Project Archaeologist

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a skilled professional for archaeological surveys in Austin, Texas. The role includes managing field teams, preparing reports, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Archaeology and possesses strong communication and technical skills. Travel is required, with full-time status and opportunities for team collaboration across various sectors.

Qualifications

• Experience managing archaeological field teams and cultural resource documentation.
• Ability to work under adverse environmental conditions.
• Strong communication skills for teamwork and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Manage archaeological surveys and documentation.
• Supervise technicians during fieldwork.
• Prepare professional reports meeting regulatory standards.

Skills

Archaeological field management

Technical writing

Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Bachelor's degree in Archaeology or related field

Master’s degree in Archaeology or related field

Job description

HDR is a global engineering and consulting firm that specializes in engineering, architecture, environmental, and construction services. Within our Power sector, you will help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted, and delivered as global energy demands grow. You will work alongside experts to contribute to reliable, resilient, and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand.

Primary Responsibilities

• Manage archaeological surveys that include shovel testing, auger testing, mechanized trenching, site delineation and documentation, feature and artifact identification and analyses, photography, and mapping.
• Possess the technical knowledge to supervise archaeological field technicians and crew chiefs in field and office settings.
• Prepare archaeological site forms, descriptions, and eligibility evaluations.
• Contribute to the production of professional quality reports that meet state and federal regulatory standards.
• Work with multi-disciplinary teams in HDR Business Groups, including Resources (strong focus on Power Market Sector), Transportation, and Water in the South-Central region (Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana) and nationally to help plan, staff, and execute major cultural resource management efforts.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related field and a minimum of five years’ experience
• Experience identifying and recording pre-contact and historic resources
• Able to perform physically demanding tasks in adverse environmental conditions (e.g., rugged terrain, remote locations, hot and cold temperatures)
• Ability to effectively work in minimally supervised and/or unsupervised environments.
• Experience managing archaeological teams comprised of technicians.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to record cultural resources in the field without any physical assistance (this could include hiking short distances in scrub and native vegetation).
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds without assistance.
• Must be able to effectively communicate in person, by telephone and email.
• Must be able to effectively work in minimally supervised and/or unsupervised environments.
• Work hours other than 8 to 5 which may include weekends and/or night shifts.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License.
• Be able to operate a vehicle day or night.
• Approximately 50% travel required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Architectural History or closely related field.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Self-starter with excellent writing and communication skills.
• Willingness to work under varied weather conditions.
• Successful candidates must be familiar with field study design and documentation, regulatory framework for cultural resource management, and GIS utilities.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must.

Primary Location

United States - Texas - Austin

Other Locations

United States - Texas - Dallas, United States - Louisiana - Baton Rouge, United States - Texas - Houston, United States - Texas - Fort Worth, United States - Oklahoma - Tulsa, United States - Louisiana - Metairie

Schedule

Full‑time

Employee Status

Regular

Equal Opportunity Statement

HDR is an equal opportunity employer and an affirmative action employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest, and conviction records.