Archaeologist/Cultural Resource Specialist

ABOUT THE position

Archaeologist/Cultural Resources Specialist

VHB’s growing Vermont team is actively seeking an Archaeologist/Cultural Resources Specialist to join our regional Environmental Services Group. The position would serve as the technical lead for archaeology and cultural resource projects in Vermont and the surrounding region. This hire would be a core member of our growing cultural resource practice in the New England region.

This position reports to the Vermont team with the option to sit in other New England VHB offices or potential for remote work from another New England state, with anticipated travel for project work and meetings.

We are looking for a sharp, creative problem solver who is passionate about archaeological and historical properties. By working closely with our engineers, designers, planners, and clients, VHB strives to preserve and protect our shared cultural heritage across more than 30 offices along the East Coast.

Primary Responsibilities

Conduct, lead, author, and/or review Vermont Archaeological Resource Assessments (ARAs), Cultural Resource Assessment Surveys, and Archaeological Resource Identification Surveys at the Phase I, II, and III levels of investigation.
• Conduct archival and historical background research.
• Assess archaeological site integrity, significance, and National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility.
• Assess proposed infrastructure improvement and/or construction projects and other engineering related impacts to identified cultural resources.
• Prepare recommendations for the preservation, avoidance, and/or minimization of impacts to eligible or listed cultural resources.
• Coordinate regulatory compliance efforts with federal, state, and municipal agencies.
• Support other VHB departments and regional offices with archaeological and historic preservation planning, site history research, compliance with Vermont State regulations such as Act 250 and Section 248 of Title 30, as well as Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
• Provide artifact analysis and assist in curation efforts.
• Prepare field survey and maps for reporting using the ESRI suite of software.
• Manage scope, schedule, and budget for cultural resource projects.
• Review/respond to Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
• Support and build client relationships.
• Assist with mentoring and leading field, junior, and mid-level staff archaeologists.

Skills and Attributes

• Familiarity working with NEPA, ARPA, NHPA, NAGPRA, and New England state environmental compliance laws is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with and experience conducting archaeological fieldwork in accordance with the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation’s 2017 Guidelines for Conducting Archaeology in Vermont and applying the Environmental Predictive Model for Locating Pre-contact Archaeological Sites is strongly preferred.
• Self-motivated with an attention to detail and the ability to think critically.
• Must be able to work independently and as a part of project teams.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience in digital photography.
• Knowledge of Northeastern American archaeology; knowledge of architectural styles, and periods of development is a plus.
• Motivated to lead and mentor others.

Qualifications

• A Master’s Degree in anthropology, archaeology, or a closely related field required.
• Must meet the Secretary of the Interior (SOI) professional standards for archaeology.
• A member of the Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA), or has the credentials necessary for enrollment.
• 3-5+years of professional experience in archeology and/or cultural resource management.
• Ability to conduct archaeology work in Vermont and complete archaeological survey in all New England states preferred.
• Ability to travel to a location, walk/hike and conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather, rugged terrain, and ability to carry equipment and supplies. Must be able to carry field equipment weighing up to 40 pounds for extended periods.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license.

Our best estimate of the salary range for this position located in Vermont is $60,000-80,000. This offer is determined based on a number of job-related factors including internal comparators, skills, education, training, credentials, experience, scope and complexity of role responsibilities and geographic location. In addition, VHB offers a holistic benefits package which can be found here.

We are VHB! We’re an inspired and innovative team of engineers, scientists, planners, and designers who partner with clients in the transportation, real estate, institutional, and energy industries, as well as federal, state, and local governments. Our work helps improve mobility, enhance communities, and contribute to economic vitality. We do this while balancing development and infrastructure needs with stewardship of our environment.

Our people make us great! VHB provides a differentiating employee experience, which includes:

• Diverse and inclusive culture of collaboration and innovation
• Opportunity to work on complex, transformational projects
• Community and social responsibility as sustainable stewards
• Focus on learning, development, and career growth
• Best-in-class benefits, including flexible, hybrid workplace

We are consistently rated one of the top AEC firms to work for across our 30+ offices on the East Coast. We’re growing, and we hope you’ll join us!

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

#LI-KW1

#LI-Hybrid