Crew Chief - Archaeologist II

Kleinfelder, a Forbes' Top Employer for Engineers in North America, is committed to a people-first culture, technical excellence, and creating opportunities where employees can thrive!

Cultural Resources professionals work on exciting projects involving the identification, preservation, and management of historic, archaeological, and culturally significant sites and resources.  They help to ensure that roads, bridges, pipelines, buildings, and other development projects do not accidentally damage important historical sites, archaeological artifacts, cemeteries, or places that have cultural significance to communities and tribes.

Are you an experienced field archaeologist who thrives in the outdoors and enjoys leading teams in remote environments? As an Archaeologist II - Cultural Survey Crew Chief, you will play a critical role in guiding archaeological survey crews across the western United States while ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality field operations.

This position is ideal for a motivated professional who combines strong archaeological skills with exceptional leadership, logistics coordination, and a commitment to safety. You will serve as the day-to-day leader in the field, directing survey efforts, mentoring crew members, coordinating field logistics, and ensuring compliance with project requirements and cultural resource regulations.

This is an opportunity to advance your archaeology career while exploring some of the most remarkable landscapes in the West. You'll gain leadership experience, work alongside talented professionals, contribute to meaningful resource stewardship, and play a vital role in delivering successful projects while protecting our shared cultural heritage.

If you're ready to lead from the front, prioritize safety, support your team, and make a lasting impact in cultural resource management, we'd love to hear from you.

• →Field Leadership
• →Lead archaeological survey crews conducting pedestrian surveys, inventories, and cultural resource investigations.
• →Provide daily direction, mentorship, and support to field technicians and junior archaeologists.
• →Promote a positive team culture built on respect, communication, accountability, and collaboration.
• →Ensure field activities are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with project objectives.
• →Safety Management
• →Champion a strong safety culture and lead by example in all field activities.
• →Conduct daily safety briefings, hazard assessments, and tailgate meetings.
• →Identify and mitigate risks associated with remote work, rugged terrain, weather conditions, wildlife encounters, and vehicle travel.
• →Ensure compliance with company health and safety procedures and client requirements.
• →Respond appropriately to changing field conditions and emergency situations.
• →Logistics Coordination
• →Coordinate daily field operations, travel arrangements, lodging, vehicle assignments, equipment, and supplies.
• →Monitor crew productivity and survey coverage to meet project schedules and budgets.
• →Manage field data collection, equipment inventories, and project documentation.
• →Communicate regularly with Field Directors, Principal Investigators, and Project Managers regarding project progress and field conditions.
• →Technical Responsibilities
• →Conduct and oversee archaeological surveys in accordance with federal, state, local, and Tribal requirements.
• →Identify, document, photograph, and record archaeological sites, historic properties, and isolated finds.
• →Utilize GPS, GIS, digital data collection platforms, and mapping technologies.
• →Review crew documentation for accuracy, completeness, and quality control.
• →Assist with technical reporting and site documentation as needed.

• Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related field.
• Completion of an accredited archaeological field school.
• Minimum of 2-4 years of archaeological survey experience in a Cultural Resource Management (CRM) environment.
• Experience supervising archaeological field crews and directing daily survey activities.
• Familiarity with Section 106 compliance and cultural resource management practices.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel extensively.
• Ability to hike long distances carrying field equipment in varying terrain and weather conditions.

Please note that Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, will not consider or agree to payment for any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resume, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Kleinfelder.  

• Experience leading surveys on federal, state, or private-sector projects.
• Knowledge of western U.S. archaeology and regional cultural resources.
• Proficiency with GPS, ArcGIS Field Maps, Survey123, and other digital field technologies.
• Experience working in remote areas requiring multi-day travel assignments.
• First Aid/CPR certification and off-road driving experience.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic field environment.

Following an offer, candidates will be required to satisfactorily complete employment reference checks, verification of professional licensure and/or educational credentials, a motor vehicle report (MVR), and a comprehensive background check.

Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, is an inclusive organization free from discrimination. We are a stronger organization when we are a diverse workforce and believe that through diversity, equity, and inclusion comes creativity, innovation, and unity. We are proud to offer the following: