Principal Investigator (Archaeology/Cultural Resources) Portland, OR (Pacific Northwest)

The Opportunity:

Tetra Tech is adding an experienced Archaeologist / Cultural Resources Manager to serve as a Principal Investigator (PI) supporting projects across the Pacific Northwest. This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits, based out of our Portland, OR office.

This role supports a variety of projects, primarily within the energy sector, including renewable energy and transmission projects in Oregon and Washington, with additional opportunities across the U.S. The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in cultural resource management (CRM), regulatory compliance, and client engagement, along with the ability to lead complex projects and multidisciplinary teams.

Location: Portland, OR (Pacific Northwest – Travel Required)

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.

Essential Job Functions:

• Act as Principal Investigator for cultural resources surveys and analyses
• Lead cultural resource surveys, NRHP eligibility evaluations, and reporting efforts
• Provide regulatory compliance support for federal, state, municipal, and commercial clients
• Support energy permitting and environmental compliance projects across the Western U.S.
• Coordinate with state and federal agencies, SHPOs, THPOs, and Native American tribes
• Write, edit, and peer-review technical reports and permitting documentation
• Contribute to NEPA and state-level permitting documents (e.g., Oregon EFSC, Washington SEPA/EFSEC)
• Develop proposals, budgets, and scopes of work
• Manage project schedules, staffing, budgets, and client communication
• Work collaboratively within a geographically dispersed team and manage multiple deadlines
• 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:

• M.A. or higher in Anthropology, Archaeology, or related field
• Meets Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards for Archaeology
• 8–10+ years of CRM experience, including supervisory experience
• Demonstrated experience:
  • Leading cultural resource surveys and evaluations
  • Determining NRHP/state register eligibility
  • Managing CRM projects and field teams
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Section 106 compliance and cultural resource regulations
  • Federal, state, and local historic preservation requirements
• Experience working with:
  • Oregon and/or Washington SHPOs
  • Native American tribes and/or THPOs
• Ability to be permitted as a Principal Investigator on BLM, USFS, and State lands in OR/WA
• Strong technical writing, communication, and organizational skills
• Experience managing budgets, schedules, invoicing, and staffing
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record without restrictions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with renewable energy permitting (wind, solar, transmission)
• Familiarity with ArcGIS Online or GIS-based field applications
• Knowledge of soils and geomorphology
• Experience with ESRI, Adobe, and Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience conducting test excavations and data recovery projects

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform fieldwork and manual labor, including:
  • Walking long distances on uneven terrain
  • Bending, kneeling, and lifting up to 35 lbs.
• Ability to conduct excavation using hand tools
• Ability to work extended field rotations (e.g., 10–12 days at a time)

Work Environment / Travel:

• Combination of office, remote, and field-based work
• Fieldwork in remote locations and varying weather conditions
• Travel required throughout the Pacific Northwest and occasionally nationwide

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: $110,000-$160,000 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.