Archaeologist / Cultural Resources Manager (Principal Investigator) Hybrid Job Listing at Tetra Tech in Lakewood, CO (Job ID 51969)

Description

The Opportunity:

Tetra Tech is adding an experienced Archaeologist / Cultural Resources Manager to serve as a Principal Investigator supporting projects across the Intermountain West and adjacent states. This position offers the opportunity to work on a variety of complex and meaningful projects, including renewable energy, mining, and infrastructure development — while contributing to the protection and understanding of cultural resources across the region.

This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits, and may be based in Lakewood or Denver, CO. Working part-time is a possibility for qualified candidates.

Why Tetra Tech:

At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world's most complex challenges.  Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world.  For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.  Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development.  Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.

Your Impact:

Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference.  Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.

Position Summary:

The Principal Investigator will lead cultural resource investigations, coordinate with state and federal agencies, and manage compliance efforts under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The ideal candidate will have deep experience in the Intermountain West and adjacent states, familiarity with state and federal permitting requirements, and prior experience consulting with local tribes.

Essential Job Functions:

• Serve as Principal Investigator for cultural resource surveys and analyses.
• Lead field investigations, including pedestrian surveys, testing, and data recovery.
• Conduct NRHP-eligibility evaluations, prepare documentation, and coordinate with regulatory agencies and tribes.
• Provide regulatory compliance support for federal, state, and commercial clients.
• Manage and contribute to technical reports, environmental permitting documents, and cultural resource management (CRM) deliverables.
• Mentor junior staff and ensure high-quality technical and fieldwork standards.
• Lead proposal development, budgeting, and client coordination.
• Collaborate with project managers and multi-disciplinary teams across Tetra Tech offices.
• Support renewable energy permitting, mining, and infrastructure projects throughout the western U.S.
• Conduct activities in line with internal procedures, legislation, and industry standards.
• Pursue continuous professional development and maintain a high degree of discipline knowledge and awareness.
• Work in a safe manner at all times and report all health and safety incidents and concerns.
• Additional duties as required.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree (or higher) in Anthropology or Archaeology, meeting the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualifications for Archaeology.
• 8–10+ years of progressive experience in Cultural Resources Management (CRM).
• Prior supervisory experience in CRM project leadership.
• Demonstrated expertise conducting field surveys and NRHP/state register evaluations in the Intermountain West and adjacent states.
• Strong writing skills; proven experience producing Section 106 and NEPA documentation.
• Familiarity with ESRI ArcGIS, Adobe, and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).
• Experience with BLM, USFS, and state-level permitting in Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Oklahoma.
• Knowledge of Section 106, NEPA, and relevant state preservation laws.
• Ability to obtain Principal Investigator (PI) status for federal and state lands (CO, WY, NE, SD, ND, KS, OK).
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with ability to mentor junior staff.
• Must possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving record without restrictions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with renewable energy and mining permitting requirements.
• Experience writing cultural resource sections for state-level permitting.
• Established relationships with SHPOs and tribal representatives in CO, WY, NE, SD, ND, KS, OK).
• Experience with tribal consultation coordination.
• Strong client relations and project management experience.
• Resident of the Intermountain West or adjacent region preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform bending, kneeling, standing, lifting, and carrying objects up to 35 lbs.
• Ability to conduct prolonged walking or standing on uneven terrain in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to perform manual labor including excavation with shovels.
• Availability for extended field rotations (10–12 days) when required.

Work Environment / Environmental Factors:

• Work involves both office and outdoor field environments in remote or rugged locations.
• Exposure to adverse weather conditions (heat, cold, wind, rain, snow).
• Potential interaction with construction, mining, or energy development sites.
• Must adhere to Tetra Tech's health, safety, and environmental policies.
• Some travel throughout the Intermountain West and adjacent states is required.

Additional Information:

• Employment Type: Full-Time, Salaried (Part-Time Considered)
• Location: Lakewood, CO or Denver, CO (preferred) – other Intermountain West locations considered.

 Life at Tetra Tech:

The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:

• Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.  https://www.tetratech.com/careers/life-at-tetra-tech/
• Merit-based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth. 

A pre-employment drug screen in compliance with federal regulations is required, along with a physical if needed.

Compensation:

Pay commensurate with experience.

Pay Range: $85,000 – $100,000 annually

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience and demonstrated work experience in the above role; skills, certifications, and competencies that align to the specified role; geographic location; and education, as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

At Tetra Tech, health and safety play a vital role in our success. Tetra Tech's employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including public health orders and regulations that are mandated by local, state, provincial, federal, international authorities, and clients.

About Tetra Tech:

Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.

Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.

We invite applications from all interested parties.

Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers. Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:

LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers

X (Twitter): @TetraTechJobs

• Organization: 194 CES