Cultural Principal Investigator

Overview

Colliers Engineering & Design (CED) is a leading engineering and environmental consulting firm with a rapidly growing archaeological practice dedicated to preserving and interpreting cultural heritage. We provide comprehensive cultural resource management services across diverse industries and landscapes, with a strong focus on the Southwest and Arizona. Our team is expanding, and we are seeking a Part-Time, As Needed Principal Investigator (PI) with deep expertise in Southwest archaeology and regulatory compliance to help lead projects and mentor staff.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Principal Investigator for cultural resource projects, including Class I, II, and III surveys and testing and data recovery projects.

• Develop and implement project-specific research designs and methodologies.

• Lead compliance efforts with Section 106 of the NHPA, NEPA, ARPA, NAGPRA, and state/local regulations.

• Supervise and mentor field directors, crew chiefs, staff archaeologists, and field technicians.

• Coordinate with clients, SHPO, ASM, federal and state agencies, and Tribal Nations to facilitate consultation and compliance.

• Oversee the preparation of high-quality technical reports, management summaries, and deliverables.

• Manage project budgets, schedules, and staffing to ensure efficiency and profitability.

• Contribute to business development, including proposal writing, budgeting, and cultivating client relationships.

• Remain current with archaeological research, regulatory developments, and best practices in cultural resource management.

• Establish & maintain positive relationships with co-workers, support and build others on the team and across disciplines/offices.

• Working in various terrains and environments throughout the year.

• Performing physical tasks in the field which may include regular carrying of equipment (20-50 pounds).

• Occasional local and overnight travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD Degree in Anthropology, Archaeology or another closely related field.

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in cultural resource management.

• Demonstrated expertise in the archaeology of the Southwest and Arizona.

• Experience in Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada, and/or Colorado strongly preferred.

• Experience leading Class I, II, and III surveys, testing, and data recovery projects.

• Knowledge of Arizona permitting processes (ASM, SHPO) and federal permitting.

• Excellent technical writing and communication skills.

• RPA certification or ability to obtain.

• Existing working relationships with Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPOs) in the region.

• Familiarity with geospatial and archaeological software (ArcGIS, Collector, Trimble, etc.).

• Experience conducting public outreach and interpretation of archaeological resources.

• Proven experience managing budgets, schedules, and staff.

• Ability to read, write and understand English for purposes of comprehending written job-related communications and verbal instructions and interactions.

• Ability/willingness to lift equipment or objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

• Ability/willingness to walk long distances on rugged terrain.

• A valid Driver’s License is required.

What We Offer

At Colliers Engineering & Design, our people are our most important resource. That’s why we are committed to providing all our employees with a safe, comfortable work environment, potential for career advancement, and the ability to impact society through their projects as well as Company sponsored activities.

This dedication begins with supporting a work life balance through a generous compensation package that includes: company paid medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid pregnancy disability leave; short- and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; a company-matched 401(k)/Roth; paid time off that includes parental and military leave; employee referral and professional license bonuses and a straight time policy that compensates exempt employees for billable hours worked in excess of 40 billable hours within a work week.

We have also created an internal culture that provides the resources and technology needed to encourage personal and professional growth opportunities through reimbursement for education; a free in-house resource for hundreds of educational and self-enrichment courses; mentorship program; wellness program; Women’s Organization and ongoing philanthropic opportunities.

Apply today to learn how you can join our team of professionals, so we can help you Accelerate Your Success!

Colliers Engineering & Design is an equal opportunity employer (M/F/D/V). We are committed to ensuring that Inclusion & Belonging continues to be a strategic area of focus, not only as the right thing to do, but as one of the ways we will continue to lead our industry into the future. As part of this responsibility, we are on a progressive journey to foster an environment in which everyone at Colliers Engineering & Design feels respected and comfortable doing their best work while being their authentic selves regardless of background or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.