Senior Archaeologist

WSP Global Inc.; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP Global Inc. is seeking a Senior Archaeologist to support our Midwest operations. You will lead cultural resources projects, direct field crews, and design research plans across multiple sites.

You will work with clients and stakeholders to ensure compliance with Section 106/110 and NEPA while advancing project goals. Join a collaborative team that values safety, innovation, and professional growth, with responsibilities spanning fieldwork, reporting, and cross-regional coordination across

Qualifications

• Master's degree in archaeology, anthropology, historic preservation, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience, including Section 106/110 compliance.
• CRM archaeology experience, Midwest or Southeast preferred.
• Strong regulatory knowledge for cultural resource management.
• Proven project delivery and client engagement experience.
• Experience developing budgets and proposals.
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills.
• Experience leading interdisciplinary teams.

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 (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.
• Stay current in archaeological methods, technologies, and best practices.
• Support safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Technical writing

Communication skills

Leadership

Project management

Mentoring

Team coordination

Education

Master's degree in Archaeology/Anthropology/Historic Preservation

PhD in related field

Job description

This Opportunity

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.

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 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.

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