Principal Investigator - Cultural Resources / Archaeology
System One, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Job Title: Principal Investigator - Cultural Resources / Archaeology
Location: Northern Plains Region (North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana)
Job Type: Project-Based / Contract
Project Duration: Approximately 2-3 months (with potential extension)
Schedule: Field-based during survey phase; travel required
Position Overview:
We are seeking an experienced Principal Investigator (PI) to oversee cultural resource investigations for a large pipeline project in the Northern Plains. The Principal Investigator will provide leadership and technical oversight for field operations, ensure compliance with applicable cultural resource regulations, and guide field teams through all phases of survey and documentation.
This role will work closely with Crew Chiefs, Field Technicians, and Traditional Cultural Specialists (TCS) to ensure cultural resources are properly identified, documented, and evaluated. The PI will also coordinate with project leadership and Tribal representatives to ensure fieldwork is conducted with cultural sensitivity and in accordance with regulatory standards.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide technical leadership and oversight for archaeological fieldwork and cultural resource surveys
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and tribal cultural resource regulations and project requirements
Oversee field crews conducting pedestrian surveys across a 300-foot-wide right-of-way (ROW)
Review and verify documentation of archaeological sites, historic resources, architectural sites, stone features, and isolated finds
Work collaboratively with Traditional Cultural Specialists and Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) representatives to ensure culturally sensitive resources are properly recorded and respected
Provide guidance to Crew Chiefs and field staff regarding identification, documentation, and evaluation of cultural resources
Ensure data quality and completeness for all field documentation, including digital data collection tools such as Field Maps
Review daily field results and ensure information is properly recorded, organized, and synced
Communicate regularly with the Project Field Director and project leadership regarding survey progress, findings, and logistical needs
Assist with troubleshooting field issues, adjusting survey strategies, and supporting reroutes or ancillary surveys when needed
Required Qualifications:
Extensive cultural resource management (CRM) experience, including significant archaeological fieldwork
Minimum of 5+ years of archaeological field experience, with demonstrated leadership in cultural resource surveys
Experience working in the Northern Plains region, including familiarity with regional archaeological materials and cultural features
Strong knowledge of stone features and lithic materials common to the Northern Plains
Experience collaborating with Traditional Cultural Specialists or Tribal representatives on archaeological projects
Experience supervising archaeological field crews and ensuring high-quality data collection
Familiarity with digital field recording tools such as Field Maps or similar platforms
Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills
Preferred Qualifications:
Graduate degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related field
Previous experience serving as Principal Investigator or Project Archaeologist on large infrastructure or pipeline projects
Strong understanding of cultural resource regulations and consultation processes
Experience preparing or reviewing cultural resource documentation and survey reports
Physical & Field Requirements:
Ability to conduct and oversee fieldwork in remote outdoor environments
Willingness to spend time in the field supporting crews as needed
Ability to work 8-10 hour days, potentially up to 6 days per week during active fieldwork
Project Details:
Initial field surveys are anticipated to run for approximately two months, with the possibility of an additional month for reroutes and ancillary surveys depending on project needs.
This role is ideal for a seasoned cultural resource professional who can provide leadership, ensure regulatory compliance, and support collaborative field teams working on meaningful projects across the Northern Plains.
Ref: #275-Eng Kansas City
System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé, ALTA IT Services, CM Access, TPGS, and MOUNTAIN, LTD., are leaders in delivering workforce solutions and integrated services across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible full-time employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan.
System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Location: Northern Plains Region (North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana)
Job Type: Project-Based / Contract
Project Duration: Approximately 2-3 months (with potential extension)
Schedule: Field-based during survey phase; travel required
Position Overview:
We are seeking an experienced Principal Investigator (PI) to oversee cultural resource investigations for a large pipeline project in the Northern Plains. The Principal Investigator will provide leadership and technical oversight for field operations, ensure compliance with applicable cultural resource regulations, and guide field teams through all phases of survey and documentation.
This role will work closely with Crew Chiefs, Field Technicians, and Traditional Cultural Specialists (TCS) to ensure cultural resources are properly identified, documented, and evaluated. The PI will also coordinate with project leadership and Tribal representatives to ensure fieldwork is conducted with cultural sensitivity and in accordance with regulatory standards.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide technical leadership and oversight for archaeological fieldwork and cultural resource surveys
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and tribal cultural resource regulations and project requirements
Oversee field crews conducting pedestrian surveys across a 300-foot-wide right-of-way (ROW)
Review and verify documentation of archaeological sites, historic resources, architectural sites, stone features, and isolated finds
Work collaboratively with Traditional Cultural Specialists and Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) representatives to ensure culturally sensitive resources are properly recorded and respected
Provide guidance to Crew Chiefs and field staff regarding identification, documentation, and evaluation of cultural resources
Ensure data quality and completeness for all field documentation, including digital data collection tools such as Field Maps
Review daily field results and ensure information is properly recorded, organized, and synced
Communicate regularly with the Project Field Director and project leadership regarding survey progress, findings, and logistical needs
Assist with troubleshooting field issues, adjusting survey strategies, and supporting reroutes or ancillary surveys when needed
Required Qualifications:
Extensive cultural resource management (CRM) experience, including significant archaeological fieldwork
Minimum of 5+ years of archaeological field experience, with demonstrated leadership in cultural resource surveys
Experience working in the Northern Plains region, including familiarity with regional archaeological materials and cultural features
Strong knowledge of stone features and lithic materials common to the Northern Plains
Experience collaborating with Traditional Cultural Specialists or Tribal representatives on archaeological projects
Experience supervising archaeological field crews and ensuring high-quality data collection
Familiarity with digital field recording tools such as Field Maps or similar platforms
Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills
Preferred Qualifications:
Graduate degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related field
Previous experience serving as Principal Investigator or Project Archaeologist on large infrastructure or pipeline projects
Strong understanding of cultural resource regulations and consultation processes
Experience preparing or reviewing cultural resource documentation and survey reports
Physical & Field Requirements:
Ability to conduct and oversee fieldwork in remote outdoor environments
Willingness to spend time in the field supporting crews as needed
Ability to work 8-10 hour days, potentially up to 6 days per week during active fieldwork
Project Details:
Initial field surveys are anticipated to run for approximately two months, with the possibility of an additional month for reroutes and ancillary surveys depending on project needs.
This role is ideal for a seasoned cultural resource professional who can provide leadership, ensure regulatory compliance, and support collaborative field teams working on meaningful projects across the Northern Plains.
Ref: #275-Eng Kansas City
System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé, ALTA IT Services, CM Access, TPGS, and MOUNTAIN, LTD., are leaders in delivering workforce solutions and integrated services across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible full-time employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan.
System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.