Associate Project Archaeologist

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking an Associate Project Archaeologist to support our Midwest operations in Chicago, IL. This role is a core member of our Cultural Resources Program, responsible for managing small cultural resources projects, including proposals, fieldwork, research, report writing, quality assurance/quality control reviews, and managing client, agency, and tribal relationships.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to all phases of cultural resources projects, including field investigations, technical reporting, agency coordination, and regulatory compliance. The successful candidate will have opportunities to build technical expertise, manage project tasks, support client and stakeholder communication, and develop the skills necessary to take on increasing responsibility in project planning and delivery.

This is a regular, full-time, hourly/non-exempt position with benefits. Qualified individuals can either work in a hybrid work environment near our Chicago or Cincinnati offices or be distributed (= remote) in the Midwest. Annual pay will be commensurate with individual qualifications and experience. This is a hybrid role with 75% office work, and a potential for up to 25% field work.

• →Manage budgeting, scheduling, research, fieldwork, report writing, and curation for cultural resources projects; for larger projects, work with oversight from Principal Investigators and Project Managers.
• →Assist in developing proposals, work plans, reports, and literature reviews with oversight from subject matter experts.
• →Nurture and develop client relationships.
• →Oversee and conduct fieldwork and project deliverables.
• →Supervise personnel in the field, office, and/or laboratory.
• →Take responsibility for team safety, including developing safety plans (when applicable) and anticipating potential hazards.
• →Collaborate with personnel across role levels and disciplines.
• →Maintain high standards of scientific ethics.
• →Identify and resolve problems creatively.
• →Collaborate as part of an interdisciplinary environmental team.
• →Work independently and responsibly to resolve project challenges.

SWCA may use approved technology, including AI-assisted tools, to support parts of the application and recruiting process. All selection and hiring decisions are made by SWCA employees, and candidates are not selected or rejected by automated systems. We are committed to a fair, transparent, and human-centered hiring experience. 

Knowledge normally obtained through a bachelor's degree or higher. Three years of relevant, progressively responsible experience. Five years of related experience is preferred; or any equivalent combination of experience, performance, training, and/or education.

• Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Architectural History, Anthropology, or a closely related field.
• Three (3) years of experience in cultural resource management (CRM), gained through a combination of educational and professional experience, across various project types, sizes, regions, and agencies, with increasing levels of responsibility.
• Familiarity with Section 106 and Historic Preservation regulatory requirements in Illinois or nearby Midwest states.
• Familiarity with other cultural resource regulations and processes in Illinois and/or nearby Midwest states.
• Demonstrated experience as a primary report author in a CRM context for diverse project types, sizes, regions, and agencies.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet SWCA’s driver requirements

Candidates may use AI tools to help prepare application materials and interviews. However, all application materials, assessments, and interview responses must accurately reflect their own experience, skills, and qualifications. AI must not be used to fabricate experience, complete assessments on their behalf, or otherwise misrepresent their background or abilities. 

SWCA Environmental Consultants is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive. 

SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA’s continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.

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