Senior Cultural Resources Specialist - Principal Investigator

Description

The company's regional operation in the Upper Midwest is seeking a dedicated Senior Cultural Resources Specialist to serve as a Principal Investigator in leading and managing project studies, surveys, archaeological excavations, and construction monitoring for a diverse range of projects. This is a 100% employee-owned firm providing the opportunity to exercise your entrepreneurial spirit and develop professionally within a growing and industry-leading consulting firm.

The successful candidate will oversee the cultural resources aspects of projects from concept to completion, ensuring seamless planning, coordination, communication, and facilitation. This role requires collaboration with both internal teams and external clients and offers the opportunity to contribute to proposal development, contract negotiations, and strategic project planning. Project management responsibilities include scoping, budgeting, scheduling, deadline communication, and achieving key project objectives.

This position is integral to the growth of our Environmental Services practice and embodies the company's core values of safety, client satisfaction, commitment, dedication, integrity, and exceptional service.

Key responsibilities may include:

• Serving as a client coordinator for target clients—taking primary responsibility for ultimate delivery of services and client satisfaction.
• Identifying project opportunities and sales strategies and facilitating strategic go/no-go decisions in cooperation with office leadership and Environmental Services practice leadership.
• Expanding market reach by identifying new clients and project opportunities.
• Providing leadership for field efforts, technical reporting, and the preparation of high-quality deliverables.
• Providing mentorship, guidance, and professional development support to junior staff.
• Adhering to the company's Quality Control and Safety programs.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

This dynamic role combines marketing, strategic planning, field assessments, report preparation, and some travel. It requires a proactive, collaborative professional with strong organizational skills and a passion for cultural resources.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited program is required.
• A Master's Degree or PhD in anthropology/archeology or a related field is required to function as a Principal Investigator on projects.
• Must meet the Secretary of the Interior's professional qualifications standards in archaeology and any applicable state qualifications.
• Registered Professional Archaeologist (preferred).
• Minimum 8 years of related experience conducting construction monitoring activities; field investigations, surveys, and project studies; archaeological excavation; artifact identification; and associated fieldwork. A related master's degree may be substituted for one year of experience.
• Experience in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and other midwestern states.
• Ability to obtain permits from the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and other entities.
• Prior consulting experience (preferred).
• Experience in performing cultural resources investigations directly for Federal agencies preferred.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations relating to historic preservation (e.g., Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act).
• Knowledge of anthropology and archaeology methods and practices.
• Must have strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to complete physically demanding tasks in remote areas, including walking, hiking, carrying loads up to 50 pounds, and excavation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, specifically for preparation of technical reports and proposal writing, are required.
• Demonstrated ability to work as an effective team member.
• High level of attention to detail.
• Ability to operate various types of GPS equipment.
• Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, Access, SharePoint).
• Ability to adjust to rapidly changing work environments and research approaches.
• Willingness to travel.
• Valid driver's license required. In addition, you must meet standards to qualify for and maintain the Company's vehicle driving privileges as outlined in the Company's Motor Vehicle Safety Policy.