Principal Investigator

Principal Investigator

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists. That's why we believe diversity is our greatest strength. HDR is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer.

Watch Our Story:' '

We believe that the way we work can add meaning and value to the world. That ideas inspire positive change. That coloring outside the lines can illuminate fresh perspectives. And that small details yield important realizations. Above all, we believe that collaboration is the best way forward.

At HDR, our employeeownership model shapes everything we do, including how we support and care for our people. Our diverse service lines, including Water, Architecture, Building Engineering Services, Field Services, Power, Waste, Industrial, and Transportation reflect our commitment to shaping resilient, sustainable, and forwardthinking communities around the world. Across these disciplines, our teams design and deliver solutions that safeguard public health, enhance quality of life, power innovation, and drive responsible growth. Whether advancing clean water, creating healing and learning environments, engineering nextgeneration facilities, or building the infrastructure that moves people and energy, our work is rooted in technical excellence and a shared sense of purpose. Our employeeowners collaborate across specialties, combining creativity, precision, and deep expertise to solve the most complex challenges facing our clients and communities.

Primary Responsibilities

In the role of Principal Investigator, we'll count on you to:

• Manage archaeological surveys that include shovel testing, auger testing, mechanized trenching, site delineation and documentation, feature and artifact identification and analyses, photography, and mapping.

• Possess the technical knowledge to supervise junior archaeological staff in field and office settings.

• Prepare archaeological site descriptions and conduct NRHP eligibility evaluations.

• Manage the production of professional quality deliverables that meet state and federal regulatory standards.

• Possess the knowledge and skills to effectively communicate with regulatory agencies and project stakeholders.

• Work with multi-disciplinary teams in HDR Business Groups, including Water, Resources, and Transportation in the South Central (Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana) region and nationally to help plan, staff, and execute major cultural resource management efforts.

• Perform other duties as needed.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to record cultural resources in the field without any physical assistance (this could include hiking short distances in scrub and native vegetation).

• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds without assistance.

• Must be able to effectively communicate in person, by telephone, and email.

• Must be able to effectively work in minimally supervised and/or unsupervised environments.

• Work hours other than 8 to 5 which may include weekends,

• Must have a valid Driver's License.

• Be able to operate a vehicle day or night.

• Approximately 50% travel required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related field and a minimum of five years' experience

• Must have experience identifying and recording pre-contact and historic resources

• Must be able to perform physically demanding tasks in adverse environmental conditions (e.g., rugged terrain, remote locations, hot and cold temperatures)

• Must also have good organizational skills, a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to learn, and execute new tasks

• Must be able to effectively work in minimally supervised and/or unsupervised environments.

• May be required to submit both a writing sample and verifiable references

• Experience managing archaeological teams comprised of project archaeologists and field crew chiefs.

• National Historic Preservation Act - Section 106 coordination management.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Architectural History or closely related field
• A minimum of 5 years experience in cultural resource projects
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite
• Must demonstrate knowledge of and experience with project compliance-related activities including consultation, quality assurance and reviews
• Willingness to work under varied weather conditions
• Successful candidates must be familiar with field study design and documentation, regulatory framework for cultural resource management, and GIS utilities
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees. Primary Location: United States-Texas-Austin Industry: Environment/Sciences Schedule: Full-time Employee Status: Regular BusinessClass: Cultural Resources Job Posting: Jun 22, 2026