Senior Archaeologist

Richard Grubb and Associates, Inc.; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Richard Grubb & Associates, Inc. (RGA) seeks a Senior Archaeologist to lead Phase I–III field investigations and reporting. The role involves supervising field directors, coordinating with SHPOs and agencies, and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.

Strong writing and project-management skills are essential. The position may be based near one of our Mid-Atlantic offices or remotely within the region, with travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in archaeology/anthropology, with mid-Atlantic site experience.
• NHPA/Section 106 and NEPA regulatory familiarity and reporting ability.
• 10+ years in cultural resources with report preparation experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan and oversee Phase I–III surveys and monitoring.
• Supervise field directors and project archaeologists/monitors.
• Coordinate with clients, SHPOs, and agencies on compliance.
• Prepare technical reports and NRHP eligibility analyses.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to proposals.
• Manage projects within budgets and schedules.

Skills

Archaeology expertise

Technical writing

Team leadership

Budgeting

Education

Master's degree in Archaeology/Anthropology

Tools

GPS

GIS

Job description

Company Description

Richard Grubb & Associates, Inc. (RGA), founded in 1988, is a full-service cultural resource management firm and one of the largest independent archaeological and historic preservation consulting companies in the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and Northeast regions. The firm has completed projects in more than 35 states and several U.S. territories, helping clients comply with federal, state, county, and municipal cultural resource and historic preservation regulations. RGA employs a multidisciplinary team of cultural resource professionals who meet or exceed the Secretary of the Interior’s Qualifications Standards (36 CFR 61) in archaeology, architectural history, and history. Principal Investigators lead a wide range of archaeological investigations and historic preservation initiatives, including surveys, data recovery, mitigation documentation, and National Register eligibility assessments. RGA also operates a full-scale archaeological laboratory to ensure proper curation of federally owned and administered archaeological collections in accordance with 36 CFR 79.

Role Description

The Senior Archaeologist role is a full-time position ideally located within commuting distance one of our offices but can be located elsewhere within the Mid-Atlantic. Day-to-day responsibilities include planning and overseeing archaeological field investigations (Phase I–III, Monitoring), supervising archaeological field directors and project archaeologists/monitors, and ensuring that field methods and documentation meet professional and regulatory standards. The Senior Archaeologist prepares technical reports, and coordinates with clients, regulatory agencies, and State Historic Preservation Offices. The role involves evaluating project effects on archaeological resources, contributing to compliance with Section 106, NEPA and state and local cultural resource regulations, and supporting the preparation of mitigation measures and Memoranda of Agreement. Additional responsibilities may include mentoring junior staff and contributing to proposal development.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordination with review agencies including various SHPO, federal and state agencies.
• Direct, plan, organize, and manage archaeological surveys, site recordation, monitoring, and other duties in operational regions
• Supervise field directors for phase I, II and III archaeological surveys
• Collaborate with and mentor project archaeologists and archaeological monitors for reporting and other project related tasks
• Primarily working independently on projects and reports with support from Principal Senior Archaeologists to execute projects
• Prepare archaeological survey reports, including all technical writing, evaluating project effects and NRHP eligibility.
• Working within a budget and in accordance with project schedules.
• Working with sub-consultants and reviewing their results.
• Communication with clients, including state and federal agencies
• Contribute to scoping and budgeting proposed projects
• Collegiality in working with architectural historians and historians as part of a team environment.
• For occasional fieldwork duties, the position requires the candidate to traverse up to 10 miles per day for fieldwork and frequently move equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise, preferably in a cultural resources management setting, in Archaeology and Anthropology with experience in prehistoric and/or historic-period sites in the mid-atlantic region
• Knowledge of NHPA/Section 106, NEPA and related cultural resource and historic preservation regulations and guidelines.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in cultural resources management with 5 years of technical report preparation experience
• Excellent technical writing skills for producing clear reports and compliance documentation.
• Master’s degree or higher in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a closely related field, meeting Secretary of the Interior standards.
• Experience working with State Historic Preservation Offices and familiarity with National Register eligibility criteria.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, supervise staff, and work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
• Proficiency with GPS, GIS, and standard archaeological recording and data management tools.
• Valid driver’s license

RGA is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where a variety of backgrounds, cultures, orientations, ideas, and talents can flourish. RGA is an equal-opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. RGA is a Drug-Free Workplace. RGA participates in E-Verify.

RGA is a certified WBE/SBE. Learn more about RGA at www.richardgrubb.com.