Lead Archaeologist - Principal Investigator

About the opportunity

SWCA’s Gulf Coast operation is seeking a Lead Archaeologist - Principal Investigator in Houston, TX to support its growing practice. You will assist the Directors, Team Leads, and Project Managers with project coordination and quality control for cultural resource management projects and expand SWCA’s professional reputation in archaeological and historical consulting and research.

This is a regular, full-time salaried position reporting to our Gulf Coast Cultural Resources Director.  The position will be based out of our Houston office but is open to highly qualified candidates who prefer to work from a home office elsewhere in Texas or adjacent states who are willing to travel for project work.

The selected individual will be an experienced leader in the industry and will have established positive business relationships in the region.

What you will accomplish

• Serve as primary author on large technical reports, research designs, and other technical documents.
• Conduct content edits of technical reports and site forms.
• Oversee field research, data collection, inventory, analysis, and final report production, ensuring these tasks are conducted in accordance with the QA/QC plan.
• Assist with training and mentoring of staff in topics including NRHP eligibility, implementation of research designs, technical reporting, and site recording protocols.
• Take initiative, resolve problems, and create improved procedures to ensure that tasks are completed in the most effective manner.
• Contribute to fostering a collaborative team environment that leads to successful projects and team members in the local offices and with other SWCA offices as part of One SWCA.
• Maintain good working relationships with state and federal agency contacts and clients.
• Additional project management duties as needed: manage budgets and projects, prepare proposals, interact with clients, and manage staff.
• Demonstrate proficiency in project management and effective delegation.
• Have a proven client network which is supported by a proven reputation for providing highest quality service to clients.
• Dedication to scientific integrity and quality work products for all clientele.
• Commitment to the Mission, Vision and Values of SWCA.

Experience and qualifications for success

• Minimum of a master’s degree in Archaeology or Anthropology required.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of archaeology fieldwork experience– academic or research-oriented supervisory experience can substitute for a portion of compliance-based experience.
• Emphasis in Texas and Louisiana archaeology and a current technical specialization (i.e. lithic analysis, historical archaeology, GIS, architectural history, etc.)
• Experience with and thorough knowledge of NEPA, and Section 106
• Listed as a Registered Professional Archaeologist (or qualified for RPA status)
• Experience with content edits of reports and a solid background of scheduling and budgeting of projects related to cultural resources.
• Ability to work independently as well as oversee small or large projects by working closely with Field Directors, Project Managers, Team Leads.
• Ability to travel an estimated 20% of the time.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full spectrum of environmental services. 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 offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes participation in our ESOP program. Take a glance at some of our benefits by going to https://www.swca.com/careers/totalrewards/benefits

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

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.comor call 1-480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.

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Seniority Level

Mid-Senior level

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