Principal Investigator
About The Position
Pape-Dawson is seeking a Principal Investigator based in its San Antonio, Texas location. This qualified senior technical leader directs complex cultural resources investigations and ensures regulatory alignment. The role provides technical judgment on research design and documentation, serves as a key point of contact for agencies and clients, and mentors staff across multiple experience levels. The Principal Investigator leads archaeological field investigations and project execution; prepares and reviews complex technical reports, research designs, treatment plans, scopes of work, schedules, and budgets; and provides expert guidance on federal, state, and local regulatory compliance. The position also supports public and stakeholder engagement related to archaeological findings and participates in professional organizations and continuing education. The typical workweek is Monday through Friday during standard business hours, with flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, and travel based on project needs.
Requirements
- At least 8 years of archaeological experience, including at least 1 year in a supervisory role.
- Graduate degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a related discipline.
- Meets Secretary of the Interior (SOI) Professional Qualification Standards (36 CFR Part 61).
- Meets applicable state Principal Investigator (PI) qualification requirements.
- Significant experience leading archaeological field investigations and projects.
- Experience managing complex projects, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation.
- Advanced proficiency in GIS and mapping software.
- Exceptional technical writing and report preparation skills.
- Strong leadership skills and ability to manage multidisciplinary teams.
- Ability to meet applicable transportation or agency precertification requirements in area of research within 6 months, when required.
Nice To Haves
- Completion of an academic archaeological field school.
- Registered Archaeologist through the Register of Professional Archaeologists.
Responsibilities
- Direct and oversee technical archaeological work.
- Lead complex cultural resources investigations and research design.
- Provide expert guidance on applicable federal, state, and local regulatory compliance.
- Coordinate with clients and applicable regulatory agencies in complex situations.
- Prepare scopes of work, schedules, and project budgets.
- Lead archaeological field investigations and oversee project execution.
- Author and review complex technical reports, research designs, treatment plans, and related documentation.
- Apply advanced expertise to the identification, analysis, and assessment of pre- and post-contact materials, features, and structures.
- Apply subject-matter expertise in a cultural resources subfield, such as artifact analysis, GIS, geoarchaeology, or deliverable preparation.
- Ensure regulatory alignment and well-supported conclusions.
- Coach, guide, and share knowledge with team members.
- Participate in professional organizations and continuing education.
- Support public and stakeholder engagement related to archaeological findings.
- Manage complex projects, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation.
- Lead multidisciplinary teams.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
