Senior Archaeologist

Terracon Consultants, Inc.; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking consulting firm as a Senior Archaeologist, leading a local team in a dynamic environment. This role offers the chance to oversee archaeological investigations across Iowa and the Midwest, collaborating with skilled professionals and contributing to impactful projects. With a commitment to employee development and exceptional client service, this position is perfect for those looking to advance their careers in a supportive, employee-owned organization. Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package while making a difference in the field of archaeology.

Benefits

Health Insurance

401(k)

Paid Time Off

Education Reimbursement

Bonus Programs

Qualifications

• 15+ years of relevant experience in archaeology.
• Ability to serve as Principal Investigator under Iowa SHPO requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead archaeological investigations and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Supervise field and laboratory teams while managing project budgets.

Skills

Leadership Skills

Project Management

Written Communication

Verbal Communication

Research Skills

Multi-tasking

Education

Master's degree in Anthropology

Job description

Job Description

General Responsibilities:

Are you looking to join an established environmental planning practice with the opportunity to build your own local cultural resources team? We are seeking a Senior Archaeologist to lead the Iowa Archaeology Group, facilitating ongoing and future archaeological projects. This role involves collaboration with our Principal Investigators (PIs), archaeological teams across the Midwest, and a network of archaeologists nationwide. It is a full-time position with benefits.

We are an employee-owned organization committed to supporting staff development and delivering exceptional client service.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities:

1. Follow safety rules, guidelines, and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning and report safety issues to management.
2. Maintain quality standards across all projects.
3. Design, conduct, and report on archaeological investigations (pre-contact, historic, industrial, rural, urban) and phases (survey, evaluation, mitigation) in accordance with regulatory standards, primarily in Iowa and the Midwest.
4. Conduct independent research using pre-contact and historic documentary sources.
5. Develop proposals, methodologies, and research designs for archaeological projects.
6. Supervise and coordinate field and laboratory teams.
7. Coordinate with clients to ensure regulatory compliance for cultural resources.
8. Collaborate with other archaeologists and historians within Terracon regionally and nationally.
9. Market archaeological services to new and existing clients.
10. Manage projects within budget and deadlines.
11. Grow and manage a team of full and part-time archaeologists.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience as an Archaeological Principal Investigator in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota.
• Experience working on solar farms, commercial developments, linear projects, and communication towers.
• Proven ability to write bids and proposals for large government contracts.
• Experience in marketing archaeological services.
• Management experience leading archaeologist teams.
• Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA) or ability to obtain RPA status.

Minimum Requirements:

• Meet SOI Qualifications as Principal Investigator.
• Ability to serve as an Archaeological Principal Investigator under Iowa SHPO requirements.
• Master's degree in Anthropology or a related field.
• At least 15 years of relevant experience, including one year as a Project Archaeologist or Principal Investigator in the U.S.
• Knowledge of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task and adapt to changing schedules and project needs.
• Leadership skills to oversee fieldwork, reporting, lab work, and curation in compliance with regulations.
• Legal eligibility to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• Ability to pass drug screening.
• Valid U.S. driver's license with acceptable violation history.

About Terracon

Terracon is a 100% employee-owned multidisciplinary consulting firm with over 6,000 employees across more than 175 locations nationwide. Since 1965, we have specialized in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Our growth is driven by talented employee-owners committed to exceeding client expectations and advancing their careers.

Our vision, "Together, we are best at people," is reflected in our comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including health insurance, 401(k), paid time off, education reimbursement, and bonus programs.

EEO Statement

Terracon is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, and disabled candidates to apply. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or military status.