Lead Archaeologist

SWCA Environmental Consultants is hiring a Lead Archaeologist for their Wyoming/Montana operation, based in Sheridan, WY. This role involves overseeing cultural resource projects, authoring technical reports, mentoring staff, and managing project budgets and client relationships. The position offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for remote work from Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado. Candidates should have a master's degree in Archaeology or Anthropology and at least eight years of cultural resource management experience.
About the position

SWCA’s Wyoming/Montana operation is seeking a Lead Archaeologist, reporting into our Sheridan, WY office, to support our growing cultural resources practice. In this key role, you’ll collaborate with Directors, Team Leads, and Project Managers to coordinate projects and deliver high-quality cultural resource management services across the region.\nAs a Lead Archaeologist, you’ll oversee and manage cultural resource projects from start to finish, serving as the primary author of technical reports, research designs, and related documentation. You’ll provide mentorship to staff, ensure compliance with QA/QC standards, and foster a collaborative, supportive team environment. This role also involves managing budgets, proposals, client relationships, and project teams—requiring strong project management skills and effective delegation.\nThis is a regular, full-time salaried position reporting to a Senior Cultural Resources Lead and offers the flexibility of a hybrid work arrangement from Sheridan, WY office. Highly qualified remote (= distributed) employees based in Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado will be seriously considered.\nApplication Deadline: We will begin reviewing applications immediately and schedule interviews with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The position will remain open until we identify a strong pool of candidates and may close without prior notice. We sincerely appreciate the time and effort of all applicants and will thoughtfully review each submission.

Responsibilities

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.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.Requirements

Minimum of a master’s degree in Archaeology or Anthropology.Minimum of eight (8) years of cultural resource management experience, with academic or research-oriented supervisory experience considered.Ability to be listed as a Principal Investigator on agency permits for Montana and/or Wyoming (requires 3-4 months of experience per state and SHPO report authorship)Thorough knowledge of NEPA and Section 106 regulations.Registered Professional Archaeologist status or eligibility.Experience with content review of reports and project scheduling/budgeting.Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with project teams.Willingness to travel approximately 20% of the time.Benefits

We offer a supportive, team-focused work environment, competitive pay, and great benefits—including a 100% employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) to help you build a strong financial future.At SWCA, we’re committed to helping our team members grow into industry leaders. Our award-winning Career Landscape program offers a clear and structured path to meaningful career development. We support your growth through conference attendance, internal and external training, education reimbursement, and bonuses for qualifying publications.All regular-status employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, wellness, life, and disability coverage, as well as access to our Employee Assistance Program. Employees may also participate in SWCA’s 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust.