Project Archaeologist Consultant

WSP; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking a Project Archaeologist Consultant to lead field surveys, monitoring, and excavation activities across Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. You will manage CRM projects, coordinate with clients and agencies, and oversee reporting and data management.

The role blends field leadership with reporting, research, and project administration, requiring travel and strong communication across technical and non-technical audiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Historic Preservation, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead archaeological survey, monitoring, and excavation field teams across various project types.

Skills

Leadership of field teams

Regulatory compliance knowledge

CRM archaeology experience

Communication skills

Project management

Microsoft Office

Mentorship

Safety awareness

Travel willingness

Documentation & reporting

Data management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Archaeology/Anthropology

Master's degree in Archaeology/Anthropology (preferred)

Tools

ArcGIS Field Maps

GPS data collection equipment

Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for an experienced Project Archaeologist Consultant to support our growing Earth & Environment business across the Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas region. The position may be based in Houston, TX; San Antonio, TX; Dallas/Fort Worth, TX; El Paso, TX; New Orleans, LA; Tulsa, OK; or Shreveport, LA.

This opportunity is ideal for an experienced archaeology professional who enjoys a dynamic blend of field leadership, research, technical writing, and client engagement. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting cultural resource management projects, overseeing field investigations, and helping clients navigate federal and state cultural resource compliance requirements. This is a field-focused role, with approximately two-thirds of time spent supporting and directing field efforts and one-third dedicated to reporting, research, and project administration.

As part of WSP's Earth & Environment team, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary professionals across the country while contributing to projects that help preserve cultural resources and advance critical infrastructure and development initiatives.

Your Impact

• Lead archaeological survey, monitoring, and excavation field teams across a variety of project types.
• Support project planning, scoping, and execution for cultural resource management projects.
• Coordinate with clients, landowners, contractors, permitting agencies, and other project stakeholders.
• Assist clients with compliance under Section 106, Section 110, and related federal and state cultural resources regulations.
• Prepare technical reports, site records, impact assessments, permitting documentation, and data management deliverables.
• Conduct archaeological investigations, site evaluations, inspections, and research activities to support project objectives.
• Communicate effectively with regulatory agencies, historical preservation organizations, clients, and project partners.
• Maintain knowledge of current archaeological standards, methodologies, regulations, and industry best practices.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior staff and field personnel.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to successfully deliver projects on schedule and within budget.
• Promote and uphold WSP's commitment to health, safety, quality, and ethical business practices.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, documentation standards, and record retention policies.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Historic Preservation, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of professional experience supporting Section 106 and Section 110 compliance efforts.
• Experience conducting Cultural Resource Management (CRM) archaeology projects, preferably within Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, or Arkansas.
• Demonstrated experience leading archaeological field investigations and supervising field staff.
• Strong understanding of federal and state cultural resource regulations and compliance frameworks.
• Familiarity with preservation guidelines, consulting processes, and permitting requirements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to work independently while providing leadership and mentorship to project teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and technical reporting software.
• Commitment to workplace safety and adherence to WSP's Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) standards.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively to support project needs.
• Ability to work schedules that may extend beyond a standard workweek based on project demands.
• Must successfully complete and pass WSP's Motor Vehicle Screening.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Historic Preservation, or a related field.
• Specialized expertise demonstrated through publications, presentations, regional experience, or technical accomplishments.
• Active participation in professional archaeological or historical preservation organizations.
• Experience utilizing GPS data collection equipment and GIS applications, including ArcGIS Field Maps.
• Previous experience supporting projects throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary environmental consulting teams.