Lead Archaeologist (Crew Chief)

Title: Lead Archaeologist
Location: Continental US
Job Code: LArch_26
Job Link: SEARCH Job Postings - Direct Applications

Position Information

SEARCH has an immediate opening for Full-Time Lead Archaeologists to join our Terrestrial Archaeology division.

The position will lead crews of archaeologists performing Phase I, II, and III archaeological studies in accordance with a research design. Selected candidate is responsible for pre-field research; preparing field materials; logistical planning; conducting fieldwork; analyzing artifacts and data; contributing to progress reports, technical reports, and other deliverables; recommending modifications to the research design, health and safety plans, and other project plans based on in-field observations and experience; and quality control. The role will frequently supervise other project team members and works under the direction of Senior Archaeologists, Principal Investigators, and Project Managers.

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 paid time off (PTO). Pay is commensurate with education and experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Use experience, education from a degreed program, and professional judgment to identify and target locations of enhanced site probability based on cultural, geological, and other environmental features. 
• Adhere to project health and safety plan and participate, and/or lead when necessary, in office and field training and meetings. Offer recommendations for improvements to Health & Safety Manager. 
• Based upon education, field observations, and scientific judgment, revise field methodology to meet goals of the overall project, in consultation with project leadership. 
• Perform pre-field background research, prepare maps, input data into electronic devices, and prepare project summary for field staff. 
• Conduct archaeological survey, testing, and excavation in support of Phase I, II, and III studies in accordance with the research design to identify, record, and evaluate historic and prehistoric cultural resources. 
• Conduct archaeological monitoring during project construction as required, including coordination with contractors. 
• Provide in-field supervision to field teams including Archaeological Assistants, Archaeological Technicians, Archaeologists, and other Lead Archaeologists while working alongside them to fulfill the daily, weekly, or project-length research requirements. 
• Provide daily updates on project progress to the Principal Investigator/Project Manager. 
• Recognize archaeological signatures and apply reasoning to evaluate resources. 
• Record accurate, organized, and clear field notes, maps, drawings, logs, forms, tables, databases, artifact bags, box labels, and other project documentation. 
• Collect and inventory artifacts, ecofacts, and samples in accordance with the research design, and keep an accurate field specimen log. 
• Identify potential human and faunal remains, and treat any suspected human burial remains respectfully and in a manner consistent with the research design and applicable State and Federal guidelines and laws. 
• Perform quality control of field data (hand-written and electronic) on a daily basis to ensure information is accurate and complete. 
• Use electronic and traditional navigational equipment (GPS, iPad/ArcCollector/Survey 123, compass, transit, etc.) to determine project limits, record fieldwork, document findings, and communicate progress. 
• Photo-document artifacts, features, excavation units, land use, landscapes, unique environmental features, historic structures, archaeology sites, unique environmental features, specialized equipment or technique usage, and work-in-progress. 
• Procure and maintain field equipment, technology, field laboratory supplies, vehicles, and supplies in a clean, working, and safe manner and report any malfunctions, shortages, and risks to project leadership. 
• Occasionally meet with, coordinate, and collaborate with landowners, land agents, clients, other field research teams, and visiting regulatory agency staff. 
• Occasionally contribute to thorough, accurate, professional, high-quality technical reports and minor project reviews. 
• Complete timesheets and other administrative or project requirements accurately and on schedule. 
• Understand and adhere to the SEARCH Brand Guidelines, SEARCH Style Guide, SEARCH Fieldwork Guide, and the SEARCH Employee Manual, and encourage others to do the same. 
• Understand and strictly adhere to SEARCH’s confidentiality, non-disclosure, and social media agreements, as well as any project- or client-specific requirements limiting the release of project data. 
• Analyze artifacts and write up artifact descriptions. 
• Maintain utilization goals. 
• Travel for extended periods of time. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Requirements

Qualifications Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a closely related field.
• Completion of an accredited archaeological field school. 
• Minimum of two (2) years of professional archaeological field experience. 
• At least one (1) year of supervisory experience in the field. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Ability to meet deadlines while remaining detail oriented, organized, and able to work well on multiple tasks. 
• Ability to obtain government security clearance. 
• Valid driver’s license, a good driving record, and access to reliable transportation. 

Qualifications Preferred:

• Graduate degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a related field. 
• Permitted or eligible to be permitted in applicable States requiring field lead permits.
• Understanding of the Cultural Resource Management (CRM) industry (firms, clients, contracts, new research, and projects) at the regionwide, nationwide, and worldwide level.
• Understanding of State and Federal cultural resource laws, particularly the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. 
• Meet the Secretary of the Interior’s professional qualifications standards for archaeology and be an RPA or be eligible to become an RPA
• Report writing experience as main author or contributor.
• Competent at collecting field data using a total station or land survey equipment. 
• Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) or other remote-sensing technology. 
• CPR, Lifesaving, Wilderness First Aid, HAZWOPER, or other health and safety training. 
• Off-road driving training and/or experience. 

Application Requirements:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• 3 Professional references
• Optional: Writing sample (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.

Physical Demands:

To successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of the job, the employee should have the ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including: 

• Hear normal conversations and receive ordinary information. 
• Communicate verbally and in writing. 
• Use average and ordinary visual acuity necessary to excavate and inspect artifacts and distinguish features. 
• Carry up to 50 lbs. occasionally. 
• Sit for extended periods during travel or in an office. 
• Walk up to 5.0 miles per day carrying gear over uneven terrain. 
• Undertake physical work outside, often in inclement weather. 
• Travel to remote locations, frequently up to or exceeding 10 consecutive days away from home. 
• Drive for extended periods up to 11 hours per day. 

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)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Merit-Based Raises, Bonuses, and Promotions

About Us:

SEARCH is a global leader in archaeology, maritime archaeology, and the full spectrum of cultural heritage services. Our staff are industry leaders and subject matter experts who support commercial and government clients worldwide. Since 1993, we have completed over 5,700 projects nationwide and in over 40 countries across seven continents and four oceans. By integrating science, technology, and creativity, we harness the power of the past to advance the projects, places, and people we serve. 


For more information about SEARCH, please visit searchinc.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

Please send inquiries about the position to hr@searchinc.com. Include the Job Posting codes of the appropriate position in the subject line.