Principal Investigator

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.