Archaeological Field Director

Overview

Are you passionate about cultural resources and ready to take a leadership role in the field? Colliers Engineering & Design is seeking a dynamic, experienced Archaeological Field Director to support cultural resource projects out of our Arizona offices. This position may initially be part-time/as-needed, with strong potential to become full-time based on workload and interest. Overnight and regional travel may be required. The position can be located in our Phoenix, AZ office or Gilbert, AZ office.

The Archaeological Field Director will oversee archaeological field crews and coordinate closely with the Principal Investigator and project management team to successfully execute cultural resource investigations throughout Arizona and the greater Southwest. The successful candidate must be capable of independently directing field activities, making informed field decisions, maintaining high-quality documentation, and ensuring work is completed in accordance with applicable agency standards, project scopes, permits, and safety requirements. This position offers the opportunity to work on a wide range of archaeological projects, including survey, monitoring, testing, and data recovery projects throughout the Southwest and across the country. For qualifying travel assignments, generous per diem and company-paid accommodations are available.

Responsibilities

• Direct and supervise cultural resource field projects, including pedestrian survey, site recordation, monitoring, archaeological testing, and data recovery.
• Lead and coordinate archaeological field crews, including daily assignments, field logistics, safety coordination, and productivity.
• Implement project-specific field methodologies and ensure compliance with approved scopes of work, research designs, permits, and agency requirements.
• Coordinate regularly with the Principal Investigator and project manager regarding field progress, discoveries, schedule, staffing, and potential scope changes.
• Identify, evaluate, and document archaeological sites, features, artifacts, and other cultural resources in the field.
• Make informed recommendations regarding site boundaries, resource documentation, additional testing, and other field needs in consultation with the Principal Investigator.
• Ensure accurate collection of field data and completion of required documentation, including daily reports, site forms, feature forms, monitoring logs, historical in-use structure forms, photo logs, and other project records.
• Review field documentation for completeness, accuracy, consistency, and QA/QC prior to submission.
• Collect, manage, and review geospatial data using ArcGIS Field Maps, GPS equipment, and other applicable field technologies.
• Maintain accurate project photographs, field notes, artifact provenience information, and electronic data.
• Provide preliminary identification and assessment of artifacts and cultural resources encountered during field investigations.
• Oversee subsurface testing and data recovery activities, including shovel testing, test units, excavation units, mechanical investigations, and related documentation as applicable.
• Apply knowledge of soils, geomorphology, topography, archaeological site formation processes, and regional cultural history to field decisions.
• Assist with mobilization planning, equipment preparation, access coordination, and other field logistics.
• Communicate professionally with landowners, agency representatives, clients, subcontractors, construction personnel, and other project stakeholders as appropriate.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to archaeological technicians and junior staff.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers and support collaboration across disciplines and offices.
• Work in a variety of terrains, climates, and environmental conditions throughout the year.
• Perform physical field tasks, including hiking long distances and regularly carrying equipment weighing approximately 20–50 pounds.
• Travel locally, regionally, and nationally as required by project assignments.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a closely related field required.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of professional archaeological field experience, including demonstrated experience supervising archaeological field crews.
• Strong experience conducting cultural resource investigations in the Southwest required; Arizona experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with archaeological survey, site recording, monitoring, testing, and/or data recovery.
• Working knowledge of Arizona archaeological site recording standards and applicable federal and state cultural resource regulations.
• Experience completing or overseeing archaeological site forms and other agency-required field documentation.
• Experience using ArcGIS Field Maps, GPS/GNSS equipment, tablets, and other digital field data collection systems.
• Ability to recognize common prehistoric and historic artifact classes and archaeological features encountered in the Southwest.
• Ability to effectively supervise field personnel, organize daily workloads, and communicate expectations clearly.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate, defensible field documentation.
• Ability to identify field issues early and communicate effectively with the Principal Investigator and project management team.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound professional judgment within established project requirements.
• Ability and willingness to lift equipment or objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability and willingness to hike long distances over rugged and uneven terrain in a variety of weather conditions.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record required. MVR will be checked and monitored.
• Ability and willingness to travel for project assignments throughout the Southwest and elsewhere in the United States.
• Ability to read, write, and understand English for purposes of comprehending written job-related communications, preparing documentation, and communicating verbal instructions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience serving as a Field Director or Crew Chief on Arizona cultural resource projects.
• Experience working on projects involving BLM, USFS, ASLD, ADOT, tribal lands, or other federal and state agencies.
• Familiarity with ASM site documentation and Arizona Antiquities Act requirements.
• Experience with technical report preparation, field results summaries, or contributions to Class III cultural resource reports.
• Experience with archaeological monitoring during construction.
• Experience directing or participating in archaeological testing and data recovery excavations.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification and applicable field safety training.

What We Offer

At Colliers Engineering & Design, our people are our most important resource. That’s why we are committed to providing our employees with a safe, comfortable work environment, opportunities for career advancement, and the ability to make a meaningful impact through their projects and Company-sponsored activities. 

This dedication begins with supporting work-life balance through a generous compensation package that includes company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid pregnancy disability leave; short- and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; a company-matched 401(k)/Roth; paid time off that includes parental and military leave; employee referral and professional license bonuses; and a straight-time policy that compensates eligible exempt employees for billable hours worked in excess of 40 billable hours within a work week.

We have also created an internal culture that provides the resources and technology necessary to encourage personal and professional growth through education reimbursement; a free in-house resource offering hundreds of educational and self-enrichment courses; mentorship opportunities; wellness programs; the Women’s Organization; and ongoing philanthropic opportunities.

Apply today to learn how you can join our team of professionals and help us Accelerate Your Success!