Cultural Principal Investigator

Principal Investigator (PI) in Southwest Archaeology

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 full-time Principal Investigator (PI) with deep expertise in Southwest archaeology and regulatory compliance to help lead projects and mentor staff.

We have 3 offices in the Phoenix, AZ area and this position can be located in either our Phoenix, AZ office or Gilbert, AZ office.

• 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.

• 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.

Compensation: $95,000 to $120,000 per year (depending on qualifications)

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!