Senior Project Archaeologist

Environmental Research Group•Richmond, VA

11d•Hybrid

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 position 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 role is virtual-work-friendly when not performing field-based responsibilities, with an anticipated split of approximately 40% fieldwork and 60% office or remote work. The Senior Project Archaeologist leads projects through scope, schedule, budget, staffing, field execution, documentation, and closeout. The role directs Phase I archaeological surveys, Phase II testing and evaluation, archaeological monitoring, and other field investigations; coordinates field mobilizations, logistics, safety planning, daily production, data quality, and communication; and prepares or contributes substantially to technical reports, regulatory coordination documents, research designs, methodologies, proposals, and scopes of work. The position reviews field records, GIS data, analyses, and technical products for quality and compliance with applicable standards, and applies Section 106, NEPA, and relevant state guidance to archaeological work. The role also coordinates with clients, agencies, teaming partners, landowners, and internal staff; mentors junior staff; contributes to consistent archaeological methods and high-quality deliverables; and uses GIS-enabled field data collection, mapping, analysis, and reporting tools. Travel to project sites, including hotel stays, may be required for up to approximately 40% of work time. Field mobilizations may last approximately 5 to 20 days, with weekday fieldwork typical. Field conditions may include extended outdoor work in remote locations, variable or extreme weather, uneven terrain, and physically demanding tasks.

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 project needs require.
Coordinate field mobilizations, logistics, safety planning, daily production, data quality, and communication with project teams and local client contacts.
Prepare and make substantial contributions 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, investigation, 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.