Job Summary The Archaeologist Principal Investigator leads and manages cultural resource and archaeological survey projects, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and overseeing fieldwork, analysis, and reporting. This role serves as the technical authority for archaeological investigations and supports environmental compliance efforts for federal agency projects.
Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes
Job Classification: Permanent; Full-Time
Duty Station: Asheville, NC (Hybrid, 2 days minimum onsite)
Travel: Up to 75% (Travel required throughout the National Forests in North Carolina)
Duration: This role is anticipated to last 6 months, with the possibility of extension pending contract options.
Duties/Responsibilities - Lead and manage archaeological surveys and cultural resource projects from planning through completion
- Oversee fieldwork activities including surveys, site identification, evaluations, and monitoring
- Review, edit, and approve technical reports for submission to regulatory and consulting agencies
- Ensure compliance with NHPA, NEPA, ARPA, and related cultural resource laws and guidelines
- Conduct and oversee archival research, literature reviews, and data analysis
- Evaluate cultural resources for National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility
- Develop mitigation strategies and treatment plans for cultural resource protection
- Coordinate with Forest Service staff, agencies, Tribal entities, and stakeholders
- Lead interdisciplinary collaboration and provide cultural resource expertise to project teams
- Prepare technical documentation, reports, and recommendations supporting environmental compliance
- Manage project schedules, deliverables, and quality of work products
- This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Required Skills/Abilities - Expertise in archaeological survey methods, cultural resource management, and federal compliance (NHPA, NEPA, ARPA)
- Ability to lead field teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Strong technical writing, report review, and analytical skills
- Ability to interpret archaeological data and provide defensible recommendations
- Experience serving as Principal Investigator on federal cultural resource projects
- Knowledge of Southern Appalachian archaeology and regional context
- Experience coordinating with SHPO, Tribal entities, and federal agencies
- Proficiency with GIS tools and archaeological data management systems
Education and Experience - Required: PHD degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or closely related field
- Required: Minimum 10 years of experience leading archaeological surveys and projects
- Required: Meets Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualifications Standards for Archaeology
- Required: Demonstrated experience with NHPA Section 106/110 compliance and NEPA processes
- Preferred: Experience managing large-scale or multi-site survey programs
- Preferred: Experience with cultural resource reporting for federal land management agencies
Physical Requirements - Ability to conduct field visits and navigate uneven terrain and remote environments
- Ability to stand, walk, and travel for extended periods during fieldwork
- Ability to work in outdoor conditions including weather, noise, and rough terrain
- Ability to travel frequently to project sites and meetings
- May be required to lift light to moderate lifting (up to ~25 lbs) may be expected
Benefits Eligible employees receive the following benefits:
- Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
