Project Archaeologist

Rk K; McAllen (TX); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Hybrid work (home and office)

Tuition reimbursement

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Paid parental leave

Wellness programs

Career development

401(k) matching

Paid Holidays

Job summary

RK&K is seeking an SOI-qualified archaeological principal investigator for the Southeast region, based in Texas. The role involves leading investigations across Texas, proposing work, supervising field staff, and ensuring QA/QC on reports. Travel out of state may be required.

The candidate will advise on Section 106, NEPA, and other regulatory requirements, and contribute to business development efforts across the firm.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or closely related field.
• SOI-qualified in archaeology and RPA certification preferred.
• Experience managing archaeological field projects and staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead all phases of archaeological investigations in Texas as Principal Investigator.
• Develop proposals and supervise field staff and crews.
• Oversee artifact analysis, report QA/QC, and contribute to NEPA/Section 4(f) work.
• Advise engineers, planners, and clients on Section 106 and regulatory requirements.
• Draft Section 106 agreement documents and support business development.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Strong writing

Team collaboration

Background check clearance

Education

Master's degree in Archaeology/Anthropology or related field

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 Texas. 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 Texas.
• 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 Texas
• 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 Texas Department of Transportation projects
• Ability to work well with others
• Ability to pass a background checkValid 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.