Mid / Senior-level Archaeologist

Location(s): San Diego
Practice/Department: Cultural-Paleo
Work Environment: Hybrid
Compensation:$120,000-$175,000 annually* 

How You’ll Make an Impact 

Dudek is seeking to fill a Mid/Senior-level staff archaeologist position for our San Diego or Encinitas offices with a preference to be in southern San Diego County. The minimum qualified candidate will have graduate degree in anthropology or a closely related field and strong experience in cultural resource management, ability to be permitted as Principal Investigator, and regional ties to the larger archaeological community. The successful candidate should have excellent writing and communication skills and a working knowledge of California pre-contact and historic archaeology, with focused experience within San Diego, Imperial, and Riverside Counties. The preferred candidate would have experience working on energy or utilities infrastructure projects.

The advertised role includes managing complex archaeological investigations and analyses, developing and implementing innovative research methodologies, and providing advanced technical expertise in cultural resource management projects. The role requires expertise in data analysis and interpretation, technical reporting, field methodology development, regulatory compliance, and have experience mentoring junior staff. Additional responsibilities include managing schedules, workflows, field staff, sub-consultants, budgets, scoping for technical work, implementing safety plans, and acting as senior project archaeologist during meetings requiring direct client/agency interface.

This role is anticipated to largely be office-based, however, candidate should have capacity to attend regular offsite in-person meetings with Dudek and clients within San Diego, as determined by project needs. Site visits to surrounding regions for field support is also likely to be required periodically. As such, candidates must be able to work under physically strenuous conditions. Excellent communication skills, team-focus, ability to work as a crew member and/or manage field crews, ensure paperwork is completed accurately, and to logically support field decisions are also desirable qualities.

Duties and Responsibilities  

Field and Technical Duties and Responsibilities

• Will work under the direct supervision of Senior cultural staff, as well as in coordination with other cultural resources staff throughout Dudek
• Preferred location is southern San Diego County with a strong preference to be in a Dudek or client office 2-3 days per week.
• Primary travel, fieldwork and reporting focus will be in the Southern California region.
• Ability to coordinate and oversee multiple field crews, including subcontractors.
• Work is intended to be approximately 30% in the field and 70% in the office, although this may vary depending on project and seasonal fieldwork needs.
• Knowledge of southern California and surrounding regional prehistoric and historic archaeology
• Understanding of standard office applications and field mapping software
• Team-oriented attitude and approach a must
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Has existing, positive relationships with regional agency staff and Native American Tribes

Project Management and Client Engagement

• Develops and manages project plans, including scope, schedules, budgets, and deliverables pertaining to cultural resources tasks
• Coordinates project teams, resources, and timelines to ensure project success
• Interfaces with clients and directs teams on projects of varying size and complexity
• Builds strong relationships with clients, including key decision makers and agency representatives
• Coordinates and facilitates client, partner, and regulatory agency meetings and presentations
• Manages agreements with sub-contractors and Tribal partners

Minimum Qualifications 

• MA or PhD in Anthropology/Archaeology or a closely related field
• Minimum of 12 years’ work experience in archaeology as cultural resources management specialist completing and managing fieldwork, analysis, reporting, monitoring coordination, and drafting/implementing management plans and mitigation
• Experience with Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III archaeological survey, analysis, and documentation requirements
• Large-scale renewable energy generation and transmission line project experience
• Listed and/or qualified for listing as PI on County of San Diego, County of Riverside, State Parks, USFS, and BLM permits
• Registered Professional Archaeologist (or ability to become certified upon hire)
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by the first day of employment 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Proactive, archaeological field lead experience, strong technical writing, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Analytical expertise in a specialized field related to anthropology or archaeology
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal cultural resources regulations and guidelines, and understanding of regulatory agency programs, procedures, and policies (CEQA, NEPA, and Section 106 of the NHPA)
• Strong organizational, coordination, verbal communication, research, and writing skills

Compensation: $120,000-$175,000 annually* 

*Final agreed-upon compensation will be based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, an individual’s related experience, education, certifications, skills, and work location. Successful candidates must pass a pre-employment drug test and background check prior to beginning employment.