Mid / Senior-level Archaeologist

Overview Location(s): San Diego Practice/Department: Cultural-Paleo Work Environment: Hybrid Compensation:$120,000-$175,000 annually* Dudek’s journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California’s water and wastewater agencies. Today, we are a 100% employee-owned firm supporting clients nationwide and delivering projects that improve and protect the built and natural environments of communities throughout the United States. Our work has been recognized by leading industry organizations, and we’ve been honored with multiple national Top Workplace Awards. Our employee-owners are unified by a singular commitment to supporting projects that address key societal issues, such as the transition to renewable energy, infrastructure hardening and repair, environmental protection, and community resilience. Learn more about our award-winning culture , the benefits and perks of being a Dudekian, and the projects you will have the opportunity to shape. Position Overview Who You Are As an employee-owner , you embrace accountability, working safely, and collaboration while thinking resourcefully and independently. Like all Dudekians, you are curious and solution-oriented , with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and approach challenges with a spirit of innovation . 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 preference to be in a Dudek or client office 1-2 days per week, as dependent on needs. 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. Working Conditions Environment This job operates in an outdoor or office-based environment and this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc. Outdoor activity may involve walking/trekking in uneven terrain over long distances in extreme weather conditions for extended periods of time. This job requires project site visits, based outdoors which can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, and moving vehicles and equipment. Physical Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This job requires the following: Working on a computer, sitting, or standing for long periods of time in an office or remote office setting. Employees must be capable of bending, squatting, climbing ladders, and lifting up to 35 lbs. unassisted; 50lbs in a team lift (two or more employees). Attending meetings, both in person and virtually, and speaking on the phone with peers, clients, etc. Specific vision abilities, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. . Connect with us! 💼 LinkedIn 📸 Instagram ▶️ YouTube 🤝 Dudek Talent Community Dudek is committed to creating a workplace where all employees, regardless of their background, feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunities to succeed. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our business success, and we are dedicated to fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We are committed to fair and equitable processes, based on merit, free from any discrimination. Dudek is genuinely committed to equal employment opportunities within our company and on our project teams. Dudek is also committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in Dudek’s operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of Dudek, including supervisors and coworkers. Equal employment opportunities will be extended to all persons (including those with disability and veteran status) in all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination. Any employee who violates this policy and Dudek’s commitment to equal employment opportunities will be subject to disciplinary action. Dudek is a U.S.-based employer. All positions are based in the United States and require U.S. work authorization.