Project Archaeologist

Terracon Consultants, Inc.; Hoover (AL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon Consultants, Inc. is seeking a Project Archaeologist to join our team. You will support and manage cultural resource projects, conduct fieldwork, and help clients comply with preservation regulations.

Responsibilities include surveys, excavations, artifact identification, laboratory analysis, report writing, and proposals. You will coordinate with clients and stakeholders and may lead field crews. This role offers diverse projects and opportunities to contribute to the protection and

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a closely related field with a minimum of five years of related experience.
• Meets the Secretary of the Interior (SOI) Professional Qualification Standards for Archaeology.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Follow safety rules on every project and participate in pre-task planning.
• Conduct archaeological fieldwork and prepare technical reports for survey, testing, and data recovery projects.
• Lead and supervise field crews, ensuring high professional standards.
• May serve as Principal Investigator for survey, testing, and smaller data recovery projects.
• Conduct archival research and cultural resource investigations with thorough data collection and analysis.
• Identify artifacts and interpret stratigraphy with confidence and accuracy.
• Prepare technical proposals, scopes of work, and MOAs.
• Present findings at professional conferences and industry events.

Skills

Field archaeology

Cultural Resource Management

Client coordination

Team leadership

Safety compliance

Education

Master's degree in Archaeology or Anthropology

Job description

General Responsibilities

Terracon Consultants, Inc., an employee-owned consulting engineering firm, is seeking a Project Archaeologist to join our team. In this role, you will support and manage cultural resource projects, conduct archaeological fieldwork and investigations, and help clients comply with historic preservation regulations. Responsibilities may include archaeological surveys, excavations, artifact identification, laboratory analysis, report writing, proposal preparation, and coordination with clients and stakeholders. This position offers the opportunity to work on diverse projects while contributing to the protection and preservation of cultural resources.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities

Essential Role and Responsibilities

• Follow all safety rules, guidelines, and standards on every project. Participate in pre-task planning and promptly report safety concerns to management.
• Maintain quality standards and ensure work is completed accurately and in accordance with project requirements.
• Conduct archaeological fieldwork and prepare technical reports for survey, testing, and data recovery projects.
• Lead and supervise field crews, ensuring Field Technicians and Crew Chiefs perform work to the highest professional standards.
• May serve as Principal Investigator (PI) for survey, testing, and smaller data recovery projects.
• Conduct archival research, field documentation, and cultural resource investigations while ensuring proper data collection and analysis.
• Identify artifacts and interpret natural and cultural features, including stratigraphy, with a high level of confidence.
• Ensure field forms, data collection, and sample documentation are complete, accurate, and consistent with project specifications.
• Prepare technical proposals, scopes of work, and simple Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs).
• Present findings and technical papers at professional conferences and industry events.
• Promote and support pre-task planning and a strong safety culture across all projects.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in areas of expertise and support the development of project and technical staff.
• Assist in the development of client relationships and contribute to successful project execution and business growth.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a closely related field (M.A., M.S., or Ph.D.) and a minimum of five (5) years of related experience.
• Extensive knowledge of the cultural history of the region and surrounding areas.
• Meets the Secretary of the Interior (SOI) Professional Qualification Standards for Archaeology.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting archaeological surveys, excavations, monitoring, and cultural resource assessments.
• Strong technical writing skills, including preparation of reports, proposals, and regulatory documentation.
• Experience coordinating with clients, agencies and other stakeholders.
• Ability to lead field crews and manage multiple projects simultaneously.