Marine Archaeologist

WSP•Vancouver, BC

1d•CA$73,000 - CA$107,000•Hybrid

About The Position

WSP has an exciting opportunity for an Intermediate Archaeologist with marine/underwater archaeology experience to join our Heritage team in British Columbia. This position offers the opportunity to work on a diverse range of terrestrial, intertidal, and underwater archaeological projects, supporting infrastructure, transportation, marine remediation, coastal development, and environmental assessment initiatives. Terrestrial archaeological projects may be located throughout British Columbia, while marine archaeological projects may be located across Canada and international locations. As an Intermediate Archaeologist, you will work closely with multidisciplinary project teams and Indigenous communities to deliver high-quality archaeological services while contributing to the growth of WSP's marine heritage practice, which includes working with colleagues located across Canada and overseas. The successful candidate will participate in and help manage projects involving submerged cultural landscapes, intertidal archaeology, shipwrecks, historical waterfronts, and traditional Indigenous marine-use areas, in addition to a range of terrestrial archaeological projects. This role may be based in any WSP office in British Columbia, with preference given to Victoria, Nanaimo, Vancouver, or other coastal locations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related discipline; Master's degree in Archaeology, Maritime Studies, Anthropology, or a related field is an asset.
Professional archaeological consulting experience at an intermediate level, with experience supporting marine, intertidal, coastal, underwater, and terrestrial archaeological projects.
Working knowledge of the BC Heritage Conservation Act, associated permitting processes, and federal/provincial legislation related to underwater cultural heritage resources; familiarity with international guidelines is an asset.
Knowledge of submerged cultural landscapes, maritime heritage resources, shipwreck archaeology, coastal Indigenous archaeology, and pre-Contact archaeological resources in British Columbia.
Experience interpreting marine geophysical data and familiarity with marine survey technologies, GIS, and archaeological field data collection tools.
Understanding of underwater site formation processes, historical research methods related to shipwrecks and industrial shoreline developments; scientific or commercial diving certifications and vessel-based experience are considered assets.
Strong technical writing, project coordination, stakeholder engagement, communication, and collaboration skills, combined with a commitment to health and safety, environmental stewardship, respectful engagement with Indigenous communities.
Valid Class 5 Driver's License with willingness to travel throughout British Columbia, including remote coastal locations.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Archaeology, Maritime Studies, Anthropology, or a related field.
Field Director status in a BC cultural area, or active progression toward Field Director qualifications.
Familiarity with international guidelines related to underwater cultural heritage resources.
Scientific or commercial diving certifications and vessel-based experience.

Responsibilities

Lead and support terrestrial archaeological field programs, including archaeological overviews, impact assessments, monitoring, excavation, and mitigation projects, while building toward professional qualifications such as Field Director and permit-holding status in British Columbia or Qualified Marine Archaeologist status in the US.
Participate in marine, intertidal, and underwater archaeological investigations, including research and analysis of historical, oceanographic, geological, and archaeological data relevant to submerged cultural resources and waterfront developments.
Assist with the planning and execution of marine archaeological surveys using remote-sensing technologies and other specialized field methods.
Collaborate with WSP's Senior Underwater Archaeologists to develop field programs, undertake fieldwork, conduct desktop analyses, and prepare archaeological reports, permit applications, site records, technical memoranda, and regulatory documentation.
Partner with Indigenous communities, clients, regulators, and multidisciplinary project teams throughout all phases of project delivery, including working closely with engineers, biologists, environmental scientists, and coastal specialists.
Support project management activities including scope development, scheduling, budgeting, logistics, quality management, project documentation, and health and safety planning and implementation.
Mentor junior archaeological staff and contribute to knowledge sharing, technical excellence, and the continued growth of WSP's Heritage team.
Identify and implement innovative approaches that improve project outcomes while protecting archaeological and cultural heritage values.