Principal Investigator

Job Description:

Overview: 

Pape-Dawson is looking for a Principal Investigator to be based out of our San Antonio, Texas location.

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.

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If you need an accommodation or assistance with completing your application due to a disability or special need, please contact our team at [email protected] or call (210) 375-9000.

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.