Senior Archaeologist

About the Role

As a core member of the subregion’s Cultural Resources program, the Senior Archaeologist will work closely with SWCA managers, directors, and principals on both technical and business‑development initiatives. The position is responsible for generating new business, managing large‑scale projects, meeting financial targets, and mentoring staff to achieve similar results. Key duties include identifying and evaluating market opportunities, building relationships for architectural history, history, and historic preservation services, and serving as primary or co‑author on major technical reports and research designs. The role oversees field research, data collection, inventory, analysis, and final report production according to QA/QC plans, while also providing training and mentorship on NRHP eligibility, research designs, and cultural resources recording protocols. Additional responsibilities cover project management tasks such as budgeting, proposal preparation, client interaction, staff supervision, sales opportunity evaluation, networking, and ensuring safety‑policy compliance. • Identify market opportunities and build relationships for architectural history and historic preservation services. • Lead author or co‑author large technical reports, research designs, and related documents. • Manage cultural resources projects end‑to‑end, overseeing field research, data collection, analysis, and QA/QC. • Mentor and train staff on NRHP eligibility, research designs, technical reporting, and recording protocols. • Prepare proposals, manage budgets, and interact with clients to secure and deliver projects. • Evaluate sales prospects, lead proposal development, and provide recommendations to senior leadership. • Ensure compliance with safety policies and reporting requirements across the team.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸field research
• ▸data collection
• ▸technical reporting
• ▸project management
• ▸client interaction
• ▸business development

What You Bring

Minimum qualifications require a Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archaeology, history, or a related field, ten years of consulting experience in archaeology, and five years of supervisory CRM experience. Candidates must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, possess a solid understanding of federal and state preservation laws (including NEPA and Section 106), and have a proven track record in managing large projects, supervising staff, business development, and technical writing. Knowledge of southeast archaeology and ability to work on interdisciplinary teams are also essential. Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree, PI‑permitted status, and familiarity with HUD‑specific environmental requirements (24 CFR Part 58 and 51). Experience managing the environmental review process for HUD‑funded projects, especially in disaster recovery and resilience contexts, as well as conducting environmental assessments and facilitating public participation, is valued. Candidates should also demonstrate adaptability, independent and collaborative work skills, and prior experience mentoring staff. • Minimum qualifications: BA in anthropology/archaeology/history, 10 years consulting experience, 5 years supervisory CRM experience, knowledge of NEPA, Section 106, and related preservation laws. • Preferred qualifications: MA degree, PI‑permitted, familiarity with HUD 24 CFR Part 58/51, experience with HUD‑funded disaster recovery projects.

Requirements

• ▸ba anthropology
• ▸10 years
• ▸crm supervision
• ▸nepa
• ▸hud cfr
• ▸ma degree

Benefits

SWCA is an employee‑owned firm that emphasizes collaboration, continuous learning, and giving back. The company offers a supportive, team‑oriented environment, competitive wages, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life, disability, and a 401(k) profit‑sharing plan, along with a 100% employee stock ownership plan. Career development is a priority, with programs for conferences, training, education reimbursement, leadership development, and publication bonuses. The Senior Archaeologist position in Raleigh/Durham offers an annual salary range of $87,838.40 – $114,618.40, plus performance bonuses. Candidates are encouraged to consider the Total Rewards package, which includes flexible work arrangements, a strong corporate culture, and opportunities for internal advancement. • Benefits include employee ownership, career development programs, conference support, education reimbursement, comprehensive health plans, 401(k) profit sharing, and flexible work arrangements.

Work Environment

Hybrid

Interview Process

-interviews scheduled on a rolling basis after application review.