Principal Investigator

Summary

Join SEARCH's Energy Division as a full-time Principal Investigator based in California (remote). This role focuses on cultural resources compliance studies, emphasizing Tribal outreach and coordination within the Power and Offshore Wind sectors. You will manage complex projects across multiple jurisdictions, collaborating with various teams. SEARCH offers a flexible work environment and a competitive compensation package. The position requires a Master's degree in Anthropology or a related field and at least five years of supervisory experience. Successful candidates will possess strong technical writing skills and expertise in cultural resource management.

Requirements

• 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

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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

Benefits

• 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
• Competitive Salary
• Per Diem (for overnight travel)
• Flexible work environment