Principal Investigator (Terrestrial Archaeology – California)

Description

Title: Principal Investigator         
Location: California         
Job Code: Power_PI_2025          
Job Link: SEARCH Job Postings – Direct Applications          

Position Information

SEARCH has an immediate opening for a Full-Time Principal Investigator to join our Energy Division team. This position is California based, though remote, with a focus on experience conducting cultural resources compliance studies in California, with a focus on Tribal outreach and coordination. This role will collaborate with the Power Sector and Offshore Wind Sector Teams to manage large complex projects that cross multiple regulatory jurisdictions at the local, state, and federal level.     

SEARCH provides a flexible work environment, a professional and collaborative atmosphere, and a wide range of projects and opportunities for our staff. SEARCH offers a competitive total compensation package with strong health and wellness and retirement plans. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, group term life insurance, 401(k) plan with match, 10 paid holidays per year, and Unlimited paid time off (PTO). Pay range for this position is $72,000 – $92,000, commensurate with education and experience.          

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain the highest professional image for our clients, co-workers, media, and general public. 
• Participate in decision-making regarding research priorities of company and provide information on feasibility of prospective projects.  
• Develop business/client relationships for SEARCH. 
• Develop SEARCH procedures and protocol related to field methods, lab analyses, and report preparation. 
• Prepare proposals for review by Sector Leaders and Management. 
• Develop research designs, outline research procedures to be followed, and identify and/or provide training to junior staff to carry out research. 
• Plan and manage fieldwork, data analysis, and reporting efforts in accordance with project Scope of Work, budget, and schedule. 
• Develop thoroughly researched, comprehensive, and defensible resource evaluations according to the National Register of Historic Places eligibility criteria in accordance with 36 CFR §60.4 and associated National Park Service guidance. 
• Support Project Managers in the delivery of projects on time and under budget. 
• In conjunction with the SEARCH Health & Safety Officer, develop a Health & Safety plan for each assigned project and ensure that it is followed. 
• Communicate project resource needs to Project Managers, Sector Leaders, Directors, and Management, as warranted. 
• Conduct primary research using laboratory equipment, computer resources, and institutional libraries. 
• Provide expertise in field of research to SEARCH colleagues. 
• Prepare reports and papers of completed projects for publication in technical journals, presentation to regulatory agencies or at conferences, or use in further research activities, with approval by the Client and SEARCH Management. 
• Other duties, as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications Required:

• Master’s degree in Anthropology or related field.
• Based in California.
• Minimum five (5) years of supervisory experience encompassing time in field, laboratory, and office.
• Must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s professional qualifications standards for archaeology and be an RPA or be eligible to become an RPA.
• Expertise in state and federal laws and guidelines governing cultural resources management.
• Strong regional archaeological experience.
• Demonstrated ability to support projects in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Demonstrated ability to manage cultural resource studies in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Demonstrated client management skills.
• Superior technical writing skillset to produce high quality technical reports and to prepare awardable proposals.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Permitted or qualified for agency permitting.

Qualifications Preferred:

• Understanding of the Cultural Resource Management (CRM) industry (firms, clients, contracts, new research, and projects) at the statewide, regionwide, nationwide, and worldwide level.
• Experience with Tribal coordination in California.

Application Requirements:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• References
• Two writing samples

Other Important Need-to-Know Information:

• This position will require flexible availability outside of standard working hours.
• Applicants must be eligible to be employed in the United States.
• SEARCH is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where a variety of backgrounds, cultures, orientations, ideas, and talents can flourish.
• SEARCH is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
• SEARCH is an Affirmative Action Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace.
• Employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory verification of criminal, education, driving, and/or employment background checks as well as passing results from a pre-employment drug screen.
• We will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation to the known limitations of a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or, if requested, to participate in an interview, please let us know.

Benefits

SEARCH Compensation and Benefits include:

• Competitive Salary
• Per Diem (for overnight travel)
• SEARCH-subsidized Group Health Insurance (including Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage)
• SEARCH-provided Short-Term Disability Insurance
• SEARCH-provided Long-Term Disability Insurance
• SEARCH-provided Group Term Life Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Emergency Travel Assistance
• Generous 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Holidays (10)
• Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Merit-Based Raises, Bonuses, and Promotions

About SEARCH:

Overland and underwater, SEARCH is an archaeology firm that deploys the full spectrum of cultural heritage services worldwide. SEARCH2O, its maritime program, is at the forefront of historic shipwreck and submerged pre-contact archaeology, paleolandscape reconstruction, and deep-water archaeology. SEARCH’s staff are cultural resources industry leaders, pioneers, and subject matter experts across 45 Market, Regional, and Research Sectors. Since 1993, SEARCH has completed more than 5,000 commercial and government projects in 48 US states, 6 US territories, and 39 countries spanning 7 continents and 4 oceans. By integrating science, technology, and creativity, SEARCH harnesses the power of the past to advance the projects, places, and people it serves. 

For more information about SEARCH, please visit searchinc.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.      

Please send inquiries about the position to ** Redacted **. Include the Job Posting code (Power_PI_2025) in the subject line of your email.