Archaeologist

Job Description

At Olsson, we help our clients in multiple states navigate complex historical and archaeological compliance landscapes with ease. We ensure proactive adherence to key historical preservation laws and regulations, including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) review process. Our innovative methods empower clients to achieve project goals while preserving our historical heritage.

Olsson is seeking candidates who meet the United States Secretary of Interior (SOI) Professional Qualifications Standards (36 CFR 61). The ideal candidate could be an archaeologist or an architectural historian. This role is multifaceted and critical in ensuring compliance with state, local, and federal historical and archaeological preservation regulations while promoting sustainable projects. In this role, you will lead compliance projects, perform cultural resource assessments, engage with regulatory agencies, coordinate with clients, and collaborate with team members and external consultants.

You will have the opportunity to mentor and train others in complex compliance work, as well as lead client and regulatory meetings.

We are open to considering candidates in a variety of locations, including areas where we may not currently have an office presence. While we have active openings in Fayetteville, AR;
Little Rock, AR;
Lincoln, NE;
Omaha, NE;
Overland Park, KS;
Oklahoma City, OK;
Colorado Springs, CO;
Loveland, CO; and Denver, CO, we welcome candidates interested in other locations as well.

• Regulatory Compliance: Navigating complex federal, state, and local regulations, and attaining necessary permits and clearances.

• National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA): Developing necessary NHPA documentation, collaborating with agencies such as the lead federal agency, Native American tribes, state agencies, the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), USACE, and USFWS to obtain essential reviews and guidance, while coordinating a multidisciplinary team.

• Field Investigations: Completing or coordinating fieldwork with Olsson staff or sub-consultants, including archaeological surveys, test excavations, and the documentation of above-ground historic resources such as buildings, roadways, bridges, and historic districts.

• Public Engagement and Outreach: Organizing public meetings and workshops to gather community input, shaping projects through feedback, and ensuring transparent communication of project details while effectively engaging stakeholders. Additionally, lead federal agencies may request Olsson's assistance with tribal consultation requirements.

• Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Work: Collaborating with engineers, architects, and urban planners to incorporate historical preservation into projects and promote interdisciplinary teamwork.

• Project Management: Overseeing projects from start to finish, managing timelines, budgets, and deliverables, and coordinating with subconsultants, clients and agencies.

You are passionate about:

• Working collaboratively with others

• Having ownership in the work you do

• Using your talents to positively affect communities

• Empowering others to use their talents

• Utilizing your skills to manage multiple priorities in a client-focused environment

• Enhancing team development by sharing best practices, tools, and valuable lessons learned

You bring to the team:

• Strong communication skills

• Ability to contribute and work well on a team

• Graduate degree in archaeology, anthropology, history, architecture, historic preservation, or a closely related field

• Qualification under the Secretary of the Interior (SOI) Professional Qualification Standards (36 CFR 61) for Archaeologist or Architectural Historian

• Practical experience in archaeological or historical research, cultural resource management, or compliance with historic preservation standards

• Aptitude for project management, ensuring oversight and compliance with historical and archaeological regulations

• Skilled in clearly communicating findings and producing high-quality written deliverables, including reports, memos, and documentation

• Self‑direction and dependability, with strong…