Cultural Resources Lead

SummitWest Environmental (Private) | https://www.summitwestenv.com

Details

Posting:

https://summitwestenv.com/careers/

Application Deadline:

09/30/2025

Published:

05/14/2025

Starting Date:

after 5/13/2025

Hours per Week:

1 - 50

Salary:

$32 to $42 per hour

Education Required:

Masters

Experience Required:

at least 4 years

Location:

remote work allowed

Description

ROLE OVERVIEW | SummitWest is seeking a skilled and experienced Cultural Resources Lead to oversee and support archaeological projects across California. This role involves leading fieldwork and office-based tasks, including archaeological surveys, monitoring, excavations, data collection, construction oversight, and technical report preparation. The ideal candidate is an effective leader and problem solver, capable of managing project teams, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining high-quality deliverables. This position offers the opportunity to mentor junior staff, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and contribute to the preservation of cultural resources while working on dynamic projects across diverse landscapes.

Are you ready to take the next step in your archaeology career? Apply now to join SummitWest and lead impactful cultural resource management efforts!

ROLE DESCRIPTION & DUTIES | The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented Lead Archaeologist ready with experience in both field and office tasks, including surveys, monitoring, excavations, data collection, and report preparation. The position offers opportunities for professional growth, travel, and meaningful contributions to cultural resource preservation. Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Field Leadership: Lead and supervise pedestrian surveys, archaeological testing, and excavation efforts, ensuring compliance with project requirements and regulatory standards.
Construction Monitoring: Oversee and conduct archaeological monitoring during construction, coordinating with contractors, and ensuring mitigation measures are followed.
Data Collection & Management: Record archaeological sites, analyze artifacts, and utilize mapping and data collection tools such as GPS, tablets, and ESRI-based applications.
Technical Writing & Documentation: Prepare detailed reports, site records, and compliance documentation, ensuring data accuracy and adherence to regulations.
Project Management Support: Assist senior staff in developing project scopes, managing deadlines, and ensuring deliverables meet client and regulatory expectations.
Compliance & Advisory: Work closely with project managers, engineers, and regulatory agencies to ensure adherence to local, state, and federal cultural resource laws.
Mentorship & Team Coordination: Provide training and leadership to field crews, ensuring efficiency, data accuracy, and safety in all field operations.
Collaboration & Communication: Maintain clear communication with clients, construction personnel, regulatory agencies, and internal teams.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Conduct cultural desktop reviews to support archaeological investigations and project management tasks.
Monitor environmental compliance by coordinating with project managers, engineers, and contractors, including worker awareness programs and post-construction analysis.
Utilize electronic data collection tools to manage project data and prepare daily reports, technical studies, and full project reports.
Perform artifact analysis and contribute to technical report preparation.
Support GIS mapping and database management.
Participate in public outreach or tribal consultation efforts as needed.
Maintain accurate field notes and photographic documentation.
Ensure compliance with CRM regulations and best management practices.
Travel frequently for field assignments, which may involve extended stays or camping in remote locations.
Safely operate company or personal vehicles in compliance with the company’s Driving Policy.
Work remotely with minimal supervision while upholding company safety and professional standards.
Assist with drafting and reviewing technical documents and project deliverables.
Digitize records and ensure accuracy in field documentation.
Maintain strong communication and collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.
Assist with laboratory analysis and preparation of environmental document technical study sections.

PLEASE NOTE:This is an environmental consulting job, not a conservation job. Unlike conservation roles, which strive to protect the environment at all costs, this position focuses on helping construction contractors remain in compliance with environmental laws and mitigation measures, ensuring the client avoids issues by advising contractors on where, when, and how work can take place to prevent delays in construction. These determinations are often made prior to deployment into the field, or sometimes in conjunction with the contractors on site. It is vital to ensure that they are not working without our knowledge and requires clear and concise communication with multiple team members, crews, and departments.

QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Graduate degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a closely related discipline.
Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a closely related discipline may be considered with relevant field experience.
Completion of an archaeological field school or equivalent experience (preferred).
Minimum 4+ years of field experience, focusing on archeological monitoring, surveys, excavation and technical report writing in California.
Meets or can qualify as a Field Director for BLM and National Forest Service permits (preferred).

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Strong understanding of California-specific archaeology, CRM best practices, and NHPA Section 106 compliance.
Experience leading pedestrian surveys, excavation, and site mitigation projects.
Technologically proficient with handheld electronic devices and proficient in computer software including Excel, MS word, Google Sheets.
Proficiency in GPS tools, Survey123, and data collection software, as well as GIS mapping applications.
Strong analytical, problem-solving and technical writing skills.
Strong time management skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines.
Ability to work both independently and within a team.
Strong observational skills for recording and reporting environmental and archaeological phenomena.
Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
Self-motivated; strong initiative, and ability to work remotely with only remote supervision.
Experience collaborating with staff, construction personnel, and handling field logistics.
Experience overseeing field staff, ensuring compliance with regulations.
Experience training and mentoring the professional development of staff.
Ability to travel frequently for fieldwork throughout California, potentially with extended stays and occasional camping.
Positive, energetic attitude; detail-oriented, resourceful, and self-motivated.

PHYSICAL READINESS:

Ability to hike long distances (10+ miles a day) over rugged terrain and work in extreme weather conditions with reasonable accommodations.
Comfortable working in environments with potential safety risks, such as wildlife encounters, construction hazards, and extreme weather.
Ability to carry up to 25 pounds and stand for extended periods of time.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be based in California.
Valid driver’s license and clean driving record (Motor Vehicle Records check required).
Carry valid vehicle insurance for personal vehicles used for Company purposes, or be insurable under Company’s liability insurance policy for use of Company Vehicles.
Authorized to work in the U.S. without company sponsorship.
Successful clearance through SummitWest background check (upon employment).
Adherence to and support SummitWest’s commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

4x4 driving experience.
Background in California field work or environmental consulting.
Cross-training in paleontological monitoring, mission-era archaeology, or osteology (preferred).
Active 40-hour HAZWOPER training (preferred).

