Senior Archaeological Field Lead - Cultural Resources

Burns & McDonnell; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 75,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Burns & McDonnell’s Southwest Region is seeking a Cultural Resources Specialist to work alongside archaeological crews on surveys, monitoring, testing, and data recovery for infrastructure and other projects.

This position offers a path to expanded technical responsibility and, for candidates who meet applicable qualifications over time, archaeological project director or Principal Investigator responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in archaeology, anthropology, or related field with at least 4 years of field experience.
• Master’s degree preferred; PI path requires meeting applicable Secretary of the Interior and Arizona State Museum qualifications.
• Experience directing or supervising archaeological field crews; cultural resources consulting experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and state/agency fieldwork requirements.
• Knowledge of Southwestern archaeological field methods, site recording, and material culture.
• Ability to train and collaborate with field staff, project managers, and qualified PIs.
• Attention to accurate field data, photographs, spatial records, and report inputs.
• Experience with GPS and mobile field data collection tools.

Responsibilities

• Conduct surveys, monitoring, testing, and data recovery per work plan and permit conditions.
• Prepare for field mobilization by reviewing records, confirming access, and coordinating staffing with the PI and PM.
• Work under PI and project director authorizations; provide information for permit applications.
• Train field staff in site identification, data collection, artifact handling, and quality checks; review records.
• Follow Burns & McDonnell’s safety procedures and escalate field issues promptly.
• Prepare site forms, field summaries, and report sections; communicate findings to the PI/PM.
• Travel and overnight field assignments are part of the role.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Field crew leadership

Strong communication

Safety awareness

Train field staff

Field decision making

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in archaeology/anthropology or related field

Master’s degree preferred (PI path qualifications)

Tools

GIS

GPS data collection

Digital recording workflows

Microsoft Office

Job description

Burns & McDonnell’s Southwest Region is seeking a Cultural Resources Specialist to work alongside archaeological crews on surveys, monitoring, testing, and data recovery for infrastructure and other projects.

This position offers a path to expanded technical responsibility and, for candidates who meet applicable qualifications over time, archaeological project director or Principal Investigator responsibilities.