Project Archaeologist

HDR, Inc.; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR, Inc. is seeking a Project Archaeologist to manage archaeological surveys and supervise field technicians in Texas. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and experience with Microsoft Office Suite. Responsibilities include preparing professional reports and collaborating with teams across various projects.

Travel will be required, with duties performed spanning multiple locations, including Austin, Dallas, and Baton Rouge. Applicants should possess strong writing skills and the ability to work in varied conditions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Architectural History, or closely related field.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong writing and communication skills; self-starter.
• Familiarity with field study design and GIS utilities.
• Willingness to travel and perform physically demanding tasks.

Responsibilities

• Manage archaeological surveys including testing and documentation.
• Supervise archaeological field technicians.
• Prepare high-quality archaeological site reports.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on cultural resource management projects.

Skills

Writing and communication skills

Microsoft Office Suite

Field study design

GIS utilities

Education

Bachelor's degree in Archaeology or related field

Master’s degree in Archaeology or related field

Job description

Project Archaeologist

The project archaeologist will manage archaeological surveys, supervise field technicians, prepare high‑quality reports, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across the Power Market Sector in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.

Primary Responsibilities

• Manage archaeological surveys that include shovel testing, auger testing, mechanized trenching, site delineation, documentation, feature and artifact identification, analysis, photography, and mapping.
• 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 meeting state and federal regulatory standards.
• Work with teams in HDR Business Groups—Resources, Transportation, and Water—to plan, staff, and execute major cultural resource management projects.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Architectural History, or a closely related field.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong writing and communication skills; self‑starter.
• Familiarity with field study design, regulatory framework for cultural resource management, and GIS utilities.
• Willingness to work under varied weather conditions and perform physically demanding tasks.
• Ability to work autonomously in minimally supervised environments.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a vehicle day or night.
• Approximately 50% travel required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related field with a minimum of five years’ experience.
• Experience identifying and recording pre‑contact and historic resources.
• Experience managing archaeological teams composed of technicians.
• Ability to work effectively in minimally supervised and/or unsupervised environments.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to record cultural resources in the field without physical assistance (e.g., hiking short distances in shrub or native vegetation).
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds without assistance.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and via email.
• Must be able to work in minimally supervised and/or unsupervised environments.
• Work hours may include weekends and/or night shifts.

Location

• United States – Texas – Austin (Primary)
• 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