Southwest Archaeology PI - Lead Field & Reports

SEARCH; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Per Diem for overnight travel

Comprehensive health insurance

Job summary

SEARCH is hiring a Principal Investigator to lead terrestrial archaeology projects in the Southwest from Tucson, AZ. You will manage field, lab, and reporting tasks, ensure QA/QC, and coordinate teams across projects while liaising with agencies under NHPA/NEPA frameworks.

The role requires a graduate degree in anthropology or related field, 5+ years of supervisory experience, and strong technical writing and communication skills; travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Anthropology or related field.
• Secretary of the Interior professional qualifications standards and RPA eligibility.
• Strong knowledge of state/federal cultural resources laws and guidelines.
• Arizona and New Mexico archaeological experience.
• Permits or eligibility for Arizona State Museum PI/PD permits.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Superior technical writing for reports and proposals.

Responsibilities

• Provide field strategies, research design, and regulatory guidance at state, regional, and federal levels.
• Prepare research designs and build research teams.
• Oversee research, fieldwork, data analysis, report prep, budgets, and contract compliance.
• Develop project proposals, cost estimates, and schedules.
• Train and mentor archaeologists and report authors.
• Maintain high professional standards and client relationships.
• Communicate project developments to teams and leadership.
• Conduct occasional field visits and manage travel when required.

Skills

Leadership/Team management

Technical writing

Regulatory compliance

Education

Graduate degree in Anthropology or related field

Job description

SEARCH is hiring a Principal Investigator to lead terrestrial archaeology projects in the Southwest from Tucson, AZ. You will manage field, lab, and reporting tasks, ensure QA/QC, and coordinate teams across projects while liaising with agencies under NHPA/NEPA frameworks.

The role requires a graduate degree in anthropology or related field, 5+ years of supervisory experience, and strong technical writing and communication skills; travel may be required.