Lead Archaeologist

SWCA Environmental Consultants is looking for a Cultural Resources Lead Archaeologist to join our Wyoming/Montana team reporting to the Sheridan, WY office. Our team of accomplished environmental and cultural resources scientists is growing, and we are looking for dynamic individuals who are following their passion in delivering the highest-quality cultural resources compliance services.

Your role will be to work with office staff in business development, draft proposals, oversee and improve team procedures, develop and lead projects, oversee fieldwork, assist with field logistics, complete analysis of results, and draft and review technical reports.

Our Sheridan WY office offers a unique work environment and specializes in environmental compliance including cultural resources. This is a regular (with benefits), full-time, salaried/exempt opportunity reporting to a Sheridan, WY Principal Cultural Resources Lead. We offer the flexibility of a hybrid-based or remote (= distributed) work environment.

• →Serve as co-author or reviewer on large technical reports, research designs, and other technical documents.
• →Conduct content edits of technical reports and site forms.
• →Oversee field research, data collection, inventory, analysis, and final report production, ensuring these tasks are conducted in accordance with the QA/QC plan.
• →Assist with training and mentoring of staff in topics including NRHP eligibility, implementation of research designs, technical reporting, and cultural resources recording protocols.
• →Comply with SWCA and client safety programs and assist in the development of such programs.
• →Maintain good working relationships with state and federal agency contacts and clients.
• →Additional project management duties as needed: manage budgets, prepare proposals, interact with clients, and manage staff.

Knowledge normally obtained through a bachelor's degree; master's degree may be required for certain projects. Six years of relevant, progressively responsible experience, including some experience managing others. Eight years of related experience is preferred; or any equivalent combination of experience, performance, training, and/or education.

• Master’s degree in Archaeology or Anthropology required.
• Six (6) years of supervisory and fieldwork experience in a cultural resources consulting or agency setting.
• Listed as a Registered Professional Archaeologist (or qualified for RPA status).
• Experience with and thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations for cultural resources compliance projects located in the upper Rockies and Plains, especially Wyoming and Montana.
• Demonstrated proficiency in project planning, coordination, scheduling, creating/tracking budgets, and understanding of all aspects of a project from pre-field tasks to final report preparation.
• Preparation of final reports consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation and agency and state-specific requirements. Projects shall have been performed under the jurisdiction of the National Historic Preservation Act.
• Peer-reviewed publication record and conference presentation experience preferred and will be supported in this role.
• Ability to work independently as well as oversee small or large projects by working closely with Field Directors and other Project Managers.
• Ability to travel an estimated 20% of the time.

• Eight (8) years of supervisory and fieldwork experience in a cultural resources consulting or agency setting.

Applicants must possess a valid driver's license and meet SWCA's driver requirements. 

This position may require domestic travel, including travel by commercial airline. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain all valid travel documents and identification required for work-related travel throughout the duration of employment.  

Drives compliance of safety policies and reporting requirements to ensure overall team safety.  

SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency. The expected pay range for this [office name] based position is $XX,XXX to $XX,XXX per year or $XX.XX to $XX.XX per hour. Actual pay may vary based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law. Eligible employees may also receive performance based bonuses. 

As a 100% employee owned company, we invest in your future. Our Total Rewards package includes an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, 401(k) with profit sharing, medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, wellness programs, and professional development opportunities. 

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact HRConfidential@swca.com.

If you require assistance with the application process, please contact recruiting@swca.com.

SWCA may use approved technology, including AI-assisted tools, to support parts of the application and recruiting process. All selection and hiring decisions are made by SWCA employees, and candidates are not selected or rejected by automated systems. We are committed to a fair, transparent, and human-centered hiring experience. 

Candidates may use AI tools to help prepare application materials and interviews. However, all application materials, assessments, and interview responses must accurately reflect their own experience, skills, and qualifications. AI must not be used to fabricate experience, complete assessments on their behalf, or otherwise misrepresent their background or abilities. 

SWCA Environmental Consultants is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive. 

SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA’s continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.

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