Lead Archaeologist – Crew Chief

. Lead crews of archaeologists performing Phase I, II, and III archaeological studies in accordance with a research design.

Posted 10/15/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading archaeological field studies, including planning, conducting surveys, and supervising teams. Proficient in data analysis, report writing, and compliance with cultural resource management regulations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Bachelor's Degree In ArchaeologySupervisory Experience In The FieldCultural Resource Management (CRM) UnderstandingReport Writing ExperienceGround Penetrating Radar (GPR) Proficiency

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Archaeological SurveyArtifact AnalysisField Data CollectionProject ManagementQuality Control

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsDetail OrientedOrganizational SkillsAbility To Meet Deadlines

Tools & Technologies

GPSArcCollectorSurvey123Total StationLand Survey Equipment

Certifications & Qualifications

CPR CertificationHAZWOPER TrainingWilderness First Aid Certification

Industry Keywords

Cultural Resource LawsNational Historic Preservation ActField Lead PermitsArchaeological Field SchoolProfessional Qualifications Standards

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

RPA

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead crews of archaeologists performing Phase I, II, and III archaeological studies in accordance with a research design.
Conduct pre-field research and prepare field materials, maps, electronic data, and project summaries.
Plan field logistics and conduct archaeological survey, testing, excavation, and construction monitoring.
Analyze artifacts and data and write artifact descriptions.
Supervise Archaeological Assistants, Technicians, Archaeologists, and Lead Archaeologists in the field.
Provide daily project progress updates to the Principal Investigator or Project Manager.
Recommend modifications to research designs, health and safety plans, field methodologies, and project plans based on observations.
Record field notes, maps, drawings, logs, forms, tables, databases, specimen logs, artifact bags, and box labels.
Collect and inventory artifacts, ecofacts, and samples.
Identify and respectfully handle suspected human and faunal remains in accordance with applicable guidelines and laws.
Perform daily quality control of handwritten and electronic field data.
Use GPS, iPad, ArcCollector, Survey123, compass, transit, and other navigational equipment.
Photo-document artifacts, features, excavation units, landscapes, structures, sites, equipment, techniques, and work in progress.
Procure and maintain field equipment, technology, vehicles, laboratory supplies, and other supplies.
Coordinate with landowners, land agents, clients, field research teams, and regulatory agency staff.
Contribute to technical reports, project reviews, and other deliverables.
Complete timesheets and administrative or project requirements.
Maintain confidentiality and comply with SEARCH policies, guidelines, and client requirements.
Maintain utilization goals and travel for extended periods.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a closely related field.
Completion of an accredited archaeological field school.
Minimum of two (2) years of professional archaeological field experience.
At least one (1) year of supervisory experience in the field.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to meet deadlines while remaining detail oriented, organized, and able to work well on multiple tasks.
Ability to obtain government security clearance.
Valid driver’s license, a good driving record, and access to reliable transportation.
Applicants must be eligible to be employed in the United States.
Flexible availability outside of standard working hours.
Ability to carry up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
Ability to walk up to 5.0 miles per day carrying gear over uneven terrain.
Ability to undertake physical work outside, often in inclement weather.
Ability to travel to remote locations, frequently up to or exceeding 10 consecutive days away from home.
Ability to drive for extended periods up to 11 hours per day.
Cover letter.
Resume.
3 professional references.
Graduate degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a related field (preferred).
Permitted or eligible to be permitted in applicable States requiring field lead permits (preferred).
Understanding of the Cultural Resource Management (CRM) industry (preferred).
Understanding of State and Federal cultural resource laws, particularly the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (preferred).
Secretary of the Interior’s professional qualifications standards for archaeology and RPA eligibility or status (preferred).
Report writing experience (preferred).
Competence collecting field data using a total station or land survey equipment (preferred).
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) or other remote-sensing technology (preferred).
CPR, Lifesaving, Wilderness First Aid, HAZWOPER, or other health and safety training (preferred).
Off-road driving training and/or experience (preferred).

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive Salary
Per Diem (for overnight travel)
SEARCH-subsidized Group Health Insurance (including Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage)
SEARCH-provided Short-Term Disability Insurance
SEARCH-provided Long-Term Disability Insurance
SEARCH-provided Group Term Life Insurance
Voluntary Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Emergency Travel Assistance
Generous 401(k) Retirement Plan
Paid Holidays (11)
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Merit-Based Raises, Bonuses, and Promotions
Flexible work environment
Professional and collaborative atmosphere
Wide range of projects and opportunities