eight (8) to Fifteen (15) years of archaeological experience in Texas
• Five (5)+ years of archaeological field project management experience implementing archaeological work plans and supervising archaeological crew chiefs and field archaeologists
• Secretary of the Interior (SOI)-qualified in archaeology
• Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA)
• Experience with both precontact and historic period archaeological research
• Expertise with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act consultation
• Understanding of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Section 4(f) of the USDOT Act.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team that includes archaeologists, architectural historians, environmental planners, and engineers
• Solid research, technical writing, and communication skills
• Strong attention to detail when authoring and reviewing work
• Fluent with Microsoft Office
• Experience working on Texas Department of Transportation projects
• Ability to work well with others
• Ability to pass a background checkValid driver's license and clean driving record

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience with ArcGIS

Other Duties

This job description indicates the general nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other essential functions (as covered under ADA). It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities and duties required by the employee. Other duties are assigned as required.

Physical Demands

This role may require the ability to perform field inspections on active construction sites. The employee must be able to stand and walk for extended periods, navigate uneven terrain, and climb ladders or stairs. Ability to lift and carry inspection equipment and materials weighing up to 20-30 pounds on an occasional basis, with or without reasonable accommodation. Work is performed outdoors in varying weather conditions and may include exposure to construction-related hazards.

What We Offer

RK&K offers excellent potential for career advancement and professional growth. We also offer attractive compensation packages commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Paid time off
• Hybrid work (home and office)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances
• Paid parental leave
• Wellness programs and employee resource groups
• Career Development
• Matching 401(k) plan
• Paid Holidays
• Much, much more!

Why RK&K?

As a full-service engineering and construction management firm, RK&K gives you the opportunity to directly impact the communities in which we live and work. What sets RK&K apart is an award-winning culture that has fostered a spirit of collaboration and trust for over 100 years. To its clients, the firm delivers concepts, processes, and outcomes that are designed for success. RK&K has earned its reputation as a trusted partner, responsive employer, and community steward.