Project Archaeologist

Overview
The Project Archaeologist directs technical work under a Principal Investigator and supports project execution, documentation, and staff supervision. This role prepares reports, research designs, and technical documentation with growing independence while developing project delivery, financial, contractual, and regulatory coordination skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct technical work under the supervision of a Principal Investigator

• Support adherence to applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Section 106

• Provide coordination assistance with applicable agencies and stakeholders

• Support and help lead field teams

• Prepare technical reports, research designs, treatment plans, and other deliverables

• Balance scope, schedule, and budget considerations as part of project delivery

• Manage processing of records and materials collections

• Develop expertise in a cultural resources subfield, such as artifact analysis, GIS, geoarchaeology, or technical documentation

• Participate in professional organizations and continuing education

• Provide coaching, training, and knowledge sharing to early-career professionals

• Provide preliminary analysis and assessment of cultural materials to the Principal Investigator

• Maintain accurate field records and documentation

• Model accountability, clear communication, and respect

Qualifications

• 4 years of archaeological experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a related discipline

• Completion of an academic archaeological field school preferred

• Experience with Phase I–III investigations, artifact analysis, and report preparation

• Experience supporting permits and regulatory coordination

• Basic experience with project budgets, cost estimation, and financial tracking preferred

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Demonstrated ability to plan and coordinate archaeological tasks and field activities

• Meets criteria for Registered Archaeologist through the Register of Professional Archaeologists preferred

• Typical workweek is Monday–Friday during standard business hours, with flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, and travel based on project needs.

• Working knowledge of Section 106 of the NHPA, Antiquities Code of Texas, and NEPA.

• Working knowledge of curation standards for the Texas Archeological Research Laboratory and the Center for Archaeological Research at the University of Texas at San Antonio preferred.

• Demonstrate competency in subfield of cultural resources management, such as artifact analysis, bioarchaeology, GIS, geo-archaeology, deliverable preparation, or similarly applicable subfield.

• Proven ability to direct and mentor field and lab technicians.

• Exceptional organizational and record keeping, critical thinking, and time management skills.

• Ability to successfully delegate tasks.

• Ability to successfully manage multiple collections concurrently.

• Experience writing technical reports from start to finish.

• Experience working on testing and data recovery projects preferred.

• Experience conducting archival research preferred.

• Experience with digital data collection platforms and Global Positioning Systems.

• Must be able to work in the field under various terrain and weather conditions as needed.

• Must be self-motivated and able to work independently.

• Must be able to walk and stand for prolonged time periods; dig with a variety of hand tools, bend, kneel, and stand.

• Must be able to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 lbs. such as a bucket filled with rocks or soil; boxes of stone artifacts.

• Position may require irregular hours due to client needs; work responsibilities may require out of town/overnight travel to Pape-Dawson offices or project locations.

• Must have a valid Driver’s License.

• Working knowledge of Excel and managing large databases.

• GIS experience preferred.

*Candidates selected for an interview will be requ