Project Archaeologist

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Metairie (LA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Project Archaeologist to support its growing CRM program in the Louisiana/Mississippi area, based in Metairie, LA. The role involves managing archaeological field investigations, directing field crews, and producing high-quality technical reports for regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor's degree in archaeology or related fields, with strong writing and communications skills, and be prepared for extensive travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Architectural History or closely related field.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Self-starter with excellent writing and communication skills.
• Familiar with field study design and regulatory framework for cultural resource management.
• Commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture.

Responsibilities

• Manage surveys and site documentation, including feature/artefact identification, STPs, site descriptions, photographs and mapping.
• Supervise archaeological field technicians and crew chiefs in field and office settings.
• Work with multi-disciplinary teams in Resources, Transportation, and Water Groups in the South Central region to plan, staff, and execute cultural resource management efforts.
• Manage the production of reports for NRHP and NEPA compliance.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Writing skills

Communication skills

GIS utilities

Education

Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Architectural History or closely related field

Graduate degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or related field

Tools

GIS

GPR / magnetometer survey

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story: ' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

Primary Responsibilities

To support its growing CRM program in the Louisiana / Mississippi area, HDR is seeking a qualified person for a career level position in our Metairie, Louisiana office. Project Archaeologists are responsible for managing archaeological field investigations, directing field crews, documenting archaeological sites, and authoring technical reports.

• Manage archaeological surveys and site documentation, including feature and artifact identification and analyses; performing shovel test pits (STPs); site descriptions; photographs; and mapping
• Possess the technical knowledge to supervise archaeological field technicians and crew chiefs in field and office settings
• Work with multi-disciplinary teams in our Resources (strong focus on power market sector), Transportation, and Water Business Groups in the South Central (TX, OK, LA, AR, MS) region and nationally to help plan, staff, and execute major cultural resource management efforts
• Manage the production of professional quality reports for NRHP and NEPA compliance
• Perform other duties as needed

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to record cultural resources in the field without any physical assistance (this could include hiking short distances in scrub and native vegetation)
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds without assistance
• Must be able to effectively communicate in person, by telephone and email
• Must be able to effectively work in minimally supervised and/or unsupervised environments
• Work hours other than 8 to 5 which may include weekends and/or night shifts
• Must have a valid Driver’s License
• Be able to operate a vehicle day or night
• Approximately 80% travel required

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or in a related field. With anticipated testing and data recovery projects anticipated as part of the workload, archaeologists with experience in any of the following are encouraged to apply: artifact analysis, lithic analysis, bioarchaeology, zooarchaeology, geoarchaeology, GPR/magnetometer survey, and/or ceramic analyses
• Minimum one years' experience managing junior staff during fieldwork and report preparation
• Experience identifying and recording pre and post contact resources
• Must be able to perform physically demanding tasks in adverse environmental conditions (e.g., rugged terrain, remote locations, hot and cold temperatures)
• Must have good organizational skills, a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to learn and execute new tasks
• Applicants will be required to submit both a writing sample and verifiable references
• Competence in Microsoft Word, Excel and Project
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Architectural History or closely related field
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite
• Self-starter with excellent writing and communication skills
• Willingness to work under varied weather conditions
• Successful candidates must be familiar with field study design and documentation, regulatory framework for cultural resource management, and GIS utilities
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

BusinessClass : Cultural Resources

Primary Location

Other Locations

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

Job Posting

Aug 10, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an Aff…? Actually the line: "We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records."

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.