Principal Investigator/Project Archaeologist

Versar, Inc.•El Paso, TX

18h•$65,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Versar Environmental Services Group is seeking a Principal Investigator/Project Archaeologist to join and strengthen its Cultural Resources Management (CRM) team in El Paso, Texas. Versar is seeking a highly motivated professional capable of supporting a diverse client base that includes federal, state, municipal, and commercial organizations throughout the Southwest. The successful candidate will possess demonstrated experience in archaeological research, technical writing, and project management, with the ability to direct field investigations and prepare high-quality technical reports. Responsibilities include managing cultural resources projects from proposal development through completion, supervising archaeological field crews, coordinating with clients and regulatory agencies, and ensuring compliance with applicable federal and state cultural resource regulations. Previous archaeological experience in the American Southwest is preferred but not required. The candidate must be capable of serving as a Principal Investigator, supervising field investigations, and overseeing all phases of project implementation. Demonstrated proficiency with GIS software, GPS data collection, and digital field documentation is required. Experience conducting cultural resources investigations under Section 106, as well as familiarity with state and federal permitting and compliance processes, is essential. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and technical writing skills are also required.

Requirements

M.A. degree in Anthropology with 3–4 years of related professional experience.
Demonstrated experience directing field crews, producing quality technical reports, and applying cultural resources compliance regulations.
Knowledge of archaeological inventory, testing, excavation techniques, and cultural resources investigations under Section 106.
Proficiency with GIS software, GPS data collection, and digital field documentation.
Excellent writing, communication, interpersonal, organizational, and technical writing skills.
Ability to exercise professional judgment and discretion while managing complex tasks under pressure and stringent time constraints.
Ability to adapt to ambiguity and changing conditions, including weather, client demands, project priorities, and schedules.
Must be willing to travel and be physically capable of conducting field work.
Must possess and maintain an active and valid driver's license without restrictions.
Must be proficient in English, both written and verbal, to ensure effective communication and collaboration.
Successful completion of preemployment screenings, including federal background check, MVR, and drug screen.
Compliance with the company drug and alcohol policy.
Authorization to work in the U.S. by the successful candidate’s start date.

Nice To Haves

Previous archaeological experience in the American Southwest is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Manage cultural resources projects from planning through completion, including scope, schedule, budget, and quality standards.
Logistically plan, coordinate, and implement archaeological field projects.
Direct field crews and provide guidance on appropriate archaeological methods and documentation standards.
Conduct archaeological research, analysis, and field investigations, including Phase I inventory, Phase II evaluation, and Phase III data recovery efforts.
Assist, when needed, with manual excavation of shovel tests and test units.
Organize and maintain project data, complete archaeological site forms, and support accurate digital field documentation.
Prepare high-quality technical reports documenting methodology, findings, recommendations, and compliance considerations.
Collaborate with technical field staff, office staff, managers, and administrative teams to ensure project deliverables meet client and regulatory expectations.