Job Description:
Overview:
The Principal Investigator is a qualified senior technical leader responsible for directing complex cultural resources investigations and ensuring regulatory alignment. This role brings strong technical judgment to research design and documentation, serves as a key point of contact with agencies and clients, and mentors staff across multiple experience levels
Responsibilities:
Direct and oversee technical archaeological work
Lead complex cultural resources investigations and research design
Provide expert guidance on applicable federal, state, and local regulatory compliance
Coordinate with clients and applicable regulatory agencies in complex situations
Prepare scopes of work, schedules, and project budgets
Lead archaeological field investigations and oversee project execution
Author and review complex technical reports, research designs, treatment plans, and related documentation
Demonstrate advanced expertise in identification, analysis, and assessment of pre- and post-contact materials, features, and structures
Apply subject-matter expertise in a cultural resources subfield, such as artifact analysis, GIS, geoarchaeology, or deliverable preparation
Ensure regulatory alignment and well-supported conclusions
Provide coaching, guidance, and knowledge sharing to team members
Participate in professional organizations and continuing education
Support public and stakeholder engagement related to archaeological findings
Qualifications:
8 years of archaeological experience, including at least 1 year in a supervisory role
Graduate degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a related discipline
Meets Secretary of the Interior (SOI) Professional Qualification Standards (36 CFR Part 61).
Meets applicable state Principal Investigator (PI) qualification requirements.
Completion of an academic archaeological field school preferred
Registered Archaeologist through the Register of Professional Archaeologists preferred
Ability to meet applicable transportation or agency precertification requirements in area of research within 6 months, when required
Significant experience leading archaeological field investigations and projects
Experience managing complex projects, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation
Advanced proficiency in GIS and mapping software
Exceptional technical writing and report preparation skills
Strong leadership skills and ability to manage multidisciplinary teams
Typical workweek is Monday–Friday during standard business hours, with flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, and travel based on project needs.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in archival research.
Proficiency in faunal analysis.
Leadership experience in testing and data recovery project.
Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Familiarity with the City of San Antonio’s Unified Development Code.
Experience in bioarcheological and/or faunal analysis.
EEO Statement:
All qualified applicants for Pape-Dawson Engineers will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.