Project Archaeologist

Colliers Engineering & Design; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision coverage

401(k) matching

Paid time off + holidays

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Colliers Engineering & Design seeks a Project Archaeologist to support cultural resources investigations across Texas and nearby states. You will coordinate field investigations, supervise field staff, analyze data, and prepare reports and regulatory documents.

The role requires strong organizational and writing skills, ability to work independently, manage budgets and schedules, and travel up to 75%. This is a path toward Principal Investigator qualifications with opportunities for advancement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or closely related field required with accredited field school or equivalent experience.
• Master's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or closely related field preferred.
• 3–5+ years of professional archaeological experience including survey, excavation, field supervision, and reporting.
• Experience directing field crews and managing field documentation.
• Familiarity with Section 106, THC standards, and Texas Antiquities regulations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and supervise archaeological field investigations, including surveys, testing, monitoring, and site documentation.
• Develop field methodologies, coordinate staffing and logistics, and implement project scopes of work.
• Prepare draft desktop assessments, Phase I reports, memoranda, letters, and other deliverables for PI review.
• Conduct background research using atlas, maps, and records; compile data for reports.
• Prepare and review site forms, documentation, inventories, and supporting materials.
• Collaborate with GIS to create project boundaries, maps, figures, and graphics.
• Review field records, GPS data, photographs, and GIS deliverables for quality.
• Assist with scheduling, resource allocation, and tracking progress against budgets.
• Provide mentorship to Field Directors and technicians; supervise Phase II/III work as needed.
• Assist with permit documentation, THC coordination, and regulatory submissions as appropriate.
• Apply state and federal cultural resources regulations to investigations.
• Communicate with managers, clients, subcontractors, and staff to ensure timely delivery.
• Identify challenges early and develop practical solutions.

Skills

Field supervision

Technical reporting

GPS/GNSS

GIS-based data collection

MS Office

Project coordination

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Archaeology/Anthropology

Master's degree preferred

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

Texas Archeological Sites Atlas

Job description

Overview

Colliers Engineering & Design is seeking a Project Archaeologist to join our growing Cultural Resources team in Texas. The Project Archaeologist will support cultural resources investigations throughout Texas and surrounding states, including archaeological desktop assessments, Phase I surveys, Phase II evaluations, Phase III data recovery investigations, and construction monitoring.

The successful candidate will work closely with Principal Investigators and project managers to coordinate field investigations, supervise archaeological field personnel, analyze field data, and prepare technical reports and regulatory documentation. This position requires strong organizational skills, technical writing abilities, and the capacity to independently complete assigned project tasks while maintaining budgets, schedules, and quality standards. Projects will support a diverse range of clients and industries, including transportation, renewable energy, utilities, infrastructure, and land development. The position offers opportunities for professional advancement, expanded project management responsibilities, and continued development toward Principal Investigator qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and supervise archaeological field investigations, including pedestrian surveys, shovel testing, excavation, archaeological monitoring, and site documentation.
• Work with Principal Investigators to develop field methodologies, coordinate staffing and logistics, and implement project-specific scopes of work.
• Independently prepare draft archaeological desktop assessments, Phase I survey reports, technical memoranda, consultation letters, and other cultural resources deliverables for Principal Investigator review.
• Conduct archaeological background research, including review of the Texas Archeological Sites Atlas, historic maps, previous investigations, and available environmental and archaeological records.
• Prepare and review archaeological site forms, field documentation, artifact inventories, and supporting technical materials in accordance with applicable agency requirements.
• Coordinate with GIS personnel to develop accurate project boundaries, archaeological site maps, fieldwork figures, and final report graphics.
• Review and QA/QC archaeological field records, GPS data, photographs, site documentation, and GIS deliverables for accuracy and completeness.
• Assist with project scheduling, resource allocation, fieldwork planning, and tracking project progress against established budgets and deadlines.
• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and support to Field Directors, Crew Chiefs, and archaeological field technicians.
• Participate in Phase II archaeological evaluations and Phase III data recovery investigations under the supervision of qualified Principal Investigators.
• Assist with Texas Antiquities Permit documentation, THC coordination, and regulatory submissions as appropriate.
• Apply relevant state and federal cultural resources regulations, including Section 106 and the Antiquities Code of Texas, to project-specific investigations.
• Communicate effectively with project managers, clients, subcontractors, and internal technical staff to support efficient project execution.
• Identify project challenges early and work proactively with management to develop practical solutions.
• Maintain high standards for technical accuracy, report quality, field productivity, and timely delivery of project assignments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or closely related field required, along with completion of an accredited archaeological field school or equivalent professional field experience.
• Master's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or closely related field preferred.
• 3–5+ years of professional archaeological experience, including archaeological survey, excavation, field supervision, and technical reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare archaeological survey reports, background assessments, site documentation, and other cultural resources deliverables.
• Experience directing archaeological field crews, supervising shovel testing, recording archaeological sites, and managing field documentation.
• Familiarity with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the Antiquities Code of Texas, and Texas Historical Commission (THC) standards and procedures preferred.
• Experience with Texas archaeological permitting, site recording, and cultural resources investigations strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with GPS/GNSS equipment, GIS-based field data collection, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple assignments.
• Ability to independently organize assigned tasks and complete technical deliverables within established schedules and budgets.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 75%, including overnight assignments as project needs dictate.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record required. Motor vehicle records will be checked and monitored.
• Ability to read, write, and understand English for purposes of comprehending written job-related communications and verbal instructions and interactions.

What We Offer

At Colliers Engineering & Design, our people are our most important resource. That’s why we are committed to providing all our employees with a safe, comfortable work environment, potential for career advancement, and the ability to impact society through their projects as well as Company sponsored activities.

This dedication begins with supporting a work life balance through a generous compensation package that includes: company paid medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid pregnancy disability leave; short- and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; a company-matched 401(k)/Roth; paid time off that includes parental and military leave; employee referral and professional license bonuses and a straight time policy that compensates exempt employees for billable hours worked in excess of 40 billable hours within a work week.

We have also created an internal culture that provides the resources and technology needed to encourage personal and professional growth opportunities through reimbursement for education; a free in-house resource for hundreds of educational and self-enrichment courses; mentorship program; wellness program; Women’s Organization and ongoing philanthropic opportunities.