Staff Cultural Resources Specialist - Field Coordinator

Burns & McDonnell; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 75,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

401(k) retirement program

Job summary

Burns & McDonnell’s Southwest Region is seeking a Cultural Resources Specialist to work alongside archaeological crews on surveys, monitoring, testing, and data recovery for infrastructure and other projects.

The role includes field safety, crew direction, data collection, and preparing field records and report sections, with potential progression to archaeological project director or Principal Investigator over time.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in archaeology, anthropology, or a closely related field from an accredited program and at least 4 years of relevant archaeological field experience, including field crew leadership.
• Master’s degree in archaeology, anthropology, or a closely related field preferred; candidates interested in the PI path should be prepared to meet applicable qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Conduct archaeological surveys, monitoring, testing, and data recovery in accordance with the approved work plan, permit conditions, and safety requirements.
• Prepare for field mobilization by reviewing records and constraints, confirming access and equipment, and coordinating staffing and logistics with the PI and project manager.
• Train field staff in site identification and documentation, digital data collection, artifact handling, and field quality checks; review field records before demobilization.

Skills

Field crew leadership

GPS data collection

GIS

Microsoft Office

Tribal coordination

Technical reporting

Site documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in archaeology/anthropology

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

GPS equipment

GIS software

Job description

Description

Burns & McDonnell’s Southwest Region is seeking a Cultural Resources Specialist to work alongside archaeological crews on surveys, monitoring, testing, and data recovery for infrastructure and other projects. This position offers a path to expanded technical responsibility and, for candidates who meet applicable qualifications over time, archaeological project director or Principal Investigator responsibilities.

The Cultural Resources Specialist will plan and execute assigned field tasks in coordination with the project manager and qualified PI. The role includes field safety, crew direction, reliable data collection, schedule updates, and preparation of field records and technical report sections. The PI retains responsibility for work conducted under the PI’s permits.

The position supports a growing Cultural Resources team that works with other Burns & McDonnell practices on projects throughout the Southwest.

Specific Responsibilities May Include The Following

• Conduct archaeological surveys, monitoring, testing, and data recovery in accordance with the approved work plan, permit conditions, and safety requirements.
• Prepare for field mobilization by reviewing records and constraints, confirming access and equipment, and coordinating staffing and logistics with the PI and project manager.
• Work under the appropriate PI and project director authorizations; provide information needed for permit applications or amendments and comply with permit terms.
• Train field staff in site identification and documentation, digital data collection, artifact handling, and field quality checks; review field records before demobilization.
• Follow Burns & McDonnell’s quality and safety procedures, raise field issues promptly, and contribute to consistent field methods and checklists.
• Prepare site forms, field summaries, and report sections; communicate findings, data needs, and schedule impacts to the PI and project manager.
• Travel and overnight field assignments are part of the role.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in archaeology, anthropology, or a closely related field from an accredited program and at least 4 years of relevant archaeological field experience, including field crew leadership.
• Master’s degree in archaeology, anthropology, or a closely related field preferred; candidates interested in the PI path should be prepared to meet applicable Secretary of the Interior and Arizona State Museum qualifications.
• Experience directing or supervising archaeological field crews; cultural resources consulting experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and applicable state and agency fieldwork requirements.
• Knowledge of Southwestern archaeological field methods, site recording, and material culture.
• Ability to make sound field decisions, document issues, and elevate technical or safety concerns.
• Clear written and verbal communication, including field summaries, site forms, and contributions to technical reports.
• Ability to train and collaborate with field staff, project managers, and qualified PIs.
• Attention to accurate field data, photographs, spatial records, and report inputs.
• Experience with GPS and mobile field data collection tools.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and willingness to learn project specific data systems.
• Ability to adapt field plans to changing site conditions and work schedules.
• Willingness to travel and work on overnight field assignments throughout the Southwest.
• Ability to meet the Company’s Motor Vehicle Safety Policy requirements for driving privileges.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Experience in historical archaeology or architectural history preferred.
• Experience supporting respectful Tribal coordination in a role directed by the responsible lead preferred.
• Familiarity with GIS and digital archaeological recording workflows preferred.

Compensation

$75,000.00-120,000.00 Yearly

The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.

Benefits

Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.

This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.

Job

Archeology

Primary Location

US-AZ-Phoenix

Other Locations

US-NM-Albuquerque, US-Nevada, US-UT-Salt Lake City, US-AZ-Tucson

Schedule

Full-time

Travel

Yes, 100 % of the Time

Req ID

264995

Job Hire Type

Experienced #ENS