GAI Consultants, Inc. is seeking an experienced Archaeological Manager 1 to lead and manage complex cultural resources impact assessments, permitting, and regulatory compliance efforts for projects in a variety of industries/sectors in the greater Southwest US region (Colorado, California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas). Responsibilities span project lifecycle management—from siting/routing, California Environmental Quality Act/National Environmental Policy Act (CEQA/NEPA) compliance and documentation to agency/tribal coordination/consultation and construction support—while ensuring adherence to related regulatory requirements. The position combines the need for technical cultural resources expertise in the Southwest with a passion for business development and the desire for leadership responsibilities. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of obtaining archaeological permits, managing field surveys, authoring and reviewing cultural resources assessments/plans, navigation of Section 106 compliance, Section 404 of Clean Water Act permitting, Native American consultation/coordination, and managing construction compliance monitoring for projects on time and within budget.
Position Responsibilities:
- Lead cultural resource management strategy across the full project lifecycle for compliance under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA): preliminary routing/siting, CEQA/NEPA analysis, and construction compliance.
- Serve as the primary client contact and agency liaison focused on advancing a project forward, including proactively engaging and negotiating regulatory compliance pathways under Section 106 of the NHPA, CEQA/NEPA, and agency-specific agreement documents/permits maintained with federal agencies (i.e., the US Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management [BLM].)
- Prepare, submit, and track archaeological investigations; records reviews, archival research, ethnographic research; manage field surveys testing, and data recoveries/mitigations as well as the associated technical report writing; and conducted agency and Tribal consultations and related to these efforts.
- Experienced with documenting large-scale inventories for multi-year projects, and leading related agency and Tribal coordination associated with local, state and federal regulations.
- Leverage comprehensive understanding of CEQA and NEPA as related to cultural resources and related fields, and Section 106 of the NHPA to identify potential project risks and negotiate complex mitigation strategies with agencies and stakeholders.
- Manage GAI technical personnel and field teams (including subconsultants) related to cultural resources tasks, and the associated budgets, schedules, and Quality Assurance/Quality Control processes to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery.
- Drive business development: identify opportunities, proposal strategy and writing, participate in interviews, and support account growth across various markets.
- Mentor and train junior and mid-level cultural resources staff.
Required Experience and Qualifications:
- Master’s or doctorate degree in Archaeology, Anthropology or a closely related discipline.
- Minimum 10 years’ experience in cultural resources studies with proven expertise with environmental impacts analysis, siting/routing studies, CEQA/ NEPA documentation, and agency (BLM, US Army Corps of Engineers, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, etc.)/ Tribal coordination.
- Strong project management skills with a successful track record of overseeing and delivering multiple complex cultural resource projects in various phases of development and geographic locations on time and on budget using both in-house and subconsultant staff.
- Excellent writing skills are required with proven ability to author, manage and review technical reports supporting federal, state, and local regulatory compliance documentation.
- Advanced understanding of multi-discipline characteristics within the cultural resource profession (such as history, archaeology, historic architecture, ethnography, and archives).
- Extensive knowledge and expertise in federal and state cultural resource laws and regulations, including the NHPA and the Archaeological Resources Protection Act, CEQA and NEPA.
- Extensive project experience, regulatory knowledge and understanding of archaeological issues and methodologies in the Southwestern US (Colorado, California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas).
- Proven success in business development resulting in sales generation and new client relationships within an environmental consulting setting.
- Strong organizational and analytical skills; ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
- Proven ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams both in office and remotely by leveraging interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of programs (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
- Ability to travel (up to 25%) to project sites, GAI office locations, business development events/conferences, stakeholder events, agency and client meetings as needed.
- Maintain a valid driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Consultant experience with traditional and renewable energy and transportation, and projects on both public and private lands, and associated permitting and environmental review in the Southwestern US.
- A listed Registered Professional Archaeologist
- Established working relationships with BLM, Tribal Nations, and state agencies.
- This remote position prefers candidates to be in Arizona or California. However, candidates with extensive project experience who are elsewhere in the general Southwest US region are encouraged to apply.
Compensation
- The salary range for this position is $90,000 to $115,000 per year. The compensation offer will be commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience.
General Characteristics
- Ability to make effective presentations, write articles for publications, required to present at conferences, begin to establish a reputation in the industry as a Cultural Resources Expert, Support Principal Investigators as needed on projects.
- Coming up with ideas to improve productivity of a specific team, department, group, or division.
- Strategic thinking and alignment: Manager must understand broader organizational strategies and goals to effectively guide direct reports' efforts.
- Change leadership: Manager plays an important role enacting top-level changes across operational divisions as supporters of change.
Minimum Years of Experience
Education
- Master's or Ph.D. in Anthropology, Archaeology, History, Historic Preservation, American Studies, or associated degree; Should be registered Professional Archaeology Certificate.
Technical Responsibilities
- Advanced understanding of National Historic Preservation Act and National Environmental Policy Act, solid understanding of artifacts and soils, writing reports of archaeological investigations and synthesizing data; good understanding of archaeological literature, proposal writing (i.e. scope of work, budgets, etc.); coordinates with clients and government agencies; GIS knowledge is preferred; may serve as a Principal Investigator and/or project manager; meets or exceeds Dept of Interior Standards; conduct research; full understanding of national register criteria.
- Recruiting and retaining staff.
- Interpreting the strategy of top-level management and translating it into everyday policies.
- Developing and implementing day-to-day routines for a team, department, group, or division.
- Talent development: Develop Staff skills and empowering them as problem-solvers boosts innovation and productivity.
- Oversee learning, coaching, and career progression.
Project and Task Management
- Responsible for personal task management and adherence to deadlines and scope.
Management Responsibility
- May Manage client relationships; responsible for Business Development and "rain making" activities, provides oversight and responsibility for preparing and monitoring scopes; budgets; and schedules for specific tasks of overall projects; supervision of staff to complete their assigned tasks; maintaining GAI's procedures and protocols; monitors financials on projects.
- Monitoring employee performance.
- Making sure that processes and procedures are in compliance with the overall organization’s guidelines.
- Inspiring and encouraging employees to perform their best.
- Assigning and supervising specific work tasks.
- Allocating resources within a team, department, group, or division.
- Reporting issues and performance to top-level management.
- Well-being fostering: Prioritizing mental health, work-life integration and enhances retention.
- Manager shapes day-to-day workplace experiences
Communication Skills
- Possess effective oral and written communication skills; interacts with other staff; interact with clients; interacts with Project Managers, Principal Investigators, and various Department Managerial Staff, especially with client communications; interact with clients and regulatory staff.
Why GAI?
GAI offers skilled professionals like you an exceptional place to work, grow, lead, and achieve. Explore an array of opportunities in locations across the U.S. and join accomplished colleagues in tackling challenging projects for a range of markets. Enjoy work location and scheduling flexibility; your choice of comprehensive, personalized benefits; a range of employee wellness programs and discounts; and more. Feel good about being part of a collaborative team that’s committed to supporting the communities we serve. Join GAI and distinguish yourself in a company poised for unlimited growth.
Benefits To Working at GAI Include:
Competitive Pay & Recognition
- Market based, competitive compensation
- Performance driven recognition and development bonuses
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
- Medical, dental, and vision plans
- Company paid short-term and long-term disability
- Company paid life insurance
- Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources
Meaningful Work–Life Balance
- Generous paid time off + 7 paid holidays
- An additional floating holiday—use it for what matters to you
- Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
Growth, Learning & Financial Security
- 401(k) with company match
- Tuition reimbursement
- Support and rewards for professional development and certifications