Principal Investigator (PI) Archaeologist – Remote
Location: Remote/Flexible with travel as needed
Salary: 70,000.00-90,000.00
Employment Type: Full-Time, Salaried
Reports to Cultural Resources Technical Director
Stell is a seasoned veteran- and woman-owned small business providing expertise and innovation across the resilience, environmental, restoration, and compliance service sectors. Stell is dedicated to the preservation, interpretation, and management of cultural heritage resources. We work closely with government agencies, tribal communities, private clients, and the public to ensure responsible stewardship of historical and cultural assets.
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Principal Investigator Archaeologist to oversee and coordinate cultural resource management (CRM) activities across large-scale programs or multi-project portfolios. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of cultural heritage compliance (e.g., NEPA, NHPA Section 106), experience working with tribal and regulatory stakeholders, and a strong background in project and program management.
You will provide oversight, guidance, and consistency in how cultural resources work is integrated into project delivery. This role ensures that cultural resource commitments, risks, and regulatory obligations are effectively tracked, managed, and communicated throughout the program lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Service Delivery
- Coordinate with archaeologists, historians, and regulatory staff to ensure cultural compliance across projects.
- Oversee the integration of cultural resource tasks into project schedules, budgets, and risk management plans.
- Monitor and report on cultural resources KPIs and performance metrics to senior leadership and external stakeholders.
- Serve as a liaison between clients, project teams, cultural resource consultants, Native American tribes, agencies, and internal departments.
- Ensure consistent compliance with federal, state, and local cultural heritage laws (e.g., NHPA, ARPA, CEQA/NEPA).
- Support the preparation and review of cultural resources documentation such as research designs, survey reports, and treatment plans.
- Assist with tribal consultation processes and maintain respectful, professional relationships with tribal representatives and cultural stakeholders.
- Provide training and support to field teams regarding CRM requirements and protocols.
- Manage and track mitigation commitments, permitting status, and cultural data across project portfolios.
- Oversee multiple projects in the cultural resources service area
Project Management & Execution Support
- Support project teams by ensuring resource allocation, task prioritization, and deadline tracking.
- Serve as a key liaison between technical teams, clients, and leadership to resolve operational bottlenecks.
- Oversee compliance with contract requirements, reporting deadlines, and quality assurance standards.
- Assist in risk management and mitigation planning for project delivery.
Resource & Team Coordination
- Coordinate workload and staffing assignments for technicians and scientists
- Track utilization and ensure staffing levels align with project demands.
- Support junior and mid-level staff development by facilitating training and mentoring opportunities.
- Lead regular check-ins with project teams to address challenges and maintain efficiency.
Process & Financial Optimization
- Collaborate with the Director to improve budgeting, cost tracking, and operational profitability.
- Streamline workflows between technical execution and business operations.
- Identify opportunities for automation, process refinement, and cost savings.
- Ensure compliance with financial, legal, and contract-specific regulations.
Qualifications
Required:
- Master’s degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, Cultural Resource Management, or related field.
- 7+ years of progressive experience in cultural resource management, including experience in program-level coordination or oversight.
- Strong working knowledge of relevant cultural resource laws and regulatory processes (e.g., Section 106, NEPA).
- Proven ability to manage complex CRM deliverables in a multi-project environment.
- Demonstrated experience working with Native American tribes, SHPOs, and other regulatory bodies.
- Strong organizational, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera, or equivalent) and CRM tracking systems.
Preferred:
- PMP (Project Management Professional) certification or similar PM training.
- Experience working on large infrastructure, transportation, energy, or environmental projects.
- Familiarity with GIS, cultural resources databases, and digital field data collection tools.
- How to Apply:
Please submit a cover letter indicating salary requirements and availability, along with your resume as a PDF to [email protected].
Stell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $70,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have demonstrated proficiency in program and project management?
- Are you currently an SOI-qualified archeologist?
Education:
Experience:
- Cultural Resources : 7 years (Required)
Work Location: Remote
