Archaeological Field Director

Archaeological Fieldwork Position

At UES, we're a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more.

Position Overview

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented professional to support archaeological fieldwork and cultural resource projects across the Southeast and Midwest. This role is ideal for candidates with a strong academic background in anthropology or a related field and hands-on experience conducting field investigations.

The successful candidate will participate in and help lead fieldwork activities, including surveys, site identification, and data collection. Responsibilities include managing field crews of up to 10 team members, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with project requirements. The role also involves preparing clear, accurate technical reports that document findings and support regulatory compliance.

Candidates with experience or knowledge in prehistoric lithics, prehistoric pottery, or historic pottery analysis are highly preferred. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are essential.

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that preserve and document cultural resources while working in diverse field environments.

Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and execute archaeological field investigations, including Phase I (survey), Phase II (testing), and Phase III (data recovery) projects.
• Direct fieldwork and supervise and mentor field technicians and archaeological crew during fieldwork and reporting phases.
• Responsible for the daily management of cultural resource (CR) tasks and projects, with Principal Investigator and Project Manager oversight
• Conduct background research and prepare cultural resource documentation and work plans.
• Ensure compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA and other relevant cultural resource legislation.
• Identify, document, and evaluate archaeological sites for eligibility to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
• Analyze artifacts, features, and field data; synthesize results for inclusion in technical reports.
• Write or contribute to cultural resources technical reports, including site forms, management summaries, and mitigation plans.
• Coordinate with clients, landowners, tribal representatives, and regulatory agencies as needed.
• Maintain accurate field records, GPS data, maps, and photographic documentation.
• Ensure adherence to health and safety protocols and company policies during fieldwork.
• Assist in proposal preparation, project budgeting, and scheduling.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or closely related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in archaeological fieldwork, including supervisory roles.
• Meet Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualifications Standards for Archaeology.
• Demonstrated experience conducting archaeological surveys and excavations in compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA.
• Proficiency in archaeological field methods, artifact identification, GPS/GIS data collection, and reporting.
• Excellent technical writing skills and ability to meet reporting deadlines.
• Familiarity with federal and state cultural resource laws and permitting processes.
• Ability to lead and manage field crews in remote and challenging environments.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel extensively for fieldwork.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and terrain, and to carry field equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a related field (Master's preferred)
• 2–5 years of experience conducting archaeological fieldwork, preferably in the Southeast and/or Midwest
• Experience with Phase I surveys, site identification, and data recording
• Ability to write clear, accurate technical reports
• Knowledge of prehistoric lithics, prehistoric pottery, or historic pottery (preferred)
• Experience leading or assisting with field crews, including supervision of up to 10 personnel
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work in outdoor environments under varying conditions
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel as required
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Travel Requirements

This position requires moderate travel, approximately up to 75% of the time, in support of business objectives and client engagements. Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on-site work.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Work is primarily conducted outdoors with exposure to outdoor conditions, including:
• Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, construction zones, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man-made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
• Moderate to loud noise levels due to lab equipment, field operations, and construction environments.
• Exposure to dirt, dust, chemicals, sun, heat, humidity, and varying weather conditions as part of field sample collection and testing.
• Physical requirements include:
• Ability to lift and carry between 35 and 75 lbs. over distances up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
• Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate laboratory and field equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for laboratory and fieldwork.
• Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vison, depth vision, and ability to focus) smell, hear, touch (use hands to reach climb or balance, crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit).
• Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written means in a lab and field environment, often requiring the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

EEO Statement

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here.