Senior Principal Investigator

Colliers Engineering & Design; New Jersey; On-site; USD 96,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company-paid medical/dental/vision

Pregnancy disability leave

Disability insurance

Life insurance

401(k)/Roth

Paid time off including parental and军…

Employee referral and professional lic

40-hour billable policy

Job summary

Colliers Engineering & Design (CED) seeks a Senior Principal Investigator to lead cultural resource projects in New Jersey. The role focuses on regulatory compliance (NHPA, NEPA, ARPA, NAGPRA) and supervision of field staff, with responsibilities spanning project design, client coordination, and budgets.

A strong background in archaeology and state permitting is essential. The candidate will mentor staff, manage complex surveys and data recovery efforts, and engage with Tribes and SHPOs.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Anthropology or Archaeology.
• 10–15 years of professional experience.
• Experience in New Jersey preferred.
• Experience leading Class I, II, and III surveys, testing, and data recovery projects.
• RPA certification or ability to obtain.
• Existing working relationships with Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPOs) in the region.
• Familiarity with geospatial and archaeological software (ArcGIS, Collector, Trimble).
• Experience conducting public outreach and interpretation of archaeological resources.
• Proven experience preparing scopes of work, level of effort estimates, and project budgets for public and private sector clients.
• Ability to read, write and understand English for job communications.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to walk long distances on rugged terrain.
• A valid Driver’s License is required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Principal Investigator for cultural resource projects, including surveys and data recovery.
• Develop and implement project-specific research designs and methodologies.
• Lead compliance with NHPA, NEPA, ARPA, NAGPRA, and state regulations.
• Supervise field directors, crew chiefs, and staff archaeologists.
• Coordinate with clients, SHPO, ASM, agencies, and Tribal Nations to ensure compliance.
• Provide QA/QC review of reports and regulatory deliverables.
• Manage budgets, schedules, and staffing for efficiency and profitability.
• Contribute to business development, including proposals and client relations.
• Stay updated on archaeological research and regulatory developments.
• Maintain positive cross-office relationships and teamwork.
• Travel as needed, field tasks carrying 20–50 pounds.

Skills

Technical writing

Communication

Leadership

Field supervision

English proficiency

Education

Master’s or PhD in Anthropology/Archaeology

Tools

ArcGIS

Collector

Trimble

Job description

Overview

Colliers Engineering & Design (CED) is a leading engineering and environmental consulting firm with a rapidly growing archaeological practice dedicated to preserving and interpreting cultural heritage. We provide comprehensive cultural resource management services across diverse industries and landscapes, with a strong focus on a different states throughout the country thus far. Our team is expanding, and we are seeking a full-time Senior Principal Investigator (PI) with deep expertise in archaeology and regulatory compliance to help lead projects and mentor staff. This position can be located in any of our offices in the state of New Jersey!

Overview

Colliers Engineering & Design (CED) is a leading engineering and environmental consulting firm with a rapidly growing archaeological practice dedicated to preserving and interpreting cultural heritage. We provide comprehensive cultural resource management services across diverse industries and landscapes, with a strong focus on a different states throughout the country thus far. Our team is expanding, and we are seeking a full-time Senior Principal Investigator (PI) with deep expertise in archaeology and regulatory compliance to help lead projects and mentor staff. This position can be located in any of our offices in the state of New Jersey!

Responsibilities

• Serve as Principal Investigator for cultural resource projects, including Class I, II, and III surveys and testing and data recovery projects.
• Develop and implement project-specific research designs and methodologies.
• Lead compliance efforts with Section 106 of the NHPA, NEPA, ARPA, NAGPRA, and state/local regulations.
• Supervise and mentor field directors, crew chiefs, staff archaeologists, and field technicians.
• Coordinate with clients, SHPO, ASM, federal and state agencies, and Tribal Nations to facilitate consultation and compliance.
• Provide technical QA/QC review of archaeological reports, site forms, research designs, and regulatory deliverables.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and staffing to ensure efficiency and profitability.
• Contribute to business development, including proposal writing, budgeting, and cultivating client relationships.
• Remain current with archaeological research, regulatory developments, and best practices in cultural resource management.
• Establish & maintain positive relationships with co-workers, support and build others on the team and across disciplines/offices.
• Working in various terrains and environments throughout the year.
• Performing physical tasks in the field which may include regular carrying of equipment (20-50 pounds).
• Occasional local and overnight travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD Degree in Anthropology, Archaeology or another closely related field.
• 10-15 years of professional experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in the archaeology.
• Experience in New Jersey preferred.
• Experience leading Class I, II, and III surveys, testing, and data recovery projects.
• Must meet or be capable of meeting Principal Investigator qualifications and permitting requirements for applicable state agencies and federal land-managing agencies.
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills.
• RPA certification or ability to obtain.
• Existing working relationships with Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPOs) in the region.
• Familiarity with geospatial and archaeological software (ArcGIS, Collector, Trimble, etc.).
• Experience conducting public outreach and interpretation of archaeological resources.
• Proven experience preparing scopes of work, level of effort estimates, and project budgets for public and private sector clients.
• Ability to read, write and understand English for purposes of comprehending written job-related communications and verbal instructions and interactions.
• Ability/willingness to lift equipment or objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability/willingness to walk long distances on rugged terrain.
• A valid Driver’s License is required.

Compensation: $95,545 - $139,725 per year (depending on qualifications)

What We Offer

At Colliers Engineering & Design, our people are our most important resource. That’s why we are committed to providing all our employees with a safe, comfortable work environment, potential for career advancement, and the ability to impact society through their projects as well as Company sponsored activities.

This dedication begins with supporting a work life balance through a generous compensation package that includes:

• company paid medical, dental, and vision coverage
• paid pregnancy disability leave
• short- and long-term disability insurance
• life insurance
• a company-matched 401(k)/Roth
• paid time off that includes parental and military leave
• employee referral and professional license bonuses
• a straight time policy that compensates exempt employees for billable hours worked in excess of 40 billable hours within a work week

We have also created an internal culture that provides the resources and technology needed to encourage personal and professional growth opportunities.

Through reimbursement for education; a free in-house resource for hundreds of educational and self-enrichment courses; mentorship program; wellness program; Women’s Organization and ongoing philanthropic opportunities.

• reimbursement for education
• a free in-house resource for hundreds of educational and self-enrichment courses
• mentorship program
• wellness program
• Women’s Organization
• ongoing philanthropic opportunities