Senior Archaeologist

WSP in the U.S.; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Retirement savings

Flexible workplace model

Job summary

WSP in the U.S. is seeking a Senior Archaeologist to oversee heritage projects across the Midwest. This role involves managing field teams, conducting archaeological surveys, and ensuring compliance with regulations while collaborating with clients and stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have over 7 years of experience and a Master’s degree in a related field.

WSP provides flexible workplace options and a comprehensive suite of benefits to support employee well-being. Join us in preserving cultural heritage and making a lasting impact in the community.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of relevant experience in cultural resource management.
• Strong understanding of archaeological methods and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage heritage and cultural resource projects.
• Conduct archaeological surveys and excavations.
• Develop research designs for cultural resource studies.
• Prepare technical reports and impact assessments.

Skills

Regulatory frameworks knowledge

Technical writing

Project management

Field investigation

Team leadership

Education

Master’s Degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or related field

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-size 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.

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.

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.