Project Archaeologist

Colliers Engineering & Design; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Colliers Engineering & Design is seeking a Project Archaeologist to support the Cultural Resources team in Texas, coordinating field investigations and delivering technical reports.

The successful candidate will supervise field crews, develop methodologies with Principal Investigators, and prepare desktop assessments, Phase I/II/III deliverables, and regulatory documents, while managing schedules and budgets and traveling as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Archaeology or Anthropology (or closely related field) with field school or equivalent experience.
• Master's degree in Archaeology or Anthropology 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 106 NHPA, Texas Antiquities Code, and THC standards preferred.
• Proficiency with GPS/GNSS, GIS-based data collection, and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and supervise archaeological field investigations (surveys, shovel testing, excavation, monitoring).
• Develop field methodologies with PIs, coordinate staffing, and implement scopes of work.
• Prepare draft reports, assessments, memoranda, and regulatory documents for PI review.
• Conduct background research using Atlas, historic maps, and existing records.
• Prepare site forms, field docs, artifact inventories, and supporting materials.
• Collaborate with GIS to create project boundaries, site maps, and final figures.
• QA/QC field records, GPS data, photos, and GIS deliverables.
• Assist with scheduling, resource allocation, and budget tracking.
• Provide mentorship to Field Directors and technicians; contribute to Phase II/III work.
• Assist with Texas Antiquities Permit documentation and THC coordination.

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.

Join our Environmental team and build your career alongside the best our industry has to offer. Whether you're interested in working on local, state, federal or private projects, Colliers Engineering & Design is a workplace that will accelerate YOUR success!

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.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to conduct archaeological fieldwork in outdoor environments, including walking extended distances across uneven terrain.
• Ability to perform archaeological shovel testing, excavation, screening, and other physical field activities.
• Ability to bend, kneel, stoop, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry field equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to perform computer-based documentation, GIS review, data analysis, and technical report preparation.

Working Conditions/Environment

• Combination of office-based technical work and field investigations at project locations throughout Texas and potentially other states.
• Field assignments may involve remote locations, variable terrain, high temperatures, inclement weather, and extended workdays.
• Overnight travel and occasional extended field rotations may be required based on project schedules.
• Work will involve collaboration with multidisciplinary environmental, engineering, and cultural resources professionals.
• Must follow all applicable company safety procedures and project-specific field safety requirements.

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.