Senior Archaeologist

WSP; Farmington (AR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP's Northwest Arkansas office is seeking a Senior Archaeologist to lead heritage projects within the Cultural Resources Management Team. You will oversee surveys, excavations, and research designs, collaborating with clients and stakeholders to deliver compliant, high-quality outcomes.

This role offers opportunities to work across regions, mentor junior staff, and stay current with evolving regulations and industry practices while contributing to sustainable communities.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of relevant experience, including Section 106/110 compliance.
• CRM archaeology experience, preferably in Arkansas, the Midwest, or Southeast.
• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks for cultural resource management.
• Proven track record of project delivery and client engagement.
• Experience developing project budgets and proposals.
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills.
• Experience leading and managing interdisciplinary teams.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Manage heritage and cultural resource projects.
• Direct field teams on archaeological surveys and excavations.
• Develop and implement research designs for cultural resource studies.
• Assist with development and scoping of medium-sized projects.
• Interact with clients, landowners, contractors, tribal representatives, and stakeholders.
• Help clients comply with state and federal regulations (Section 106/110, NEPA).
• Prepare and contribute to technical reports, data entry, impact assessments, and permitting.
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies, subcontractors, and cross-functional teams.
• Remain current in archaeological methods, technologies, and best practices.

Skills

Team leadership

Technical writing

Communication skills

QA/QC

Problem solving

Mentoring

Travel flexibility

Education

Master’s degree in Archaeology/Anthropology/Historic Preservation or related field

Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Senior Archaeologist to support our Northwest Arkansas office. Be involved in projects with our Cultural Resources Management Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client’s objectives and solves their challenges. At WSP, you’ll find a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusion, where your expertise helps shape sustainable communities and preserve cultural heritage for future generations.

In addition to our many ongoing Phase I, II, and III projects, WSP has multiple upcoming cultural resources projects, from survey to mitigation, across Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas, and the broader Midwest and Southeast regions.

Our highly experienced team includes over 40 cultural resources professionals across key Midwest hubs, supported by a national network of technical experts. This role offers the opportunity to collaborate across regions and disciplines, leveraging WSP’s global resources to deliver impactful results for our clients and communities.
At WSP, we are committed to empowering our people—providing opportunities for career growth, meaningful work, and the ability to contribute to projects that make a lasting difference.

Your Impact

• Manage heritage and cultural resource projects.
• Direct field teams on archaeological surveys and excavations.
• Develop and implement research designs for cultural resource studies.
• Assist with development and scoping of medium-sized projects.
• Interact with clients, landowners, contractors, tribal representatives, and other stakeholders.
• Help clients comply with state and federal regulations (e.g., Section 106/110, NEPA).
• Prepare and contribute to technical reports, data entry, impact assessments, and permitting activities.
• Perform professional archaeological investigations, inspections, and field studies.
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies, subcontractors, and cross-functional teams.
• Remain current in archaeological methods, technologies, and industry best practices.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making aligned with WSP’s Code of Conduct.
• Support a culture of safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Historic Preservation, or related field.
• 7+ years of relevant experience, including Section 106/110 compliance.
• Experience in CRM archaeology, preferably in Arkansas, the Midwest, or Southeast.
• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks for cultural resource management.
• Proven track record of successful project delivery and client engagement.
• Experience developing project budgets and proposals.
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills.
• Experience leading and managing interdisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated expertise in Midwest or Southeast archaeology.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently while mentoring junior staff and ensuring QA/QC standards.
• Proven commitment to workplace safety and adherence to company policies.
• Flexibility to meet project demands, including occasional travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s or Ph.D. Degree is preferred.
• Specialized expertise in Central U.S. archaeology demonstrated through publications or presentations.
• Active participation in professional organizations.

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