Principal Archaeologist

Job Summary

Principal Archaeologist – Heritage Team in British Columbia. Guides and manages heritage projects across the province, leading field programs, ensuring compliance with the Heritage Conservation Act, and supporting meaningful development while protecting cultural heritage.

• Lead archaeological field programs, ensuring full compliance with Heritage Conservation Act permits.
• Secure heritage inspection, investigation, and alteration permits and support proposal development.
• Design, lead, and oversee archaeological field investigations, analysis programs, and high‑quality technical reporting.
• Manage project scope, schedule, budget, and invoicing to achieve successful delivery.
• Collaborate with Indigenous Nations, clients, and regulators to support respectful, technically sound project outcomes.
• Build and maintain meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities and support inclusive project delivery approaches.
• Participate in business development, including supporting proposals and meeting with existing and prospective clients.
• Supervise and mentor junior and intermediate staff and Indigenous workers.
• Demonstrate a strong “Safety First” commitment by actively contributing to WSP’s Health & Safety program.

• A graduate degree in Archaeology or Anthropology, or an undergraduate degree.
• 10+ years of relevant consulting archaeology experience.
• Registered Professional Consulting Archaeologist (RPCA) in good standing, with Field Director and Permit Holder status in at least one BC Culture Area (Northwest Coast considered an asset).
• Demonstrated experience identifying, recording, and evaluating a wide range of archaeological site types in British Columbia, in terrestrial and/or coastal settings.
• Strong history of collaborative work with Indigenous communities, ideally with demonstrated ongoing relationships.
• Proficiency with GPS data collection tools, handheld tablets, and MS Office for analysis and reporting.
• Proven ability to prepare and/or peer‑review complex archaeological reports and technical documents.
• Leadership aptitude with experience supervising field crews and mentoring developing professionals and Indigenous workers.
• A valid Class 5 driver’s license; ATV/UTV and First Aid training considered assets.

• AB, BC, NT, NU, SK & YT: $132,700 - $175,800
• MB & ON: $121,100 - $166,700
• NB, NL, NS, PEI & QC: $119,900 - $159,200

• Proudly Canadian – Top 100 Employer in Canada for 2026.
• Global community with limitless opportunities and support for career growth.
• Flexible work arrangements to promote work‑life balance.

Health and Safety is a core paramount value of WSP. You are expected to comply with our Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) policy and client HSE policies when working at client locations. Some fieldwork may occur in remote or isolated areas, working alone, and in inclement weather within safe limits.

WSP welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for all selection stages.

WSP is committed to the principles of employment equity. Only the candidates selected will be contacted.

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Full details are available in the job posting.