Project Archaeologist

HDR; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR in Austin, Texas, seeks an Archaeologist to oversee archaeological surveys and manage field technicians. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in a related field, five years of experience, and a strong commitment to teamwork and quality reporting.

You will collaborate with diverse teams while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and contributing to significant resource management efforts. Approximately 50% travel is required, and relevant experience in cultural resource management is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of experience in archaeology.
• Experience with managing archaeological teams.
• Ability to work in adverse environmental conditions.

Responsibilities

• Manage archaeological surveys and documentation.
• Supervise field technicians and crew chiefs.
• Prepare archaeological site forms and evaluations.

Skills

Field study design and documentation

Writing and communication skills

Microsoft Office Suite

GIS utilities

Education

Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or closely related field

Master’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related field

Job description

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are best known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists. That’s why we believe diversity is our greatest strength.

We believe electricity powers modern life. As part of our Power sector, you’ll help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted and delivered as global energy demands grow. From massive data centers to modernizing transmission systems, our industry‑recognized engineers and scientists have been at the forefront of grid transformation for more than a century. You’ll work side‑by‑side with these experts and contribute to reliable, resilient and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive infrastructure forward, power innovation and leave your mark on our energy future.

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
Industry: Environment/Sciences
Schedule: Full-time
Employee Status: Regular
BusinessClass: Cultural Resources
Job Posting: Jun 3, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.