Principal Investigator Archaeology

Hire Type: Full time, Salary, pay dependent on experience

Salary Range: $100,000-$130,000

Location: Remote, reporting to the Pacific Northwest Operating Region

Job Description  

Lithos is seeking a full-time Archaeological Principal Investigator to primarily support projects in Western United States and reporting into the Pacific Northwest operating region. Preference will be given to those with experience in Oregon and Washington.  The Principal Investigator will play an integral role in advancing the scientific quality, operational management, and continued growth of Lithos by serving as the technical lead for their assigned region. Success in this role depends on the ability to work collaboratively within a larger team environment, partnering closely with senior and associate staff to support the integrity and consistency of the archaeology program. The ideal candidate will combine technical expertise and leadership with a team-oriented mindset, demonstrating the ability to both lead initiatives and take direction as needed to achieve shared project goals. 

Duties will include: 

  • Lead and oversee archaeological fieldwork, including surveys, excavations, and site assessments. 

  • Delivery of high-quality technical reports, data, and other products using vigorous quality control and quality review protocols for data and reports. 

  • Lead business development and marketing by building new client relationships and maintaining existing ones 

  • Prepare technical elements of proposal development, including scope, budget, and schedule 

  • Develop and implement research designs, methodologies, and excavation strategies. 

  • Oversee complex compliance and mitigation programs during project construction. 

  • Analyze and interpret archaeological data, artifacts, and ecofacts, producing comprehensive reports and publications. 

  • Engage with stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and clients, to communicate project objectives and findings. 

  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to archaeological practices and cultural resource management. 

  • Mentor and train junior staff and field technicians, fostering a culture of learning and professional development. 

  • Native American outreach and coordination 

  • Contribute to the advancement of archaeological knowledge through active participation in professional organizations, conferences, and academic publications. 

  • Participate in Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) Policies, Procedures, Standards, and Guidelines in the execution of all work 

Required Qualifications: 

  • Master’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related field. 

  • Meets the qualifications as described in the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for Archeology and Historic Preservation (48 FR §44716)  

  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in archaeological fieldwork and research, specifically cultural resource management, with experience in one of the three operating regions. 

  • Extensive knowledge of archaeological methods, techniques, and best practices. 

  • Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing technologies, and other relevant software tools. 

  • Strong background in archaeological research and fieldwork, project management, Native American outreach and coordination, compliance, and mitigation programs. 

  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to synthesize complex data into coherent findings. 

  • Expertise in federal, state, and local regulations governing archaeological and cultural resource management including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and regional state regulations 

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce high-quality reports and present findings to diverse audiences. 

  • Demonstrated ability to manage project budgets, timelines, and resources effectively. 

  • Proven leadership and team management abilities, with experience mentoring and developing junior staff. 

  • Willingness to travel and work in various field conditions as required by project locations. 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Ph.D. in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related field. 

  • 15+ years of experience in archaeological fieldwork and research 

  •  Oregon SHPO Qualified Archaeologist

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