Demo

Senior Cultural Resources Specialist - Principal Investigator (Minneapolis)

Burns & McDonnell
Minneapolis, MN Full Time
POSTED ON 10/21/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 1/16/2027
Description

Burns & McDonnell’s regional operation in the Upper Midwest is seeking a dedicated Senior Cultural Resources Specialist to serve as a Principal Investigator in leading and managing project studies, surveys, archaeological excavations, and construction monitoring for a diverse range of projects. Burns & McDonnell is a 100% employee-owned firm providing the opportunity to exercise your entrepreneurial spirit and develop professionally within a growing and industry-leading consulting firm.

The successful candidate will oversee the cultural resources aspects of projects from concept to completion, ensuring seamless planning, coordination, communication, and facilitation. This role requires collaboration with both internal teams and external clients, and offers the opportunity to contribute to proposal development, contract negotiations, and strategic project planning. Project management responsibilities include scoping, budgeting, scheduling, deadline communication, and achieving key project objectives.

This position is integral to the growth of our Environmental Services practice and embodies Burns & McDonnell’s core values of safety, client satisfaction, commitment, dedication, integrity, and exceptional service.

Key Responsibilities May Include

  • Serving as a client coordinator for target clients – taking primary responsibility for ultimate delivery of services and client satisfaction.
  • Identifying project opportunities, sales strategies, and facilitating strategic go/no-go decisions in cooperation with office leadership and Environmental Services practice leadership.
  • Expanding market reach by identifying new clients and project opportunities.
  • Providing leadership for field efforts, technical reporting, and the preparation of high-quality deliverables.
  • Providing mentorship, guidance, and professional development support to junior staff.
  • Adhering to Burns & McDonnell's Quality Control and Safety programs.
  • Performing other duties as assigned.

This dynamic role combines marketing, strategic planning, field assessments, report preparation, and some travel. It requires a proactive, collaborative professional with strong organizational skills and a passion for cultural resources.

Qualifications

  • A Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited program required.
  • Master’s Degree or PhD in anthropology/archeology or related field is required to function as a Principal Investigator on projects.
  • Must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s professional qualifications standards in archaeology and any applicable state qualifications.
  • Registered Professional Archaeologist (preferred).
  • Minimum 8 years of related experience conducting construction monitoring activities; field investigations, surveys and project studies; archaeological excavation, artifact identification and associated field work. A related master’s degree may be substituted for one year of experience.
  • Experience in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and other midwestern states.
  • Ability to obtain permits from U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and other entities.
  • Prior consulting experience (preferred).
  • Experience in performing cultural resources investigations directly for Federal agencies preferred.
  • Knowledge of federal and state regulations relating to historic preservation, (e.g., Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act).
  • Knowledge of anthropology and archaeology methods and practices.
  • Must have strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to complete physically demanding tasks in remote areas, including walking, hiking, carrying loads up to 50 pounds, and excavation.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, specifically for preparation of technical reports and proposal writing, are required.
  • Demonstrated ability to work as an effective team member.
  • High level of attention to detail.
  • Ability to operate various types of GPS equipment.
  • Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, Access, SharePoint).
  • Ability to adjust to rapidly changing work environments and research approaches.
  • Willingness to travel.
  • Valid driver's license required. In addition, must meet standards to qualify for and maintain the Company's vehicle driving privileges as outlined in the Company's Motor Vehicle Safety Policy.

Compensation

$95,000.00-150,000.00 Yearly

The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.

Benefits

Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.

This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.

EEO/Disabled/Veterans

Job Scientific

Primary Location US-MN-Minneapolis/St Paul

Schedule: Full-time

Travel: Yes, 50 % of the Time

Req ID: 262074

Job Hire Type Experienced #ENS

Salary : $95,000 - $150,000

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Senior Cultural Resources Specialist - Principal Investigator (Minneapolis)?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Senior Cultural Resources Specialist - Principal Investigator (Minneapolis) career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$90,738 - $114,279
Income Estimation: 
$113,831 - $142,748
Income Estimation: 
$132,976 - $201,974
Income Estimation: 
$106,129 - $145,100
Income Estimation: 
$121,512 - $169,501
Income Estimation: 
$60,653 - $76,476
Income Estimation: 
$67,547 - $87,789
Income Estimation: 
$103,110 - $134,766
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Burns & McDonnell

  • Burns & McDonnell Salt Lake, UT
  • Description Burns & McDonnell’s Southwest Region is seeking a Cultural Resources Specialist to work alongside archaeological crews on surveys, monitoring, ... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Burns & McDonnell Albuquerque, NM
  • Description The Senior Substation Engineer will lead the preparation of design deliverables for new and modified high-voltage (13kV to 765kV) electrical po... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Burns & McDonnell Albuquerque, NM
  • Description Burns & McDonnell’s Southwest Region is seeking a Cultural Resources Specialist to work alongside archaeological crews on surveys, monitoring, ... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Burns & McDonnell Omaha, NE
  • Description Our integrated Transportation design-build practice is looking to add a proven design manager to our Alternative Delivery team to support our g... more
  • 1 Day Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Senior Cultural Resources Specialist - Principal Investigator (Minneapolis) jobs in the Minneapolis, MN area that may be a better fit.

  • Barr Engineering Co. Minneapolis, MN
  • The Role – What You’ll Do Barr is seeking a full-time, senior-level cultural resources principal investigator to join and continue growing our cultural res... more
  • 21 Days Ago

  • Denali Health Minneapolis, MN
  • About Denali: Denali Health is seeking an experienced Physician to serve as Principal Investigator (PI) for our dedicated clinical research sites. The PI w... more
  • 7 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!