Principal Investigator

About the job

Job Description:

Overview:

Pape-Dawson is looking for a Principal Investigator to be based out of our San Antonio, Texas location.

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.

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If you need an accommodation or assistance with completing your application due to a disability or special need, please contact our team at Recruiting@pape-dawson.com or call (210) 375-9000.

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.