Senior Archaeologist

WSP in the U.S.; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking a Senior Archaeologist to support our Midwest operations. Based out of any WSP office across the Midwest, you will lead heritage and cultural resource projects, directing field surveys and developing study designs.

Ideal candidates have a Master’s degree and 7+ years of CRM archaeology experience in the Midwest or Southeast, with strong coding in regulatory compliance, budgeting, and client engagement. Travel to project sites will be 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 within 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.

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 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.

Skills

Project management

Technical writing

Team leadership

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Field supervision

Education

Master’s Degree in Archaeology/Anthropology/Historic Preservation

Job description

Job Description

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Senior Archaeologist to support our Midwest operations. This position can be based out of any WSP office across the Midwest.

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, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and the broader Midwest and Southeast regions.

Our highly experienced team includes over 38 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.

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 within 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

• Ph.D. in a related field.
• Specialized expertise in Central U.S. archaeology demonstrated through publications or presentations.
• Active participation in professional organizations.

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.

www.wsp.com

WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.

At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.