Burns & McDonnell

Senior Cultural Resources Specialist - Principal Investigator (Minneapolis)

Burns & McDonnell$95K — $150K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in related field required.
  • Master's Degree or PhD in anthropology/archaeology required.
  • Must meet Secretary of the Interior's standards in archaeology.
  • Minimum 8 years of relevant experience required, with field activities extensively detailed.
  • Experience in the Midwest (MN, ND, SD, WI) preferred.
  • Knowledge of federal/state historic preservation regulations essential.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.

Responsibilities

  • Lead project studies, archaeological excavations, and surveys as Principal Investigator.
  • Serve as primary client coordinator to ensure service delivery and satisfaction.
  • Identify and pursue new project opportunities and clients.
  • Manage scoping, budgeting, and scheduling for projects.
  • Provide technical oversight and ensure high-quality deliverables.
  • Mentor junior staff and support their professional development.
  • Adhere to quality control and safety standards during all projects.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive insurance and disability coverage.
  • Wellness programs to support employee health.
  • Participate in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
  • 401(k) retirement program available.
  • Time off benefits for work-life balance.
Full Job Description
Description

Burns & McDonnell'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. Burns & McDonnell 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.

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, 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 Burns & McDonnell'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 required.
  • Master's Degree or PhD in anthropology/archeology or 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 field work. 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 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, must meet standards to qualify for and maintain the Company's vehicle driving privileges as outlined in the Company's Motor Vehicle Safety Policy.

Compensation

$95,000.00-150,000.00 Yearly

The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.

Benefits

Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.

This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.

Job Scientific

Primary Location US-MN-Minneapolis/St Paul

Schedule: Full-time

Travel: Yes, 50 % of the Time

Req ID: 262074

Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-GS #ENS

About Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a full-service engineering, architecture, construction, environmental and consulting solutions firm. The company was founded in 1898 by Clinton Burns and Robert McDonnell and is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. Burns & McDonnell provides services to a wide range of industries, including aviation, defense, energy, environmental, healthcare, and transportation. The company has over 7,500 employees and operates in more than 50 countries around the world. Burns & McDonnell has been recognized as one of the best places to work in the United States by Fortune magazine.
Learn more about Burns & McDonnell
Size
7,500 employees
Industry
Founded
1898

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