Principal Investigator (Terrestrial Archaeology - Guam)

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Principal Investigator
Location: Guam
Job Code: Guam_PI_2026
Job Link: SEARCH Job Postings - Direct Applications

SEARCH has an immediate opening for a Full-Time Principal Investigator to join our Guam office team. Candidates must be based in/relocate to Guam and report to the local office. The responsibilities include fieldwork (e.g., archaeological monitoring and excavation), research, lab, and report preparation tasks. The duties include ensuring fieldwork is executed in a timely fashion and meets the applicable standards; writing high quality technical reports; oversight of junior field staff; and coordinating the development of project Health & Safety plans. The candidate should be detail-oriented and organized, work well with others, and be able to work efficiently on simultaneous projects under tight deadlines. Excellent verbal and written communication, the ability to work autonomously and in a team environment, and the ability to travel are critical to the position. In particular, this position may require extensive archaeological monitoring on Guam and other locations.

Successful candidates will have a background in cultural resource management and experience managing archaeological fieldwork. The candidate will have excellent technical writing skills and the ability to produce reports for review by subject matter experts on behalf of federal, state, and tribal agencies under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the National Environmental Policy Act, among other historic preservation laws/regulations.

SEARCH provides a flexible work environment, a professional and collaborative atmosphere, and a wide range of projects and opportunities for our staff. SEARCH offers a competitive total compensation package with strong health and wellness and retirement plans. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, group term life insurance, 401(k) plan with match, 11 paid holidays per year, and Unlimited paid time off (PTO). Pay is commensurate with education and experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain the highest professional image for our clients, co-workers, media, and general public.
• Participate in decision-making regarding research priorities of company and provide information on feasibility of prospective projects.
• Develop business/client relationships for SEARCH.
• Develop SEARCH procedures and protocol related to field methods, lab analyses, and report preparation.
• Prepare proposals for review by Sector Leaders and Management.
• Develop research designs, outline research procedures to be followed, and identify and/or provide training to junior staff to carry out research.
• Plan and manage fieldwork, data analysis, and reporting efforts in accordance with project Scope of Work, budget, and schedule.
• Develop thoroughly researched, comprehensive, and defensible resource evaluations according to the National Register of Historic Places eligibility criteria in accordance with 36 CFR §60.4 and associated National Park Service guidance.
• Support Project Managers in the delivery of projects on time and under budget.
• In conjunction with the SEARCH Health & Safety Officer, develop a Health & Safety plan for each assigned project and ensure that it is followed.
• Communicate project resource needs to Project Managers, Sector Leaders, Directors, and Management, as warranted.
• Conduct primary research using laboratory equipment, computer resources, and institutional libraries.
• Provide expertise in field of research to SEARCH colleagues.
• Prepare reports and papers of completed projects for publication in technical journals, presentation to regulatory agencies or at conferences, or use in further research activities, with approval by the Client and SEARCH Management.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications Required:

• Graduate degree in Anthropology or related field.
• Based in/relocating to Guam by hire date.
• Experience with conducting archaeology in Guam, Hawaii, American Samoa, and/or other regional pacific islands.
• Supervisory experience encompassing time in field, laboratory, and office.
• Must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s professional qualifications standards for archaeology and be an RPA or be eligible to become an RPA.
• Eligible for obtaining military base access passes.
• Expertise in state and federal laws and guidelines governing cultural resources management.
• Demonstrated ability to support projects in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Demonstrated ability to manage cultural resource studies in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Demonstrated client management skills.
• Superior technical writing skillset to produce high quality technical reports and to prepare awardable proposals.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Qualifications Preferred:

• Understanding of the Cultural Resource Management (CRM) industry (firms, clients, contracts, new research, and projects) at the statewide, regionwide, nationwide, and worldwide level.
• Five+ (5) years of supervisory experience encompassing time in field, laboratory, and office.
• Strong regional (pacific islands) archaeological experience.

Application Requirements:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• References
• Two writing samples

Other Important Need-to-Know Information:

• This position may require up to 60% field exposure during peak project periods. Field work will include harsh environmental conditions associated with working in the region (e.g. rugged steep terrain, thick jungle vegetation, torrential rainstorms, high temperatures and humidity).
• This position will require flexible availability outside of standard working hours.
• Applicants must be eligible to be employed in the United States.
• SEARCH is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where a variety of backgrounds, cultures, orientations, ideas, and talents can flourish.
• SEARCH is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
• SEARCH is an Affirmative Action Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace.
• Employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory verification of criminal, education, driving, and/or employment background checks as well as passing results from a pre-employment drug screen.
• We will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation to the known limitations of a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or, if requested, to participate in an interview, please let us know.

Benefits

SEARCH Compensation and Benefits include:

• Competitive Salary
• Per Diem (for overnight travel)
• SEARCH-subsidized Group Health Insurance (including Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage)
• SEARCH-provided Short-Term Disability Insurance
• SEARCH-provided Long-Term Disability Insurance
• SEARCH-provided Group Term Life Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Emergency Travel Assistance
• Generous 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Holidays (11)
• Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Merit-Based Raises, Bonuses, and Promotions

About SEARCH:

Overland and underwater, SEARCH is an archaeology firm that deploys the full spectrum of cultural heritage services worldwide. SEARCH2O, its maritime program, is at the forefront of historic shipwreck and submerged pre-contact archaeology, paleolandscape reconstruction, and deep-water archaeology. SEARCH’s staff are cultural resources industry leaders, pioneers, and subject matter experts across 45 Market, Regional, and Research Sectors. Since 1993, SEARCH has completed more than 5,000 commercial and government projects in 48 US states, 6 US territories, and 39 countries spanning 7 continents and 4 oceans. By integrating science, technology, and creativity, SEARCH harnesses the power of the past to advance the projects, places, and people it serves.

Please send inquiries about the position to View email address on ziprecruiter.com. Include the Job Posting code (Guam_PI_2026) in the subject line of your email.