Assistant Project Archaeologist - Field Director

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing, 1,400+ staff, employee-owned firm, providing a full-spectrum of environmental services.  Our Vision (the North Star) is to make SWCA the best workplace and industry leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges while maintaining a dedication to employee-ownership. We live our core values: we collaborate as #OneSWCA; we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record's Top 200 Environmental Firms.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Assistant Project Archaeologist - Field Director to support our Las Vegas Cultural Resources Program. This position is a regular, full-time, hourly position and will primarily be field-based. Under supervision of a Cultural Resources Team Lead and Project Manager, an Assistant Project Archaeologist-Field Director performs field and office tasks while working with and supervising crew members.

The Field Director will manage all aspects of fieldwork, supervising one or more crews of archaeological surveyors, monitors, and/or excavators. They may also assist with office-based tasks, including preparation of site forms and technical reports in support of a variety of renewable energy, oil and gas, energy transmission, transportation, and land development projects. Some projects include overtime hours or prevailing wage rates, and often require travel and overnight stays. Project-related travel and lodging costs are covered, and per diem is provided for project work requiring overnight stays. All regular status employees are eligible to participate in SWCA medical, dental, vision, employee assistance, wellness, life and disability plans, and are eligible to participate in the SWCA 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust. In addition, a technical (i.e., cell phone) allowance is offered. Pay rate will be based on individual qualifications and experience.

Anticipated fieldwork will occur throughout Nevada, including within active U.S. military facilities. The candidate may be asked to submit to background screening in order to work on these facilities. Candidates local in Reno are strongly preferred and familiarity with California and Great Basin cultural resources is required.

What you will accomplish

• Supervise fieldwork, including archaeological survey, testing, data recovery, and/or construction monitoring and ensure quality and completeness of data collected. Coordinates with Native Americans, as appropriate.
• Data QA/QC, organization, and tracking; field GPS data collection using tablets and Geodes.
• Ensure that appropriate preliminary research is conducted and organized prior to fieldwork, and that necessary equipment, staff, and other resources are prepared for fieldwork.
• Create and maintain good morale among field crew and mentor junior staff.

Experience and qualifications for success

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology or a closely related field is required. A Master’s degree is preferred, but not required. Candidates who meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards in archaeology are preferred.
• Two years or more of experience working as a field archaeologist in the Great Basin.
• Has led crews of field technicians on a variety of project types and sizes, regions, and agencies.
• Qualified for listing on the BLM Statewide Nevada Cultural Use Permit and Forest permits as a Field Director.
• Possess advanced skills and knowledge in one or more specialty areas. Of particular interest are lithic analysis, geoarchaeology, historical archaeology, and GPS/GIS technology (using Collector, Survey 123, and/or Trimble units and ArcPad software).
• Extremely organized and meticulous with ensuring survey, documentation, and paperwork are complete.
• Excellent leadership and supervision abilities, including problem-solving, constructive conflict resolution, and decision making.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and technical writing.
• Has demonstrated skills relating to QA/QC review of field documents and site forms.
• Ability to travel and conduct fieldwork for long hours (sometimes in inclement weather, rugged terrain, and at high altitudes), plus additional hours organizing paperwork/emails daily
• Ability to carry equipment weighing up to 40 pounds
• Ability to provide guidance and feedback on crew performance as per company guidelines.
• Has enough experience to be able to easily deal with the unexpected (changes in weather, changes in client demands, changes in crew makeup or size, etc.).
• Valid Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record, and ability to safely operate a 4WD vehicle on rugged, backcountry roads.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is an established and flourishing environmental firm, providing a full spectrum of environmental compliance services. SWCA is an employee-owned company composed of environmental professionals who specialize in natural and cultural resource management, environmental planning, and regulatory compliance.

With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance companies and consistently ranks among Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms. We offer a team-oriented work environment, and a competitive compensation and benefits package, including an employee stock ownership plan (retirement) for full-time, regular employees.

If you would like to contact SWCA regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the online application process due to a disability, please email accommodations@swca.com or call 480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.

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Seniority Level

Associate

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