Principal Investigator (Terrestrial Archaeology - Caribbean)
Title: Principal Investigator
Location: Remote (Puerto Rico and USVI preferred)
Job Code: CRB_PI_2025
Job Link: SEARCH Job Postings - Direct Applications
Position Information
SEARCH has an immediate opening for a Principal Investigator to join our Caribbean Division team. This position is remote, though ideal candidate will be based in Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands, with a focus on experience conducting cultural resources compliance studies in the Caribbean. Successful candidates will have a background in cultural resource management and experience managing archaeological projects. The candidate should have excellent technical writing skills and the ability to produce reports for review by subject matter experts on behalf of federal, state, and tribal agencies under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the National Environmental Policy Act, among other historic preservation laws/regulations.
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, 11 paid holidays per year, and accrued paid time off (PTO). Pay is 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.
- 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 local and federal laws and guidelines governing cultural resources management.
- Strong Caribbean 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 tec