Field Director

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Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

HDR Engineering Inc. needs a motivated Archaeological Field Director for the 2026 field season in Alaska (May - as late as October). The position requires overseeing archaeological excavation and limited Phase II survey and site evaluation activities of archaeological field crews. This is a seasonal part-time position based out of the HDR office in Anchorage, Alaska. The position provides overtime pay, with housing and per diem.

The successful candidate must meet the Secretary of Interior (SOI)-qualifications as an Archaeologist and have extensive experience in overseeing archaeological fieldwork, preferably in Alaska. The Field Director will be responsible for overseeing field crews and reporting on the progress of data recovery activities, under the direction of the Principal Investigator. The successful candidate will oversee 3-6 archaeological field crews conducting data recovery of several precontact and historic sites in Southcentral Alaska. Candidates will familiarize themselves with: safety procedures, fieldwork planning, execution, and documentation; quality control review processes; and the interpretation and processing of field data.

In the role of Field Director, we'll count on you to perform the following tasks in the field:

• Show up to work each day on-time and prepared.
• Follow safe work practices and coordinate with the Safety Manager in the application of safe practices by all crews.
• Serve as the primary point-ot-contact for anyone entering sites during workdays, including clients, agencies, contractors, or members of the public.
• Implement Social Media Policy.
• Maintain responsibility for day-to-day activities for each crew.
• Oversee data recovery and field methods; conduct quality control of field data (e.g., notes, maps, photos, artifact logs, GPS and Total Station data, and curation of materials).
• Responsible for the implementation of Field Permits, Data Recovery/Historic Properties Treatment Plan, Cultural Resources Discovery Plan, Curation Plan, Human Remains Protocol, and the Field Manual by Field Crews.
• Review daily Field logs, Field Forms, Field Notes, Maps, and other paperwork for accuracy and completeness
• Report daily, weekly, and monthly results (as needed) of all field activities to the Principal Investigator and Project Management.
• Conduct prompt morning and post-field tail gate meetings to discuss safety and field objectives along with any contingencies that may affect the field day.
• Communicate effectively with Project Manager, Camp manager, Crew Chiefs, team members, members of the public, and Project stakeholders.
• Provide guidance and leadership to Crew Chiefs and field crews in areas of specialty, such as faunal and/or lithics analysis.
• Convey client needs and Project objectives to Crew Chiefs and Field Crews.
• Ensure timely completion of all fieldwork and progress reports.
• Hike over rugged terrain for 8 - 10 hours a day while carrying necessary field equipment.
• Excavate and document archaeological excavation units and features.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Significant physical work is a primary part of this job. If hired, the successful applicant will be required to conduct heavy physical work, including lifting, pushing, or pulling objects up to 50 pounds.
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which will require following basic safety precautions.
• Work may involve exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, and/or loud noises.
• Work requires hiking and working in rugged terrain.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or closely related field
• Previous Alaska-based archaeological fieldwork experience.
• Experience with GIS processing and field tools preferred.