Archaeologist - Principal Investigator

We are seeking an experienced Archaeologist and Principal Investigator to lead and deliver archaeological field investigations and Section 106 compliance efforts as part of our Environmental Services team. In this role, you will serve as a PI and project leader on complex cultural resources projects (including survey and field investigations), guide technical delivery and documentation, mentor and develop staff, and partner with clients and agencies throughout project delivery. This is a great opportunity to join a 100% employee-owned firm recognized as one of Indiana’s Best Places to Work and 2026 Indiana ESOP Company of the Year.Lochmueller Group is an engineering consulting firm with an emphasis on infrastructure. We provide multi-disciplined services for a variety of public agencies and private entities, including water resources design; transportation design; traffic engineering and transportation planning; environmental analysis and permitting; construction engineering and inspection; surveying; and land acquisition & appraisal.For over 40 years, Lochmueller Group has helped communities reinvent their future through thoughtful, actionable planning and design. Our dedication to building a team that demonstrates our corporate values (CARDIA) is what sets us apart:CARDIA: Creativity; Accountability; Respect; Dedication; Integrity; AchievementLochmueller Group provides an excellent workplace culture driven by these values. We are a 100% employee-owned (ESOP) company, and our people are invested in the success and continued development of each other and the firm. This is a great place to build a career and grow with a company that is dedicated to quality and service.Key responsibilities include: Archaeological Fieldwork & Technical Expertise: Plans, coordinates, and conducts archaeological and cultural resources investigations in compliance with applicable regulations. Serves as Principal Investigator for archaeological surveys, testing, data recovery, monitoring, and other investigations, as applicable. Leads and participates in archaeological fieldwork, including pedestrian surveys, subsurface testing, excavation, and site documentation. Oversees and/or performs the identification, analysis, interpretation, and curation of archaeological artifacts and associated records. Evaluates archaeological resources and develops recommendations to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to cultural resourcesRegulatory Compliance & Documentation: Conducts archival, records, and background research to support archaeological investigations. Researches, prepares, and reviews Section 106 compliance documentation, technical reports, determinations of eligibility, assessments of effect, treatment plans, and other archaeological deliverables. Coordinates consultation activities related to Section 106 and other applicable regulatory processes. Provides technical input and guidance as a subject-matter expert on archaeological compliance mattersProject Management & Delivery: May serve as a Project Manager for cultural resources projects. Manages project tasks, budgets, schedules, and resources to ensure timely and high-quality project delivery. Reviews and approves archaeological project scopes, budgets, and schedules. Coordinates closely with internal project teams to meet project objectives and contractual requirementsClient, Agency & Stakeholder Coordination: Coordinates with clients, regulatory agencies, tribal representatives (as applicable), and the public throughout the project lifecycle. Participates in consultation, public involvement activities, and meetings with agencies, stakeholders, and the public, as needed. Develops and maintains strong working relationships with clients and agencies. May assist with business development efforts, including proposal support and strategic growth of archaeological servicesLeadership, Mentorship & Professional Practice: Provides mentorship, training, and technical guidance to junior archaeological staff and field crews. Assists upper-level management and staff as a technical specialist or advisor on archaeological matters. Ensures compliance with established health, safety, and fieldwork protocols. Performs other duties associated with the position as requiredRequired qualifications: Graduate degree (M.A. or higher) in archaeology, anthropology, or a closely related field with a specialization in archaeology at the graduate levelGraduate-level training in archaeological theory, methods, and regional cultural historyMeets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for Archaeology (36 CFR Part 61) and must be eligible to serve as PI on INDOT or federally funded projectsMinimum 3 years of professional archaeological experience, including:At least 2 years in a professional-level supervisory experience directing archaeological survey and excavationAt least 1 year of laboratory analysis experience, including artifact cataloging and interpretationMinimum 4 months of supervised field and analytic experience in North American archaeologyMinimum of 2 years of supervisory experience and research in Midwestern precontact archaeology or Midwestern historical archaeology and archival researchDemonstrated ability to carry research to completion, such as a thesis, dissertation, or equivalent technical reportDemonstrated ability to design, execute, and complete archaeological investigations (including technical reporting)Experience preparing Section 106 compliance documentation and technical reportsAbility to meet or be listed on the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology Qualified Professionals Roster as a Principal InvestigatorExperience managing budgets, schedules, and multidisciplinary teamsPublication record or technical reporting portfolioPreferred qualifications:Current listing on the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology Qualified Professionals Roster as a Principal Investigator for both precontact and historical sitesPrior approval as a PI by a State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), preferably IndianaWhat we offer: Health & Wellness (medical, dental, vision, disability, and basic life insurance w/ option for additional voluntary life insurance)Work/Life Balance (vacation, holidays, sick leave, parental leave, flexible scheduling)Wealth-Building (401k w/ company match, student loan repayment benefit, ESOP, competitive compensation package)Professional Benefits (professional membership dues, career & educational development)Lochmueller Group is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Lochgroup fully supports and maintains compliance with all state, federal, and local regulations. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected by federal, state, and local laws. Some of the content in this job post may have been auto-generated using advanced AI.We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.