Archaeological Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Principal Investigator (Terrestrial Archaeology - Southwest)
Job Location: Tucson, AZ
Job Code: PI-AZ-2026
Job Link: SEARCH Job Postings - Direct Applications

Position Information

SEARCH is seeking a Principal Investigator to support in driving the success of projects and staff in the Southwest region of the United States. The position is based out of our Tucson, AZ work and will primarily support projects in Arizona and New Mexico.

Successful candidates will have a background in cultural resource management and experience managing archaeological projects. The candidate should have excellent technical writing skills and the ability to produce reports for review by subject matter experts on behalf of federal, state, and tribal agencies under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the National Environmental Policy Act, among other historic preservation laws/regulations.

The position responsibilities include coordinating field, research, and lab tasks, as well as report preparation; working with the crew to ensure fieldwork is executed in a timely fashion and meets the applicable standards; writing high quality technical reports; quality control/assurance of technical reports; managing project staff; and coordinating the development of project Health & Safety plans. The candidate should be detail-oriented and organized, work well with others, and be able to work efficiently on simultaneous projects under tight deadlines. Excellent verbal and written communication, the ability to work autonomously and in a team environment, and the ability to travel are critical to the position.

We provide 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, 11 paid holidays per year, and unlimited paid time off (PTO). Pay is commensurate with education and experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide expertise regarding field strategies, research, and regulatory requirements at the state, regional, and federal levels.
• Prepare research designs and build research teams.
• Oversee research, fieldwork, data analysis, report preparation, and other tasks to ensure that the research goals, budgets, schedules, and contract requirements of each project are met.
• Recommend and deploy state-of-the-art technology and methodology.
• Serve as the primary author and researcher on technical reports.
• Ensure research quality, research integrity, and original authorship of all project deliverables.
• Prepare research articles, papers, and presentations for academic and industry venues.
• Conduct field visits and occasional archaeological fieldwork.
• Develop project proposals, cost estimates, and schedules.
• Train and mentor archaeologists and report authors.
• Maintain the highest professional standards.
• Maintain strong project team relationships.
• Develop and manage agency and client relationships.
• Communicate project developments to the project team, company leadership, and clients.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications Required:

• Graduate degree in Anthropology or related field.
• Based in/relocating to Tucson, Arizona.
• 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 Arizona and New Mexico archaeological experience.
• Holding permits or eligible for Arizona State Museum PI/PD permits.
• 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.

Qualifications Preferred:

• Demonstrative experience obtaining permits across Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.
• Holding BLM and State Land permits in New Mexico and Arizona.
• Understanding of ASM curation processes.

Application Requirements:

• CV/resume
• Cover letter
• Minimum of three professional references.
• Two writing samples (if a collaborative report, identify sections authored).

Other Important Need-To-Know Information

• This position will require flexible availability outside of standard working hours.
• Applicants must be eligible to be employed in the United States.
• SEARCH is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where a variety of backgrounds, cultures, orientations, ideas, and talents can flourish.
• SEARCH is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
• SEARCH is an Affirmative Action Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace.
• Employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory verification of criminal, education, driving, and/or employment background checks as well as passing results from a pre-employment drug screen.
• We will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation to the known limitations of a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or, if requested, to participate in an interview, please let us know.

Benefits

SEARCH Compensation and Benefits include:

• Competitive Salary
• Per Diem (for overnight travel)
• SEARCH-subsidized Group Health Insurance (including Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage)
• SEARCH-provided Short-Term Disability Insurance
• SEARCH-provided Long-Term Disability Insurance
• SEARCH-provided Group Term Life Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Emergency Travel Assistance
• Generous 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Holidays (11)
• Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Merit-Based Raises, Bonuses, and Promotions

Application Requirements

• Cover letter
• Resume
• References
• Writing samples (if a collaborative report, identify sections authored) of material analysis and dissemination of findings.

About SEARCH:

SEARCH is a global leader in archaeology, maritime archaeology, and the full spectrum of cultural heritage services. SEARCH's staff are industry leaders and subject matter experts who support commercial and government clients worldwide. Since 1993, SEARCH has completed over 5,000 projects nationwide and across 44 countries, spanning seven continents and four oceans. By integrating science, technology, and creativity, SEARCH harnesses the power of the past to advance the projects, places, and people it serves.
For more information about SEARCH, please visit searchinc.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.      
Please send inquiries about the position to jorge.quintana@searchinc.com. Include the Job Posting code (PI-AZ-2026) in the subject line of your email.