Lead Archaeologist – Crew Chief

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Arizona, +1 more state.

📋 Description

• Utilize your experience and education from a degree program, along with professional judgment, to identify and focus on areas with increased site potential, considering cultural, geological, and other environmental factors.

• Comply with the project health and safety plan and participate in, or lead when necessary, both office and field training sessions and meetings. Provide suggestions for enhancements to the Health & Safety Manager.

• Based on your education, field observations, and scientific judgment, adjust field methodologies to align with the overarching project objectives, in collaboration with project leadership.

• Conduct background research prior to fieldwork, create maps, enter data into electronic devices, and compile project summaries for field personnel.

• Execute archaeological surveys, testing, and excavations supporting Phase I, II, and III studies according to the research design to identify, document, and assess historic and prehistoric cultural resources.

• Perform archaeological monitoring during construction projects as necessary, including coordination with contractors.

• Supervise field teams, including Archaeological Assistants, Archaeological Technicians, Archaeologists, and other Lead Archaeologists, while collaborating with them to meet daily, weekly, or project-specific research objectives.

• Provide daily project updates to the Principal Investigator/Project Manager.

• Recognize archaeological signatures and employ reasoning to assess resources.

• Maintain accurate, organized, and clear field notes, maps, drawings, logs, forms, tables, databases, artifact bags, box labels, and other project documentation.

• Collect and catalog artifacts, ecofacts, and samples according to the research design, ensuring an accurate field specimen log is maintained.

• Identify potential human and faunal remains and handle any suspected human burial remains with respect, consistent with the research design and applicable State and Federal guidelines and laws.

• Conduct quality control on field data (both handwritten and electronic) daily to ensure accuracy and completeness.

• Utilize electronic and traditional navigational tools (GPS, iPad/ArcCollector/Survey 123, compass, transit, etc.) to establish project boundaries, record fieldwork, document findings, and communicate progress.

• Photograph artifacts, features, excavation units, land use, landscapes, unique environmental characteristics, historic structures, archaeological sites, specialized equipment, techniques in use, and ongoing work.

• Acquire and maintain field equipment, technology, lab supplies, vehicles, and other necessary items in a clean, functional, and safe condition, reporting any malfunctions, shortages, or risks to project leadership.

• Occasionally engage with and collaborate with landowners, land agents, clients, other research teams, and regulatory agency personnel.

• Occasionally contribute to comprehensive, accurate, professional, high-quality technical reports and minor project reviews.

• Accurately complete timesheets and other administrative or project-related tasks on schedule.

• Familiarize yourself with and adhere to the SEARCH Brand Guidelines, SEARCH Style Guide, SEARCH Fieldwork Guide, and the SEARCH Employee Manual, encouraging others to do the same.

• Understand and strictly comply with SEARCH’s confidentiality, non-disclosure, and social media agreements, along with any project- or client-specific requirements that limit the release of project data.

• Analyze artifacts and draft artifact descriptions.

• Maintain utilization goals.

• Be prepared for extended travel as needed.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a closely related field.

• Permitted or eligible for permitting in NM or AZ (BLM, ASM, and/or State Lands).

• Completion of an accredited archaeological field school.

• At least two (2) years of professional archaeological field experience.

• Minimum of one (1) year of supervisory experience in the field.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to meet deadlines while remaining detail-oriented, organized, and capable of managing multiple tasks effectively.

• Capability to obtain government security clearance.

• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and access to reliable transportation.

• Based in New Mexico or Arizona.

• Experience in Southwestern archaeology.

• Graduate degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a related field is preferred.

• Willingness to relocate to Tucson, Arizona is preferred.

• Understanding of the Cultural Resource Management (CRM) industry (firms, clients, contracts, new research, and projects) at various levels is preferred.

• Familiarity with State and Federal cultural resource laws, especially the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, is preferred.

• Meet the Secretary of the Interior’s professional qualifications standards for archaeology and be an RPA or be eligible to become an RPA is preferred.

• Experience in report writing as the main author or contributor is preferred.

• Proficient in collecting field data using a total station or land survey equipment is preferred.

• Familiarity with Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) or other remote-sensing technology is preferred.

• Certification in CPR, Lifesaving, Wilderness First Aid, HAZWOPER, or other health and safety training is preferred.

• Training and/or experience in off-road driving is preferred.

🏝️ Benefits

• 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