Lead Archaeologist

SWCA Environmental Consultants is looking for a Cultural Resources Lead Archaeologist to join our Chicago, IL team. 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 technical reports.

Our Chicago, IL 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 our Chicago, IL Senior Cultural Resources Team Lead. We offer the flexibility of a hybrid-based or remote (= distributed) work environment.

• →Serve as primary or co-author 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 Midwest, including the states of Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, and/or Ohio.
• 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 Archaeology and Historic Preservation. 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 10% of the time.

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

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. 

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.  

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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