Senior Field Archaeologist & Regulatory Lead (Southwest)

ERM; Carpinteria (CA); On-site; USD 79,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Parental leave

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k)

Job summary

ERM is seeking an experienced Senior Consultant, Field Lead Archaeologist to lead archaeological surveys, testing, data recovery, and construction monitoring across the United States, focusing on the Southwest. The role blends field and office work and requires a Master’s degree with 3+ years of experience and eligibility for cultural resource permits.

Travel up to 75% may be required. The position offers a competitive base salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities to advance within

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years (4+ years preferred) of professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience as a Field Lead in the Southwest.
• Eligibility to be listed on BLM, ARPA, and applicable state cultural resource permits.
• Strong knowledge of Arizona federal, state, and local cultural resource regulations (NHPA Section 106).
• Proven experience authoring or co-authoring agency-reviewed technical reports.
• Ability to lead field efforts independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability and willingness to travel to field sites across the United States.
• Fieldwork up to 75% of the time during peak season; ability to walk long distances and lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Conduct archaeological surveys, testing, data recovery, and construction monitoring.
• Prepare technical report sections for cultural resource investigations and environmental documents.
• Perform archival and desktop research to support project analyses.
• Collaborate with regulatory agencies including SHPO and BLM.
• Support environmental permitting and compliance processes.
• Partner with cross-functional teams (planners, biologists, GIS specialists, engineers).
• Represent ERM in client, stakeholder, and agency interactions.
• Contribute to business development and growth in cultural heritage services.

Skills

Lead fieldwork

Regulatory analysis

Team leadership

Travel readiness

GPS/GIS

Education

Master’s degree in Anthropology/Archaeology

Tools

GPS

GIS

Mapping tools

Job description

ERM is seeking an experienced Senior Consultant, Field Lead Archaeologist to lead archaeological surveys, testing, data recovery, and construction monitoring across the United States, focusing on the Southwest. The role blends field and office work and requires a Master’s degree with 3+ years of experience and eligibility for cultural resource permits.

Travel up to 75% may be required. The position offers a competitive base salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities to advance within