Staff Cultural Resources Specialist - Field Coordinator

Burns & McDonnell’s Southwest Region is seeking a Cultural Resources Specialist to work alongside archaeological crews on surveys, monitoring, testing, and data recovery for infrastructure and other projects. This position offers a path to expanded technical responsibility and, for candidates who meet applicable qualifications over time, archaeological project director or Principal Investigator responsibilities.

The Cultural Resources Specialist will plan and execute assigned field tasks in coordination with the project manager and qualified PI. The role includes field safety, crew direction, reliable data collection, schedule updates, and preparation of field records and technical report sections. The PI retains responsibility for work conducted under the PI’s permits.

The position supports a growing Cultural Resources team that works with other Burns & McDonnell practices on projects throughout the Southwest.

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  Conduct archaeological surveys, monitoring, testing, and data recovery in accordance with the approved work plan, permit conditions, and safety requirements.

• →Prepare for field mobilization by reviewing records and constraints, confirming access and equipment, and coordinating staffing and logistics with the PI and project manager.
• →Work under the appropriate PI and project director authorizations; provide information needed for permit applications or amendments and comply with permit terms.
• →Train field staff in site identification and documentation, digital data collection, artifact handling, and field quality checks; review field records before demobilization.
• →Follow Burns & McDonnell’s quality and safety procedures, raise field issues promptly, and contribute to consistent field methods and checklists.
• →Prepare site forms, field summaries, and report sections; communicate findings, data needs, and schedule impacts to the PI and project manager.
• →Travel and overnight field assignments are part of the role.
• →Other duties as assigned.

• →Bachelor’s degree in archaeology, anthropology, or a closely related field from an accredited program and at least 4 years of relevant archaeological field experience, including field crew leadership.
• →Master’s degree in archaeology, anthropology, or a closely related field preferred; candidates interested in the PI path should be prepared to meet applicable Secretary of the Interior and Arizona State Museum qualifications.
• →Experience directing or supervising archaeological field crews; cultural resources consulting experience preferred.
• →Working knowledge of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and applicable state and agency fieldwork requirements.
• →Knowledge of Southwestern archaeological field methods, site recording, and material culture.
• →Ability to make sound field decisions, document issues, and escalate technical or safety concerns.
• →Clear written and verbal communication, including field summaries, site forms, and contributions to technical reports.
• →Ability to train and collaborate with field staff, project managers, and qualified PIs.
• →Attention to accurate field data, photographs, spatial records, and report inputs.
• →Experience with GPS and mobile field data collection tools.
• →Proficiency with Microsoft Office and willingness to learn project specific data systems.
• →Ability to adapt field plans to changing site conditions and work schedules.
• →Willingness to travel and work on overnight field assignments throughout the Southwest.
• →Ability to meet the Company’s Motor Vehicle Safety Policy requirements for driving privileges.
• →Valid driver’s license.
• →Experience in historical archaeology or architectural history preferred.
• →Experience supporting respectful Tribal coordination in a role directed by the responsible lead preferred.
• →Familiarity with GIS and digital archaeological recording workflows preferred.