Project Archaeologist / Field Director

Title: Project Archaeologist / Field Director

Job Type: Project Specific, Onsite / In Field

Location: Rockaway, NJ 

Description: E2PM is seeking a Project Archaeologist / Field Director to join the firm’s Cultural Resources Department in support of a local Phase III Data Recovery project. The project is expected to last several months and has strong potential to become permanent. This role offers an opportunity to develop your technical expertise on an exciting project and contribute to a growing team, while gaining experience in the field and office, working with a variety of professionals.  

The ideal candidate will have a solid background in archaeology, including experience with Phase II and/or III data recovery projects consisting of the excavation of units for Section 106 compliance and historic preservation. This position requires hands-on involvement in fieldwork, lab work, and regulatory compliance support. While you will work closely with senior team members, you will also have the opportunity to take on independent responsibilities and develop your skills in cultural resources management.

Typical Duties and responsibilities: 

• Work closely with senior staff to manage the current Phase III project as well as any additional cultural resource projects, ensuring compliance with CEQA, NEPA, Section 106 of the NHPA, and other regulations while meeting project deadlines and staying within budget.
• Collaborate with senior staff to assess the effects of proposed projects on historic properties per 36 CFR Part 800 and assist in developing mitigation strategies and leading Section 106 consultations.
• Prepare and review technical reports such as excavation and monitoring reports.
• Provide support for historic preservation planning and mitigation measures, ensuring adherence to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
• Assist with business development efforts, including proposal writing, client outreach, and strategies to expand E2PM’s Cultural Resources Program.
• Take ownership of specific tasks within larger projects, such as field survey efforts, data management, and document preparation under the guidance of senior staff.
• Work with interdisciplinary teams, including environmental scientists, engineers, and planners, to integrate CRM considerations into broader infrastructure and development projects.
• Assist in managing/directing field operations, including archaeological surveys, testing, excavation, and construction monitoring, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and high-quality data collection. Includes directing teams of archaeological field technicians when applicable.
• Help mentor and provide technical guidance to junior archaeologists and field staff, ensuring consistency in methodologies, reporting, and regulatory compliance.
• Document archaeological and historical resources; must be able to take accurate field notes, complete forms, and draw accurate profiles and plan view sketches.
• Collaborate with senior management on resource planning, including staffing, equipment coordination, and subcontractor management to ensure project efficiency.
• Travel as needed to project sites and corporate offices.
• Stay updated on regulatory changes in cultural resource laws and best practices, advising senior management on relevant impacts to project strategies and business development.

Opportunities for Growth

• As a Project Archaeologist/Field Director, you will have the opportunity to develop your leadership and project management skills, contributing to more complex projects and building your career.
• You will receive regular mentoring and professional development, growing in the areas of fieldwork, technical writing, project coordination, and regulatory compliance.

Requirements (education, licensing, certifications, etc.):

• BA/BS degree (MS/MA preferred) in Archaeology, Anthropology, or related field.
• Meet Secretary of the Interior’s (SOI) Professional Qualification Standards for Archaeology to perform duties for NHPA Section 106 and NEPA compliance.
• At least 3 – 5 years of professional experience – including the excavation of units and laboratory work.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance requirements, including NEPA, Section 106 of the NHPA, and state historic preservation guidelines.
• Strong technical writing, organizational, and time-management skills with proficiency in electronic data collection and reporting tools.
• Ability to analyze technical reports for accurate information regarding cultural resources, legal descriptions, and land ownership.
• Ability to apply methods, techniques and practices used to direct archaeological and historic site assessment and mitigation programs.
• Ability to coordinate archaeological mitigation measures for the preservation of cultural resources through avoidance or recovery of significant archaeological materials.
• Ability to research, analyze, develop, and manage archaeological and historic preservation plans and resources.
• Ability to work in both office and field environments, including extended computer-based tasks, laboratory work, and physically demanding fieldwork.
• Must be detail oriented and have excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong organizational skills, and must be technologically proficient including experience with databases and field data collection.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, MS Word) and handheld data collection devices.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with project teams and a variety of clients in the public and private sectors and handle concurrent assignments.
• Capable to assist with business development efforts and prepare proposals.
• Ability to adapt to rugged terrains, extreme weather conditions, and dynamic work environments.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and a reliable vehicle for fieldwork.

To Apply:

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter to E2PM’s Office Manager (officemgr@e2pm.com). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.