Experienced Archaeologist

Job Description

This Opportunity

Provides technical assistance and guidance for the collection, identification, and compiling of artifacts, observational, and spatial data concerning a variety of archaeological and historical sciences. Provides cultural resources support and guidance to technical staff and project managers to ensure that construction or environmental permitting work done on or near archaeological sites complies with historical preservation laws. Tasks may include assisting and overseeing field investigations relating to construction, infrastructure, transmission, energy, pollution control, emergency response, and preserving the quality of the environment by identifying, controlling, and preventing disruption to resources of cultural and scientific significance. Generates accurate and concise documentation, assessing and advising on project areas, and applying and integrating archaeological science to solve environmental challenges. Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards.

Your Impact

• Collect, identify, and compile artifacts, observational, spatial, and archaeological data from field sites for projects, investigations, and surveys.
• Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other maps and tools to determine exact locations of project areas, site impact, and associated physical and archaeological sensitivities.
• Assist with primary investigator responsibilities in excavating, recovering, and analyzing artifacts that support work in cultural resource management to ensure that construction work done on or near archaeological sites complies with historical preservation laws.
• Assist with preparing cultural resources survey reports, data entry, impact assessment, and assist with permitting activities for assigned projects (e.g. CEQA, NEPA, etc.).
• Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurements, statistical analysis, and reporting.
• Perform professional archaeological work and assist with conducting investigations, inspections, studies and surveys to gain further information on a particular cultural resources problem or issue, verify site characteristics, and/or to plan for various historical preservation and environmental issues.
• Prepare data and visualizations such as tables, charts, accurate reports, and illustrations for the interpretation or presentation of data, findings, or analyses.
• Write technical reports summarizing research with findings and conclusions, generating complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems, field/work site notes, and software.
• Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, the maintenance of artifact collection, laboratory documentation, written procedures, monitoring systems, and logbooks.
• Maintain and calibrate equipment and tools, troubleshooting and reporting on malfunctions, and performing inventory control activities.
• Assist in the analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of cultural resources data obtained during field investigations, offering input with developing action plans for low to mid-level threat mitigation and permitting activities to minimize or negate impacts to resources of cultural and scientific significance.
• Assist with development and scoping of small- to medium-sized projects.
• Work with cross-functional teams in executing project work.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
  
  
  

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Advanced Degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, historic preservation, or a related field.
• 3 to 5 years of relevant post-education experience working in archaeological fieldwork to include site recordation, survey, construction monitoring, and excavation.
• Prior experience with GIS software and Trimble GPS units, sub-meter GPS, R1, ArcCollector, Survey123, and assorted other field applicable technologies.
• Analytical skills and prior experience with research techniques, local/regional prehistoric and/or historic archaeology required.
• Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, preservation compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
• Capable interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a scientific and non-scientific audience.
• Effective self-leadership with attention to detail, results orientation, and managing multiple priorities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, follow instruction, work independently, and comply with company policies.
• Moderate proficiency with business writing, office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, and identify the most effective manner to accomplish objectives of assigned projects.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced (MA or PhD) Degree is preferred.
• 40-Hour OSHA Health & Safety Training (HAZWOPER) (29 CFR 1910.120) preferred.
• Basic First Aid and Adult CPR training desired.