Project Archaeologist - Columbia, South Carolina

New South Associates, Inc., is seeking one Full-time, Benefited Project Archaeologist for a salaried exempt position in our Columbia, South Carolina office. New South Associates is a women-owned small business with a core mission to serve as a research-oriented, technology-driven cultural resources consultant that produces quality and timely products for our clients while offering a work climate that promotes professional development and a commitment to home communities. We have offices in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, and primarily engage in cultural resource management services for private, state, and federal clients in the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States.

A successful candidate will become a core member of the Archaeology Department, and will be responsible for successfully executing projects, directing field crews, and writing up and presenting results. The candidate will be expected to meet or exceed the Secretary of the Interior qualifications by the date of hire. They will be responsible for conducting archaeological undertakings of all types and sizes from project planning through report completion, under the direction of senior personnel. Each applicant must be motivated and have strong organizational, verbal, and writing skills, and must be able to work well with others as part of larger integrated teams. Broad experiences in all phases of archaeological investigations from Phase I surveys to Phase III data recoveries are preferred. New South Associates is seeking candidates with broad experience in Southeastern United States archaeology. These positions will be a hybrid of office and field work depending on company, project, and client needs.

Job duties:

• Work closely with Management and Operations personnel to plan and execute projects within scoping, budget, and schedule constraints
• Work in tandem with other project personnel, including laboratory staff, historians, architectural historians, shallow geophysicists, and GIS specialists
• Direct and supervise field crews; able to solve problems, manage project risks, and make decisions while in the field
• Record archaeological resources and gather field data
• Archaeological excavation and recordation techniques (e.g., shovel testing, test units, surface collection, plan and profile drawings, environmental conditions), and interpretation of these data
• Conduct archival and historical background research
• Prepare cultural resource management reports and other deliverables to company and client satisfaction that comply with applicable state and federal laws/regulations/guidelines
• Train new archaeological staff in field techniques and methods, best practices, and other topics as appropriate

Minimum qualifications:

• An MA/MS or PhD in anthropology/archaeology, history, historic preservation, geography, geosciences, cultural resources management, regional studies, public history, museum studies, or other related acceptable degrees
• Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA) membership, or credentials necessary for enrollment
• A minimum of one year of continuous professional experience in a cultural resource management setting
• Ability to travel to remote locations, walk/hike for long hours carrying up to 50 lbs, and conduct fieldwork in inclement weather and/or rugged terrain
• Familiarity with NHPA (specifically Section 106 and 110), NEPA, ARPA, NAGPRA, CWA, Section 4(f), and South Carolina-specific environmental compliance laws and guidelines
• Basic knowledge of GIS
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• A valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Current legal authorization to work in the United States

Ideal skills and qualifications:

• Completion of an accredited archaeological field school
• At least three years of continuous professional experience in a cultural resource management setting
• Experience with digital data collection and recording
• A clear understanding of the precontact and historical archaeological record of the Southeastern United States
• Professional working knowledge with NHPA (specifically Section 106 and 110), NEPA, ARPA, NAGPRA, CWA, Section 4(f), and South Carolina-specific environmental compliance laws and guidelines
• Experience working with cultural resource management documentation, proven publication record as lead author
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 apps and services

Salary and Benefits:

The exempt salary for this position is $53,600-$64,480, depending on an applicant’s education, qualifications, and experience. Position benefits include medical, dental, and life insurance (premiums paid by New South Associates, Inc.), vision insurance, paid time off for vacation or sick leave, nine paid holidays, participation in our qualified bonus program, and optional enrollment in our 401k plan with employer contribution after one year. We believe in active participation from our employees in our professional organizations and our communities, and support employee volunteerism and attendance at conferences and courses.

New South Associates champions a full and inclusive picture of our shared past, and we embrace colleagues from all walks of life who wish to work with us. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, disability, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sex, religion, or belief.