Senior Archaeologist

Terracon; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon is seeking a Senior Archaeologist to provide technical leadership, mentorship, and strategic direction for a broad range of cultural resource projects.

In this 100% employee‑owned firm, you’ll guide teams, build client relationships, and advance archaeological practice while supporting safety, innovation, and professional development across nationwide projects.

Qualifications

• SOI-qualified archaeologist with an advanced degree in a related field.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive archaeological and cultural resources experience.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, local, and Tribal resource management requirements.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and business development skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead safety culture, conduct risk assessments, and promote proactive workplace safety.
• Oversee schedules, budgets, risk management, and overall project performance.
• Direct preparation and review of technical reports, artifact analysis, and SHPO deliverables.
• Mentor archaeologists and resource professionals to support growth and excellence.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and manage client relationships.
• Support business development through proposals, presentations, and growth initiatives.
• Represent Terracon at conferences and professional events as a subject-matter expert.
• Serve as Authorized Project Reviewer ensuring technical quality across projects.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Business development

Communication

Mentorship

Education

Advanced degree in Archaeology/Anthropology

Job description

Are you an accomplished archaeological leader looking for an opportunity to make a lasting impact? Terracon is seeking a Senior Archaeologist to provide technical leadership, mentorship, and strategic direction for a wide range of cultural resource projects. This role is ideal for a highly experienced professional who enjoys solving complex challenges, guiding teams, building client relationships, and advancing the practice of archaeology.

As a 100 % employee‑owned company, Terracon offers more than a career – you’ll gain a stake in our collective success and join a team deeply committed to safety, technical excellence, innovation, and professional development. We offer opportunities to collaborate across disciplines and contribute to projects that make a meaningful difference in communities nationwide.

Why Join Terracon?

• Employee Ownership: Share in the success you help create through our employee‑owned structure.
• Safety‑Driven Culture: Safety is our top priority. We empower our teams with training, planning, and resources to foster a safe and healthy work environment.
• Professional Growth: Mentor the next generation of archaeologists while expanding your own leadership, technical, and business development skills.
• Industry Leadership: Collaborate with recognized experts across Terracon and represent the company within professional organizations, regulatory agencies, and industry forums.
• Meaningful Impact: Influence complex cultural resources projects while supporting responsible development and resource stewardship.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities

• Champion Terracon’s safety culture by leading safe work practices, conducting risk assessments, and promoting a proactive approach to workplace safety.
• Oversee schedules, budgets, risk management, and overall project performance.
• Direct the preparation and review of technical reports, artifact analysis, NRHP recommendations, and SHPO deliverables.
• Mentor, train, and develop archaeologists and other cultural resource professionals to support career growth and technical excellence.
• Ensure compliance with state, federal, and Tribal cultural resource requirements and regulations.
• Support business development efforts through client engagement, proposal development, presentations, and strategic growth initiatives.
• Identify and pursue new project opportunities while strengthening existing client relationships.
• Participate in Terracon's Archaeology Practice Resource Group (PRG) and contribute to the advancement of the profession.
• Represent Terracon at conferences, professional organizations, and industry events as a recognized subject‑matter expert.
• Serve as an Authorized Project Reviewer, ensuring technical quality and consistency across projects.

Requirements

• Secretary of the Interior (SOI) qualified.
• Graduate degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a closely related field (M.A., M.S., or Ph.D.).
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive archaeological and cultural resources experience.
• Strong understanding of federal, state, local, and Tribal cultural resource management requirements.
• Excellent communication, leadership, project management, and business development skills.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.