Archaeological Laboratory Director (Project Scientist)

Civil & Environmental Consultants - Indianapolis, IN

Full-time - Senior

Indianapolis, IN

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Archaeological Laboratory Director (Project Scientist) at Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. (CEC) is responsible for leading laboratory operations related to cultural resource compliance, specifically under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. This role involves managing the processing, analysis, and curation of both historic and prehistoric artifacts, while also overseeing laboratory equipment and procedures. The position offers an opportunity to shape the lab's operational framework and contribute to the broader Cultural Resources Practice across the nation.

Responsibilities

• Provide laboratory leadership for project teams ensuring compliance with cultural resource regulations.
• Manage the processing, analysis, and curation of historic and prehistoric artifacts.
• Oversee laboratory equipment needs and ensure adherence to CEC policies and state guidelines.
• Attend project and department meetings to coordinate efforts and share findings.
• Utilize technical and analytical skills to identify and analyze artifacts.
• Record and photograph artifacts for documentation purposes.
• Create and maintain artifact catalogues and write methodologies for analyses of findings.
• Assist with cultural site interpretations and prepare artifacts for curation.
• Help guide the organization of lab space and standard operating procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of laboratory experience with general North American artifacts.
• Previous experience in all stages of the curation process for states in the Midcontinental and Eastern United States.
• Strong data entry skills and ability to manage research projects to completion.
• Ability to manage and guide supporting staff effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to pass a basic drug screen.

Nice-to-haves

• 10+ years of archaeological laboratory experience.
• 5+ years of laboratory experience with Midwest prehistoric and historic artifacts.
• Willingness to assist with fieldwork when laboratory work is limited.
• Familiarity with agency-specific cataloging and curation guidelines, such as those from the National Park Service.
• Previous experience in all stages of the curation process for states in the Southwest, Southeast, and Northern Plains.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel.

Benefits

• Profit sharing
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) matching