Cultural Principal Investigator

About the Role

The Principal Investigator will oversee cultural resource projects, develop research designs, ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, supervise field personnel, and coordinate with clients, agencies, and Tribal Nations. They will also manage budgets, schedules, and deliverables while contributing to business development and staying current with industry best practices. Field work may involve diverse terrains, equipment handling, and occasional travel. • Lead Class I‑III cultural resource surveys, testing, and data recovery projects as Principal Investigator • Design and implement project‑specific research methodologies • Manage Section 106, NEPA, ARPA, NAGPRA, and state/local compliance processes • Supervise and mentor field directors, crew chiefs, archaeologists, and technicians • Coordinate with clients, SHPO, ASM, federal agencies, and Tribal Nations • Oversee preparation of technical reports, management summaries, and deliverables • Control project budgets, schedules, and staffing to ensure profitability • Contribute to business development through proposal writing and client relationship building • Conduct field work in diverse terrains, handle equipment up to 50 lb, and travel as needed

Key Responsibilities

• ▸survey leadership
• ▸method design
• ▸compliance management
• ▸team supervision
• ▸client coordination
• ▸budget control

What You Bring

Candidates must hold a Master’s or PhD in Anthropology, Archaeology or a related discipline and have at least five years of professional cultural resource management experience, preferably with a strong background in Southwest archaeology. Required skills include leading surveys, knowledge of permitting processes, excellent technical writing, RPA certification, GIS software proficiency, and established relationships with Tribal Historic Preservation Offices. Physical ability to lift up to 50 lb, walk on rugged terrain, and a valid driver’s license are also required. • Hold a Master’s or PhD in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a related field • Minimum five years of cultural resource management experience with Southwest/Arizona expertise • Proven experience leading Class I‑III surveys, testing, and data recovery projects • Knowledge of Arizona permitting processes (ASM, SHPO) and federal regulations • Strong technical writing and communication abilities • RPA certification (or ability to obtain) and proficiency with GIS/archaeological software • Established relationships with regional Tribal Historic Preservation Offices • Experience in public outreach and interpretation of archaeological resources • Ability to lift 50 lb, walk long distances on rugged terrain, and hold a valid driver’s license

Requirements

• ▸phd
• ▸5+ years
• ▸survey lead
• ▸permitting
• ▸gis
• ▸rpa

Benefits

Colliers values its people and provides a safe, supportive work environment with opportunities for career advancement and societal impact. Compensation includes comprehensive health benefits, paid leave, 401(k) matching, overtime pay for billable hours beyond 40 per week, and various bonuses. The company also offers tuition reimbursement, an extensive in‑house learning platform, mentorship, wellness programs, a Women’s Organization, and philanthropic activities. • Company‑paid medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and 401(k)/Roth match • Paid parental, military, and other leave, plus overtime compensation for billable hours beyond 40 per week • Tuition reimbursement, in‑house learning library, mentorship, wellness and Women’s Organization programs • Employee referral and professional license bonuses, and opportunities for philanthropic participation

Work Environment

Field