EXPECTATIONS

Available for a minimum of 20 hours per week, with flexibility for additional hours depending on project needs.
Maintain up-to-date scheduling and communicate changes promptly.
Check email daily and be available by phone during working hours.
Demonstrate professionalism, punctuality, enthusiasm, and a proactive approach to work.
Exhibit teamwork and adaptability in dynamic and challenging work environments.
Submit all deliverables, reports, or requested changes within deadlines.
Ability to meet the physical demands of fieldwork with reasonable accommodations.
Frequent travel and ability to drive to project sites.
Cognitive ability to plan travel, use maps or GPS systems, and perform accurate data entry.
Work at a desk or computer for up to eight (8) hours per day when performing office tasks.
Transition field data into written reports using computer-based tools.
Make independent field decisions and effectively organize personal and crew tasks.
Maintain clear, concise communication with team members.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Fieldwork: Work in a variety of settings, including coastal, inland, and desert environments, and can include hiking over rugged terrain and long distances, inclement weather, and driving into remote areas, on and off road.
Travel: Willingness to travel long distances for projects, potentially for multiple weeks at a time, with occasional overnight stays. While these are likely to include hotel lodging, overnight travel for work in more primitive conditions may sometimes be required.
Risks: Exposure to potential hazards, such as dangerous wildlife (e.g. ticks, bees, rattlesnakes, scorpions, mountain lions, bears), hostile public, dangerous driving conditions, construction site hazards, and extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, wind, sleet or snow).

LOCATION | Various locations throughout California, including but not limited to Bakersfield, Fresno, Kernville, Lancaster, Victorville, and Visalia.
Occasionally, work may also extend to Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, and beyond.

SALARY | $32 - $42 per hour, depending on experience

STATUS | On-call/Non-Exempt. Hours are flexible and can range anywhere up to 40+ hours per week depending on season, employee preference and availability, location, and client needs.

BENEFITS

Eligible for Paid Time Off and Sick Leave
May become eligible for Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, and Vision)*
May become eligible for 401(k) with matching contribution*
May be eligible for cell phone stipend
May become eligible for educational stipend
Paid training opportunities
Employee incentives and Employee Referral Program

*Eligibility is dependent on duration of work and workload (hours per week)

ABOUT US | At SummitWest, we believe in putting people first—both our team members and our clients. We’ve created an environment where people want to work: one that is caring, fun, and safety-focused. Our success is built on the foundation of strong leadership, accountability, and transparency, principles that guide everything we do and are extended to everyone we work with.

We are a team of passionate environmental consulting specialists dedicated to providing cutting-edge natural resource management services. From wildlife and botanical surveys to construction monitoring, climate change studies, GIS mapping, permitting, and urban planning, we deliver innovative solutions to complex challenges.
With a team of 100 experts, we pack a big punch in terms of knowledge, expertise, and the diversity of projects we manage across the western United States. At SummitWest, every project is an opportunity to make an impact—on the environment, on our clients, and on the communities we serve.

If you’re looking to join a team that’s dynamic, forward-thinking, and values its people, SummitWest is the place for you!

MISSION & VISION | SummitWest's mission is to pioneer strategies for the environment. Our Vision is to become established as a dynamic leader in the environmental services industry.

OUR VALUES | This position should model the “SummitWest 5 Values”:

WHY WORK WITH US? | At SummitWest, we’re more than just an employer—we’re your partner in achieving your career goals while ensuring a healthy work-life balance. As an employee-driven company, we prioritize your growth and well-being through a range of supportive initiatives and opportunities. At SummitWest, we create a supportive, growth-oriented environment where you can thrive professionally and personally.

Here’s what sets us apart:

Mentorship & Training: Enhance your skills with expert guidance.
Flexible Schedules: Achieve a healthy work-life balance.
Career Growth: Enjoy clear paths for advancement.
Varied Work Options: Remote and desktop project opportunities.
Proposal Training: Gain experience in proposal writing.
Regular Feedback: Stay on track with performance reviews.
Collaborative Culture: Be part of a supportive, team-oriented environment.
Open Communication: Benefit from an open-door policy with supervisors.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION | We believe in fostering a culture of belonging that allows applicants and employees a safe place to authentically express themselves and encourages building long-lasting, meaningful relationships. We embrace our team's differences, understanding that our differing collective experiences and opinions increase our effectiveness as a whole. We believe in this effectiveness, our company culture will flourish.

SummitWest is proud to support women in STEM by empowering women to take their careers in their own hands, offering mentorship and training, and growth opportunities. SummitWest utilizes a wage calculator to ensure all staff are evaluated equally based on skills, qualifications, and education. We strive to close pay gaps and provide pay transparency for all staff.

EEO STATEMENT | We believe in hiring employees based on their qualifications and skills. We do not discriminate against any protected class including, but not limited to, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability (mental or physical), sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status.

TO APPLY | Interested applicants should submit a resume and brief cover letter detailing your interest, qualifications, three references, and any special considerations or compensation expectations. All submissions should go to recruitment@summitwestenv.com.

Resumes received without a cover letter or references will not be considered.

Contact

Christina Wenborne

7142252173

christina@summitwestenv.com (preferred contact method)