Principal Investigator (Terrestrial Archaeology - California)

Title: Principal Investigator         
Location: California         
Job Code: Power_PI_2025          
Job Link: SEARCH Job Postings - Direct Applications          

Position Information

SEARCH has an immediate opening for a Full-Time Principal Investigator to join our Energy Division team. This position is California based, though remote, with a focus on experience conducting cultural resources compliance studies in California, with a focus on Tribal outreach and coordination. This role will collaborate with the Power Sector and Offshore Wind Sector Teams to manage large complex projects that cross multiple regulatory jurisdictions at the local, state, and federal level.     

SEARCH provides a flexible work environment, a professional and collaborative atmosphere, and a wide range of projects and opportunities for our staff. SEARCH offers a competitive total compensation package with strong health and wellness and retirement plans. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, group term life insurance, 401(k) plan with match, 10 paid holidays per year, and Unlimited paid time off (PTO). Pay range for this position is $72,000 - $92,000, commensurate with education and experience.          

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain the highest professional image for our clients, co-workers, media, and general public. 
• Participate in decision-making regarding research priorities of company and provide information on feasibility of prospective projects.  
• Develop business/client relationships for SEARCH. 
• Develop SEARCH procedures and protocol related to field methods, lab analyses, and report preparation. 
• Prepare proposals for review by Sector Leaders and Management. 
• Develop research designs, outline research procedures to be followed, and identify and/or provide training to junior staff to carry out research. 
• Plan and manage fieldwork, data analysis, and reporting efforts in accordance with project Scope of Work, budget, and schedule. 
• Develop thoroughly researched, comprehensive, and defensible resource evaluations according to the National Register of Historic Places eligibility criteria in accordance with 36 CFR §60.4 and associated National Park Service guidance. 
• Support Project Managers in the delivery of projects on time and under budget. 
• In conjunction with the SEARCH Health & Safety Officer, develop a Health & Safety plan for each assigned project and ensure that it is followed. 
• Communicate project resource needs to Project Managers, Sector Leaders, Directors, and Management, as warranted. 
• Conduct primary research using laboratory equipment, computer resources, and institutional libraries. 
• Provide expertise in field of research to SEARCH colleagues. 
• Prepare reports and papers of completed projects for publication in technical journals, presentation to regulatory agencies or at conferences, or use in further research activities, with approval by the Client and SEARCH Management. 
• Other duties, as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications Required:

• Master’s degree in Anthropology or related field.
• Based in California.
• Minimum five (5) years of supervisory experience encompassing time in field, laboratory, and office.
• Must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s professional qualifications standards for archaeology and be an RPA or be eligible to become an RPA.
• Expertise in state and federal laws and guidelines governing cultural resources management.
• Strong regional archaeological experience.
• Demonstrated ability to support projects in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Demonstrated ability to manage cultural resource studies in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Demonstrated client management skills.
• Superior technical writing skillset to produce high quality technical reports and to prepare awardable proposals.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Permitted or qualified for agency permitting.

Qualifications Preferred:

• Understanding of the Cultural Resource Management (CRM) industry (firms, clients, contracts, new research, and projects) at the statewide, regionwide, nationwide, and worldwide level.
• Experience with Tribal coordination in California.

Application Requirements:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• References
• Two writing samples

Other Important Need-to-Know Informa