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Lead Archaeologist Principal Investigator


Job Location:

Houston, TX - USA

Yearly Salary: $ 81545 - 106289
Posted: 24 July 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline: 21 October 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy
The job posting is outdated and position may be filled

Job Summary

About the opportunity

SWCAs Gulf Coast operation is seeking a Lead Archaeologist in Houston TX to support its expanding practice. As a key member of our team you will collaborate with Directors Team Leads and Project Managers to coordinate projects and ensure high-quality cultural resource management services.

As a Lead Archaeologist you will play a crucial role in managing and overseeing cultural resource projects serving as the primary author on technical reports research designs and other documentation. You will provide guidance and mentorship to staff ensuring compliance with QA/QC standards and fostering a collaborative team environment. Additionally you will manage budgets proposals client interactions and staff demonstrating proficiency in project management and effective delegation.

This is a regular full-time salaried position reporting to our Senior Cultural Resources Director offering the flexibility of a hybrid work environment out of our Houston TX or Baton Rouge LA offices.

What you will accomplish
  • Develop and foster client relationships to build business across SWCAs service offerings
  • Lead authorship of technical reports research designs and other documentation.
  • Oversight of field research data collection analysis and report production.
  • Training and mentoring of staff in research protocols technical reporting and site recording.
  • Problem-solving and process improvement to enhance project efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Collaboration with local and regional teams to ensure successful project outcomes.
  • Cultivation of strong relationships with agency contacts clients and stakeholders.
  • Additional project management duties including budgeting proposal preparation and client management.
  • Demonstrated commitment to scientific integrity and SWCAs Mission Vision and Values.
  • Drives compliance of safety policies and reporting requirements to ensure overall team safety.
Experience and qualifications for success
  • Minimum of a masters degree in Archaeology or Anthropology.
  • Minimum of eight (8) years of archaeology fieldwork experience with academic or research-oriented supervisory experience considered.
  • Thorough knowledge of NEPA and Section 106 regulations.
  • Registered Professional Archaeologist status or eligibility.
  • Experience with content editing of reports and project scheduling/budgeting.
  • Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with project teams.
  • Willingness to travel approximately 20% of the time.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing 100% employee-owned company that offers a full range of environmental services. Our North Star is to be the best place to work and a leader in sustainability bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges all while staying true to our commitment to employee ownership. At SWCA we live our core values every day: we collaborate as #OneSWCA were #AlwaysLearning we #NeverSettle and we #GiveBack to our communities. With offices across the country were proud to be one of the largest environmental compliance firms in the U.S. and to rank among Engineering News-Records Top 200 Environmental Firms.

SWCA is committed to salary equity and alignment with this commitment we post good faith pay ranges in all job postings. An employee in this Houston TX- based position can expect a salary of $81545.10 $106289.82/year. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience qualifications geographic location client requirements where applicable and other factors permitted by law. Regular-status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses. Candidates are also encouraged to consider SWCAs Total Rewards package( which includes a competitive Benefits package forward-thinking workplace flexibility outstanding corporate culture award-winning career development and more.

We offer a supportive team-focused work environment competitive pay and great benefitsincluding a 100% employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) to help you build a strong financial future. At SWCA were committed to helping our team members grow into industry leaders. Our award-winning Career Landscape program offers a clear and structured path to meaningful career development. We support your growth through conference attendance internal and external training education reimbursement our Science and Leadership Program and bonuses for qualifying publications. All regular-status employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package including medical dental vision wellness life and disability coverage as well as access to our Employee Assistance Program. Employees may also participate in SWCAs 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust.

SWCA continues to invest in our people. We value the skills and experience of our internal team members and strongly encourage qualified employees to apply for open positions. We believe in promoting from within whenever possible offering meaningful opportunities for career growth.

Application Deadline: We will begin reviewing applications immediately and schedule interviews with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The position will remain open until we identify a strong pool of candidates and may close without prior notice. We sincerely appreciate the time and effort of all applicants and will thoughtfully review each submission.

If you need assistance accessing SWCAs website completing the online application or require accommodations at any point during the hiring process due to a disability please contact us at or call 1-. Were committed to providing an inclusive and supportive experience for all candidates. This contact information is specifically for accommodation requests; other inquiries will not receive a response.

EOE - women minorities individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. At SWCA Environmental Consultants we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds including those with diverse experiences and veterans to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity innovation and overall organizational success.

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Required Experience:

Staff IC


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SWCA provides comprehensive environmental planning, permitting, regulatory compliance, natural and cultural resource management, and air quality services to businesses and government clients across the United States.

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