Senior Cultural Resources Project Manager 1

Overview GAI Consultants, Inc. is seeking an experienced Senior Cultural Resources Project Manager to lead and manage complex cultural resources impact assessments, permitting, and regulatory compliance efforts for projects in the greater Southwest US region (Colorado, California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas). Responsibilities span project lifecycle management—from siting/routing and CEQA/NEPA compliance to agency/tribal coordination and construction support—while ensuring adherence to related regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of obtaining archaeological permits, managing field surveys, authoring and reviewing cultural resources assessments/plans, navigating Section 106 compliance, Section 404 permitting, Native American consultation/coordination, and managing construction compliance monitoring for projects on time and within budget. Position Responsibilities Lead cultural resource management strategy across the full project lifecycle for compliance under Section 106 of the NHPA: preliminary routing/siting, CEQA/NEPA analysis, and construction compliance. Serve as the primary client contact and agency liaison focused on advancing a project forward, including engaging and negotiating regulatory compliance pathways under Section 106 of the NHPA, CEQA/NEPA, and agency-specific agreement documents/permits with federal agencies (e.g., US Forest Service and BLM). Prepare, submit, and track archaeological investigations; records reviews, archival research, ethnographic research; manage field surveys, testing, data recoveries/mitigations, and associated technical report writing; conduct agency and Tribal consultations related to these efforts. Document large-scale inventories for multi-year projects and lead related agency and Tribal coordination under local, state, and federal regulations. Apply CEQA and NEPA concepts as related to cultural resources and Section 106 NHPA to identify project risks and negotiate complex mitigation strategies with agencies and stakeholders. Manage GAI technical personnel and field teams (including subconsultants) related to cultural resources tasks, and supervise budgets, schedules, and QA/QC to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery. Support business development: identify opportunities, contribute to proposals, participate in interviews, and help grow accounts across markets. Mentor and train junior and mid-level cultural resources staff. Required Experience and Qualifications Master's or doctorate degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a closely related discipline. Minimum 10 years of experience in cultural resources studies with expertise in environmental impacts analysis, siting/routing studies, CEQA/NEPA documentation, and agency/Tribal coordination (e.g., BLM, US Army Corps of Engineers, FERC). Strong project management skills with a track record of delivering multiple complex cultural resource projects on time and on budget using in-house and subconsultant staff. Excellent writing skills with proven ability to author, manage, and review technical reports supporting regulatory compliance. Advanced understanding of multidisciplinary aspects within the cultural resource field (history, archaeology, historic architecture, ethnography, archives). Extensive knowledge of federal and state cultural resource laws and regulations, including NHPA, ARPA, CEQA, and NEPA. Extensive project experience and regulatory knowledge of archaeological issues and methodologies in the Southwestern US (Colorado, California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas). Proven success in business development leading to sales generation and new client relationships in environmental consulting. Strong organizational and analytical skills; ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines. Ability to work independently and collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams, both in office and remotely, using interpersonal skills and attention to detail. Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite. Ability to travel up to 25% to project sites, GAI offices, events, and meetings; maintain a valid driver’s license. Preferred Qualifications Consultant experience with traditional and renewable energy, transportation projects on public and private lands, and related permitting and environmental review in the Southwestern US. Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA). Established working relationships with BLM, Tribal Nations, and state agencies. This remote position prefers candidates in Arizona or California; candidates with extensive project experience elsewhere in the Southwest US are encouraged to apply. Compensation The salary range for this position is $90,000 to $115,000 per year. The offer will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience. General Characteristics Lead the successful delivery of scope, schedule, budget, and quality of environmental permitting and compliance tasks for energy projects. Demonstrate strong project management skills to effectively manage projects. Minimum Years of Experience Minimum of 10 years of total technical experience related to the position requirements, with at least 5 years serving as a Senior Task/Project Manager leading cultural resources tasks for an environmental consulting organization or similar firm. Education Master’s or doctoral degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a closely related discipline. Teamwork and Leadership Responsibilities Oversight and coordination of project task deliverables, including involvement with subconsultants. Provide guidance to junior staff; help them become familiar with task management and project financials. Recruiting and retaining staff. Develop and implement day-to-day routines for a team. Develop staff skills and empower analytical thinking to boost innovation and productivity. Project Management Responsibilities Deliver scope, schedule, budget, quality, safety, and profitability for all projects managed. Plan and manage proposals and projects with multiple technical disciplines. Business Development Responsibilities Develop and maintain successful client relationships on existing projects. Identify bid opportunities and develop proposed scope, schedule, and fee for submissions in competitive bids. Support senior management in contract negotiations with clients. Communication Responsibilities Strong verbal and written communication skills. Collaborate with and garner support from key stakeholders and staff. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret regulations, technical reports, and procedures. Ability to author reports and other business correspondence. Present information effectively to groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public. Why GAI? GAI offers skilled professionals an exceptional place to work, grow, lead, and achieve, with opportunities across the U.S. and a collaborative team tackling challenging projects. Enjoy flexible work locations and scheduling, comprehensive benefits, wellness programs, and the chance to contribute to communities served by GAI. Benefits To Working at GAI Include Competitive pay and recognition, with market-based compensation and development bonuses. Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including medical, dental, vision plans; company-paid short- and long-term disability; life insurance; EAP and wellness resources. Meaningful work-life balance with generous PTO, holidays, floating holidays, and paid family leave. Growth, learning, and financial security: 401(k) with company match, tuition reimbursement, and support for professional development. Education and Licenses Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is listed as required elsewhere in the posting; however, the core requirements state a Master’s or Doctorate in Archaeology/Anthropology. Review and align as needed. Licenses & Certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred; Driver’s License required; Professional Engineer (PE) required. Equal Opportunity Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is committed to complying with federal employment laws and providing rights information to applicants. #J-18808-Ljbffr