Job Title

Anthropological Archaeologist - Field Director (Northwest Coast)

Location

Vancouver, BC V7X 1M3 CA (Primary)
Victoria, BC V8W 2J1 CA

Category (Department)

Technical

Job Type

Full-time

Career Level

Senior (Non-Manager)

Salary Grade

$48.00 - $66.00

Hours Per Week

37.5

Posting Close Date

2026/8/9

Job Description

The Archaeology Field Director (Northwest Coast) leads cultural heritage field programs and technical assessments grounded in Northwest Coast archaeology, anthropology, and Indigenous Knowledge systems.

This role combines applied field direction with qualitative research-including interviews, ethnographic data collection, impact assessment support, traditional use, Indigenous Knowledge, Indigenous Heritage, and regulatory documentation-to deliver high quality, culturally respectful, and defensible work products. The position requires strong relationship building skills, professional judgment, and the ability to guide multidisciplinary teams in fast paced project environments.

This is a full-time position supporting ongoing contributions across field-based and consulting work, with flexibility to plan workloads and balance time off during periods of extended fieldwork.

Responsibilities:

• Project Delivery & Archaeological Expertise
  • Lead archaeological field programs across the Northwest Coast culture area, including survey, testing, excavation, and site form preparation under Heritage Conservation Act (HCA) permits.
  • Direct field crews, maintain QA/QC, ensure accurate data collection, and model safe field practices.
  • Produce high quality archaeological overviews, impact assessments, field reports, and regulatory submissions.
  • Integrate anthropological data into archaeological deliverables and apply culturally appropriate methods in field and reporting contexts.
• Research, Interviews & Impact Assessment Support
  • Conduct culturally appropriate interviews with knowledge holders, land users, and community partners to support projects.
  • Synthesize qualitative findings into clear, defensible contributions to assessments and technical reports.
  • Ensure cultural protocol alignment with consent processes, leadership engagement, and ceremonial considerations.
  • Translate complex archaeological and anthropological information into plain language summaries for clients and communities.
• Proposal Development & Strategic Pursuits
  • Lead or co-lead preparation of archaeological and multidisciplinary proposals, including scoping, methodology design, schedules, budgets, and staffing plans.
  • Collaborate with project managers, technical leads, and community partners to develop competitive, culturally grounded proposals.
  • Support identification of new opportunities and contribute subject matter expertise to strategic pursuits.
  • Represent TWC in professional networks to strengthen visibility and relationships in the Northwest Coast region.
• Consultation, Relationship Building & Advisory Support
  • Build and maintain respectful working relationships with First Nations, government agencies, and clients across the Northwest Coast.
  • Provide expert advisory support on cultural heritage management, consultation obligations, and regulatory pathways.
  • Prepare engagement summaries, consultation tracking inputs, and culturally responsive communications.
• Technical Development, Leadership & Mentorship
  • Mentor junior archaeologists and interdisciplinary team members in Northwest Coast archaeology, ethnographic methods, and culturally appropriate practices.
  • Contribute to development of internal methodologies, templates, and standards for archaeological and anthropological work.
  • Track evolving provincial regulatory expectations, BCAPA standards, and emerging heritage management best practices.
• Provide support to other TWC service areas as time and skill allows.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• BCAPA Field Director status (or clear eligibility) in the Northwest Coast culture area.
• Degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a related social science; advanced training in ethnography, qualitative methods, or Indigenous Studies strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience conducting and directing archaeological fieldwork in British Columbia, including survey, testing, and reporting under HCA permits.
• Experience conducting interviews, ethnographic research, or qualitative data collection with Indigenous communities.
• Strong understanding of Indigenous rights, governance systems, cultural protocols, and community defined knowledge stewardship.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to write clear, defensible archaeological and anthropological reports.
• Proven ability to manage multi-party processes, coordinate field logistics, and supervise crews.
• Valid Class 5 (or equivalent) driver's license and willingness to travel for field programs (up to 50%).

Preferred Qualifications

• Indigenous lived experience.
• Experience supporting impact assessment processes and/or community led cultural assessments.
• Knowledge of BCEAA, BCER processes, Mines Act, and related provincial regulatory pathways.
• Training in conflict resolution, culturally appropriate facilitation, or IAP2 (or equivalent).

If you're Indigenous, we encourage you to self-identify in your cover letter so we can consider your application accordingly. If you need any accommodations or support during the application process, don't hesitate to reach out to our People + Culture team at [redacted] or call us at [redacted]. We're here to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate fully.