Consulting Associate, Archaeologist

Build your archaeology career in the field while helping protect and responsibly manage important cultural resources.

ERM is seeking a Consulting Associate, Archaeologist based in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, to support cultural resource projects throughout the United States. Working alongside experienced archaeologists, you will contribute to archaeological field investigations, resource evaluations, project planning, and reporting that support responsible project development and compliance with applicable cultural resource requirements.

Why This Role Matters?

This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career professional to develop hands-on archaeological consulting experience with a global environmental consulting and sustainability leader. Assignments will combine field and office-based work, with up to 70% or more of the role expected to be in the field, particularly during peak survey season.

You will work with an experienced Archaeologist to conduct Phase I, II, and III archaeological fieldwork and office-based activities. This includes documenting and evaluating archaeological sites for eligibility for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), assessing project effects under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), participating in project planning and logistics, and preparing report sections detailing survey findings and resource assessments.

What Your Impact Is:

You will support cultural resource projects by contributing field expertise, accurate documentation, thoughtful analysis, and technical reporting. Your work will help project teams identify, document, evaluate, and appropriately assess archaeological resources while meeting project and health and safety requirements.

What You'll Bring:

Required

• M.A. or M.S. in archaeology, anthropology, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for professional qualifications in archaeology.
• Completion of an archaeological field school.
• Recent graduate to 1 year experience in Phase I, Phase II, and/or Phase III archaeological fieldwork.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions and on varied terrain, sometimes for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work weekends and over 40 hours per week when needed.
• Ability to travel frequently for extended durations and on short notice.
• Ability to follow instructions and work independently, and to take initiative to meet project deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability as a technical writer.
• Periodic drug and alcohol testing required.
• This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

Preferred

• Basic knowledge of prehistoric and historic artifact assemblages.
• Experience with digital cameras.
• GIS, graphics, and/or database experience.
• Experience completing SHPO site forms and data entry.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, develop, and perform surveys for project areas and archaeological sites.
• Conduct all levels of field survey, with primary focus on Phase I survey.
• Walk long distances in challenging conditions, including variable weather, topography, and environmental conditions.
• Prepare appropriate sections of cultural resources reports describing surveys and analyses of archaeological sites.
• Prepare state-specific forms.
• Comply with corporate Health and Safety requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

For the Consulting Associate, Archaeologist position, the anticipated annual base pay is $62,700–$76,300 (USD). Actual pay will depend on factors such as education, experience, skills, location, performance, and business needs. In some cases, pay may fall outside this range. This role may be eligible for bonus pay subject to the sole discretion of ERM and its policies and procedures (casual and fixed term/flex force employees are not bonus eligible). 

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off (vacation, sick, and floating holidays), parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, AD&D insurance, 401(k), and other applicable benefits to eligible employees. 

Who We Are:
As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world’s leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations.

At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world-class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our “boots to boardroom” approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.

Please submit your resume and brief cover letter.

ERM does not accept recruiting agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, ERM employees or any other company location. ERM is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Thank you for your interest in ERM!

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