Archaeological Principal Investigator

Job Summary

The role of the Project Archaeologist/Archaeological Principal Investigator will be to conduct archaeological investigations including conducting literature reviews, designing work plans, implementing the plans in the field, supervising artifact processing, directing and mentoring less experienced staff, and coordinating with clients and reviewing agencies. Essentially, conducting preliminary research on projects, overseeing fieldwork and lab work, and producing final archaeological reports. Qualified to register with the Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA).

Essential functions:

• All work will be conducted in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and its implementing regulations, and various state requirements.
• The Archaeological Principal Investigator should be familiar with the Section 106 process to be able to guide clients through the process.
• Familiarity with Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), Kentucky State office of Archaeology (KSO), Indiana Department of Natural Resources – Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology (IDNR-DHPA) requirements, Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) procedures, and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requirements is desired.
• The Archaeological Principal Investigator will produce project reports to be reviewed an approved by state and federal agencies.
• Strong writing skills and be capable of editing reports produced by junior staff.
• Must be able to work independently, with little supervision, and be able to guide the growth and development of an independent office.
• Conducting project research using documents, maps, and aerial photos
• Developing research designs
• Coordinating projects and fieldwork with other principal investigators
• Scheduling projects and adhering to project budgets
• Organizing field crews
• Monitoring field and lab procedures
• Modifying research designs and procedures to ensure that projects are completed within budget and on time

Required Education:

• Master’s degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, Geography, or closely related field. Must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards to be a Qualified Professional in Prehistoric Archaeology, Historic Archaeology, or both.
• Specialized area of study, such as geomorphology or geophysics, GIS capabilities, and/or National Environmental Policy Act experience a plus.
• Minimum 5 years of specialized training in archaeological research, administration, or management.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and municipal regulations pertaining to cultural resources

Required Experience:

• Prefer 5-8 years of experience in Cultural Resources Management
• Prehistoric and historic artifact identification skills.
• Technical report writing.
• GIS exhibit creation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong computer skills
• Ability to effectively lead and supervise small to large teams of workers
• Ability to quickly solve problems that may arise over the course of an investigation
• Ability to carry research to completion.
• Proven business development abilities.
• Ability to work in the field 50-75% of the time
• Excellent communication and computer skills.
• Ability to work within a team as well as independently.
• Must have Kentucky experience. Experience in Indiana and/or Ohio also preferred.
• Ability to succeed in a fast-paced environment, manage budgets, develop proposals, handle multiple project assignments, meet strict deadlines, and travel to client facilities.