Senior Project Archaeologist
About The Position
Environmental Research Group, LLC (ERG) is seeking a full-time Senior Project Archaeologist to lead cultural resource management (CRM) projects supporting federal and state clients throughout the eastern, midwestern, and southeastern United States. The role combines project management, technical leadership, field direction, report preparation and review, client coordination, and staff mentorship from project kickoff through final deliverable. Candidates based in North Carolina, Virginia, or within approximately a half-day drive of Charlotte, North Carolina, are preferred. The position is virtual-work-friendly when not performing field-based responsibilities, with an anticipated 40% fieldwork and 60% office or remote work split. The Senior Project Archaeologist leads projects through scope, schedule, budget, staffing, field execution, documentation, and closeout. Field responsibilities include directing Phase I surveys, Phase II testing and evaluation, archaeological monitoring, and other investigations as needed. The role also involves coordinating field logistics and safety, preparing and reviewing technical and regulatory documents, applying Section 106, NEPA, and applicable state guidance, using GIS-enabled tools, coordinating with clients and agencies, and mentoring junior staff. Field mobilizations may last approximately 5 to 20 days, with weekday fieldwork typical. Work may take place outdoors for extended periods in remote locations, variable or extreme weather, and uneven terrain, and can involve physically demanding tasks. Travel to project sites and regular hotel stays are required, for up to approximately 40% of work time.
Requirements
- Master's degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a closely related field.
- At least five years of progressively responsible CRM experience, including field leadership, technical report writing, and client communication.
- Demonstrated experience leading archaeological field crews and managing project deliverables.
- Experience conducting or directing Phase I survey, Phase II testing or evaluation, and archaeological monitoring during construction.
- Working knowledge of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, NEPA, and archaeological investigation standards and guidelines applicable to the states where work is performed.
- Strong technical writing, editing, communication, data analysis, time management, and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and complete work within established scope, schedule, and budget parameters.
- Ability to work independently, collaborate across disciplines, lead teams, and mentor developing professionals.
- Experience with GIS-based field data collection, analysis, mapping, and reporting.
- Valid driver's license and ability to pass background checks and security-clearance requirements associated with client work.
- Ability and willingness to travel to project sites, including hotel stays, for up to approximately 40% of work time.
Nice To Haves
- Meets the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualification Standards for Archaeology.
- Experience supporting federal and state agency projects in the eastern, midwestern, or southeastern United States.
- Experience with Phase III data recovery, artifact analysis, geophysical remote sensing, metal detection, mechanical trenching, or another archaeological specialty.
- Experience preparing proposals, scopes of work, cost estimates, and project schedules.
- Experience performing peer review or formal quality assurance/quality control of archaeological deliverables.
- Candidates based in North Carolina, Virginia, or within approximately a half-day drive of Charlotte, North Carolina, are preferred.
Responsibilities
- Lead archaeological projects from kickoff through final deliverable, including scope, schedule, budget, staffing, field execution, documentation, and closeout.
- Direct Phase I archaeological surveys, Phase II testing and evaluation, archaeological monitoring, and other field investigations as required.
- Coordinate field mobilizations, logistics, safety planning, daily production, data quality, and communication with project teams and local client contacts.
- Prepare and contribute substantially to technical reports, regulatory coordination documents, research designs, methodologies, proposals, and scopes of work.
- Review field records, GIS data, analyses, and technical products for completeness, accuracy, consistency, and compliance with applicable standards.
- Apply Section 106, NEPA, and relevant state guidance to archaeological planning, investigations, documentation, and recommendations.
- Communicate with clients, agency contacts, teaming partners, landowners, and internal project staff.
- Mentor junior staff, provide technical guidance, and contribute to consistent archaeological methods and high-quality deliverables.
- Use GIS-enabled field data collection, mapping, analysis, and reporting tools.
- Perform other duties as assigned by leadership.
Benefits
- Health insurance with a generous employer subsidy.
- Eleven paid holidays.
- Paid time off.
- Fitness stipend.
- 401(k) plan with an employer contribution regardless of employee contribution.
- Bonuses may be offered for exceptional performance.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
