Principal Investigator – Cultural Resources / Archaeology

Job Title: Principal Investigator – Cultural Resources / Archaeology
Location: Northern Plains Region (North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana)
Job Type: Project-Based / Contract
Project Duration: Approximately 2–3 months (with potential extension)
Schedule: Field-based during survey phase; travel required

Position Overview:
We are seeking an experienced Principal Investigator (PI) to oversee cultural resource investigations for a large pipeline project in the Northern Plains. The Principal Investigator will provide leadership and technical oversight for field operations, ensure compliance with applicable cultural resource regulations, and guide field teams through all phases of survey and documentation.

This role will work closely with Crew Chiefs, Field Technicians, and Traditional Cultural Specialists (TCS) to ensure cultural resources are properly identified, documented, and evaluated. The PI will also coordinate with project leadership and Tribal representatives to ensure fieldwork is conducted with cultural sensitivity and in accordance with regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide technical leadership and oversight for archaeological fieldwork and cultural resource surveys

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and tribal cultural resource regulations and project requirements

• Oversee field crews conducting pedestrian surveys across a 300-foot-wide right-of-way (ROW)

• Review and verify documentation of archaeological sites, historic resources, architectural sites, stone features, and isolated finds

• Work collaboratively with Traditional Cultural Specialists and Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) representatives to ensure culturally sensitive resources are properly recorded and respected

• Provide guidance to Crew Chiefs and field staff regarding identification, documentation, and evaluation of cultural resources

• Ensure data quality and completeness for all field documentation, including digital data collection tools such as Field Maps

• Review daily field results and ensure information is properly recorded, organized, and synced

• Communicate regularly with the Project Field Director and project leadership regarding survey progress, findings, and logistical needs

• Assist with troubleshooting field issues, adjusting survey strategies, and supporting reroutes or ancillary surveys when needed

Required Qualifications:

• Extensive cultural resource management (CRM) experience, including significant archaeological fieldwork

• Minimum of 5 years of archaeological field experience, with demonstrated leadership in cultural resource surveys

• Experience working in the Northern Plains region, including familiarity with regional archaeological materials and cultural features

• Strong knowledge of stone features and lithic materials common to the Northern Plains

• Experience collaborating with Traditional Cultural Specialists or Tribal representatives on archaeological projects

• Experience supervising archaeological field crews and ensuring high-quality data collection

• Familiarity with digital field recording tools such as Field Maps or similar platforms

• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related field

• Previous experience serving as Principal Investigator or Project Archaeologist on large infrastructure or pipeline projects

• Strong understanding of cultural resource regulations and consultation processes

• Experience preparing or reviewing cultural resource documentation and survey reports

Physical & Field Requirements:

• Ability to conduct and oversee fieldwork in remote outdoor environments

• Willingness to spend time in the field supporting crews as needed

• Ability to work 8–10 hour days, potentially up to 6 days per week during active fieldwork

Project Details:
Initial field surveys are anticipated to run for approximately two months, with the possibility of an additional month for reroutes and ancillary surveys depending on project needs.

This role is ideal for a seasoned cultural resource professional who can provide leadership, ensure regulatory compliance, and support collaborative field teams working on meaningful projects across the Northern Plains.