Job Description

GAI is seeking a Senior Archaeologist (Field Director) to support various projects across the Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern regions. The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying, excavating, recording, and reporting on archaeological sites and projects in accordance with state and federal standards and guidelines. Projects may include Phase I through Phase III studies on both historic and precontact sites. Join GAI and make your mark among a team of engineering, planning, cultural, and environmental consultants that provides innovative solutions to energy, transportation, development, government, and industrial clients worldwide.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supervise Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III studies on both prehistoric and historic archaeological sites and, when necessary, assist in the preparation of reports and proposals along with client and agency coordination.
• Responsible for supervising field crew and interacting with office and laboratory staff, and client representatives.
• Responsible for identifying and recording historic and prehistoric archaeological sites, supervising hand and mechanical excavations, generating plan and profile maps of excavated units and features, completing standard level and feature forms, and screening soils to recover artifacts.
• Identify artifacts (stone tools, pottery, historic-period ceramics, glass, etc.) in the field as well as accurately document the context of recovered items.
• Responsible for producing accurate field notes and records needed for report preparation.
• May be responsible for assisting in the processing of artifacts in GAI’s laboratory which may include washing, cleaning, preliminary analysis, or other curation procedures.
• Responsible for maintaining a working knowledge of safety policies and regulations to ensure duties of self and others are performed in a safe manner.
• This position will be in the field 60 to 70% of the time. The project will require frequent travel and overnight stays throughout the North East and Mid-Atlantic region. The distance should be expected to be a 50 to 400 mile radius – sometimes further. The projects can often be in remote areas in any and all conditions.
• Responsible for any and all other duties assigned by supervisor.

Requirements:

• BA or MA degree in Anthropology, Archaeology or a related field plus field school (preferred)
• Experienced in the Section 106 process.
• Ability to maintain valid driver's license.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Use fine motor skills to handle delicate objects, write by hand, feel sharp objects, and reach with hands/arms
• Possess satisfactory close-range vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus
• Talk, hear, taste or smell
• Stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Lift and/or move items and equipment weighing up to 40lbs
• Hike over various types of terrain for long distances while carrying up to 25lbs of gear
• Extensively dig/shovel
• Manually clear brush/vegetation from testing locations
• Work outdoors in extreme temperatures and weather conditions
• Competently drive a full-size pickup truck, daily and for trips potentially up to 8 hours long.

General Characteristics

• Continues to acquire intermediate skills; follows procedures; good organizational skills; works with safety in mind, must be flexible with work hours and willingness to travel up to 100% during the weekdays and occasional weekend travel and/or work, able to do physically demanding work, solid understanding of data base software, Excel, PowerPoint and Word; must do a variety of administrative functions via use of the computer.

Minimum Years of Experience

• 6+ Years of Experience

Education

• B.A./B.S. Degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, History, Historic Preservation, American Studies, or associated degree.

Certification/Licensure

Technical Responsibilities

• Advanced understanding of National Historic Preservation Act, excellent field skills, Archaeological monitoring, solid understanding of artifacts and soils, photography skills, strong mapping skills, excellent note taking skills, accurate completion of field forms, literature searches, sketch maps, compass/navigation skills, writing reports of archaeological investigations, preparation of report figures; good artifact analytical skills are preferred; assists in proposals (i.e. scope of work, budgets, etc.).
• Employee responsible for obtaining their basic field kits, must possess safety-toed boots, responsibility for maintaining and upkeep of company issued field equipment.

Project and Task Management

• Responsible for personal task management and adherence to deadlines and scope.

Management Responsibility

• Quality control of field work and documentation, Coach/Mentor less experienced staff, required to lead and direct field crews on larger, complex projects, responsible for staying on budget and schedule, discuss work performance of technicians with Managers, ability to work independently.
• Ability to work with or without a supervisor present; ability to take direction from a leader, must work independently; interacts with Principal investigators.

Communication Skills

• Possess oral and written communication skills; interacts well with other staff, clients, landowners, contractors, etc.; communicates well with agency officials, ability to function positively in a team environment; ability to communicate effectively with supervisor, coworkers and with lesser experienced personnel, ability to convey field results clearly and concisely to senior level cultural resources staff; coordinates well with other non-cultural resources GAI staff.

Why GAI?  

GAI offers skilled professionals like you an exceptional place to work, grow, lead, and achieve. Explore an array of opportunities in locations across the U.S. and join accomplished colleagues in tackling challenging projects for a range of markets. Enjoy work location and scheduling flexibility; your choice of comprehensive, personalized benefits; a range of employee wellness programs and discounts; and more. Feel good about being part of a collaborative team that’s committed to supporting the communities we serve. Join GAI and distinguish yourself in a company poised for unlimited growth.  

Benefits To Working at GAI Include:  

Competitive Pay & Recognition

• Market based, competitive compensation
• Performance driven recognition and development bonuses

Comprehensive Health & Wellness

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Company paid short-term and long-term disability
• Company paid life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources

Meaningful Work–Life Balance

• Generous paid time off + 7 paid holidays
• An additional floating holiday—use it for what matters to you
• Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave

Growth, Learning & Financial Security

• 401(k) with company match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Support and rewards for professional development and certifications