Senior Field Lead Archaeologist | Cultural Resources Expert

ERM; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 79,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical, dental, vision

401(k)

Job summary

ERM is seeking a Senior Consultant, Field Lead Archaeologist to lead fieldwork and regulatory analysis across the US, with a focus in the Southwest. The role combines field and office work in a dynamic, project-driven environment.

You will conduct surveys, testing, data recovery, and reporting, collaborating with SHPO, BLM, and cross-functional teams while navigating NHPA Section 106 and NRHP eligibility.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years (4+ preferred) of professional experience.
• Demonstrated Field Lead experience 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.
• Willingness and ability to travel to field sites across the United States.
• Fieldwork may be up to 75% during peak season; rest desktop/administrative work.
• Ability to walk long distances (up to 10 miles/day) in varying terrain; lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Lead 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 SHPO, BLM, and other regulatory agencies.
• Support environmental permitting and compliance processes.
• Partner with cross-functional teams (planners, biologists, GIS, engineers).
• Represent ERM in client, stakeholder, and agency interactions.
• Contribute to business development in cultural heritage services.

Skills

Field Lead experience

Regulatory analysis

Archaeological fieldwork

Leadership ability

Travel flexibility

Education

Master’s degree in Anthropology/Archaeology

Tools

GPS

GIS

Mapping tools

Job description

ERM is seeking a Senior Consultant, Field Lead Archaeologist to lead fieldwork and regulatory analysis across the US, with a focus in the Southwest. The role combines field and office work in a dynamic, project-driven environment.

You will conduct surveys, testing, data recovery, and reporting, collaborating with SHPO, BLM, and cross-functional teams while navigating NHPA Section 106 and NRHP eligibility.