Project Archaeologist

Rk K; Columbia (SC); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Hybrid work (home and office)

Tuition reimbursement

Health, dental, vision, life, and long

Paid parental leave

Wellness programs and ERGs

Career development

Matching 401(k)

Paid holidays

Job summary

RK&K is seeking an SOI-qualified archaeological Principal Investigator to lead investigations across the Southeast from SC/GA locations. Travel out of state may be required as part of fieldwork and project oversight.

The successful candidate will supervise field staff, manage investigations, and ensure regulatory compliance, including Section 106 and NEPA documentation, with strong technical writing and client-facing skills.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or closely related field.
• 8–15 years of archaeological experience in the Southeast.
• 5+ years of archaeological field project management experience.
• SOI-qualified in archaeology.
• RPA certification.
• Experience with precontact and historic period archaeology.
• Expertise with Section 106 consultation.
• Understanding NEPA and Section 4(f) requirements.
• Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong research, writing, and communication skills.
• Attention to detail in writing and reviewing.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Experience on SC/GA DOT projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead all phases of archaeological investigations in the Southeast.
• Develop project proposals and supervise field staff.
• Oversee artifact analysis and QA/QC of technical reports.
• Advise on Section 106 and regulatory requirements.
• Draft Section 106 agreement documents.
• Contribute to NEPA documents and Section 4(f) evaluations.
• Assist with business development and client outreach.

Skills

SOI-qualified archaeologist

RPA

Team collaboration

Section 106 knowledge

Education

Masters 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 South Carolina or Georgia. 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 Southeast.
• 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 the Southeast
• 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 South Carolina or Georgia Department of Transportation projects
• Ability to work well with others
• Ability to pass a background check
• Valid 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.