Lead Archaeologist - Principal Investigator

SWCA Environmental Consultants is hiring a Lead Archaeologist - Principal Investigator for their Minneapolis, MN or Bismarck, ND office. This full-time role involves managing cultural resource projects, authoring technical reports, mentoring staff, and ensuring project compliance. Candidates should have a master's degree in Archaeology or Anthropology and at least eight years of fieldwork experience. The position offers a hybrid work environment with some travel required.
About The Opportunity

SWCA is seeking a Lead Archaeologist to support our expanding practice in the SWCA Bismarck, ND, or the Minneapolis, MN office. As a key member of our team, you will collaborate with Directors, Team Leads, and Project Managers to coordinate projects and ensure high-quality cultural resource management services.

As a Lead Archaeologist, you will play a crucial role in managing and overseeing cultural resource projects, serving as the primary author on technical reports, research designs, and other documentation. You will provide guidance and mentorship to staff, ensuring compliance with QA/QC standards and fostering a collaborative team environment. Additionally, you will manage budgets, proposals, client interactions, and staff, demonstrating proficiency in project management and effective delegation.

This is a regular, full-time salaried position reporting to our Cultural Resources Team Lead, offering the flexibility of a hybrid work environment out of our Bismarck, ND or Minneapolis, MN offices.

What You Will Accomplish
• Lead authorship of technical reports, research designs, and other documentation.
• Oversight of field research, data collection, analysis, and report production.
• Training and mentoring of staff in research protocols, technical reporting, and site recording.
• Problem-solving and process improvement to enhance project efficiency and effectiveness.
• Collaboration with local and regional teams to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Cultivation of strong relationships with agency contacts, clients, and stakeholders.
• Additional project management duties, including budgeting, proposal preparation, and client management.
• Demonstrated commitment to scientific integrity and SWCA's Mission, Vision, and Values.
• Drives compliance of safety policies and reporting requirements to ensure overall team safety.

Experience And Qualifications For Success
• Minimum of a master’s degree in Archaeology or Anthropology.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of archaeology fieldwork experience, with academic or research-oriented supervisory experience considered.
• Thorough knowledge of NEPA and Section 106 regulations.
• Meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards as an Archaeologist.
• Experience with content editing of reports and project scheduling/budgeting.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with project teams.
• Willingness to travel approximately 20% of the time.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a dynamic and employee-owned firm, offering a full spectrum of environmental services across the United States. As a leader in environmental compliance, we provide opportunities for professional growth and development, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees. In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges in all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.

Application deadline: Our team will begin reviewing applications immediately, and interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The application process will remain open until we have received a robust pool of qualified candidates. Once we have identified suitable individuals, we may close the application process without prior notice. We appreciate the time and effort invested by all applicants and will carefully consider each submission.

An employee in this Bismarck, ND/Minneapolis, MN - based position can expect a salary of $81,545.10 - $106,289.82/year. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law. Regular-status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses. Candidates are also encouraged to consider SWCA’s Total Rewards package, which includes a competitive Benefits package, forward-thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award-winning career development, and more.

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success

SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA’s continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.

If you would like to contact SWCA regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the online application process due to a disability, please email accommodations@swca.com or call 1-480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.