SOI Archaeologist

The Opportunity:

Tetra Tech is seeking an experienced Secretary of the Interior (SOI) Qualified Archaeologist to support cultural resource management and environmental compliance projects throughout Puerto Rico. This position serves as the technical lead for archaeological investigations, historic resource evaluations, and regulatory compliance activities supporting infrastructure, environmental, resilience, and community development projects.

The successful candidate will lead archaeological field investigations, prepare and review technical documentation, coordinate with the Puerto Rico State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and other regulatory agencies, and ensure compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Section 106, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and applicable Commonwealth of Puerto Rico requirements.

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:

As an SOI Qualified Archaeologist, you will play a critical role in preserving Puerto Rico's cultural heritage while supporting responsible infrastructure development and environmental stewardship. Your expertise will guide archaeological investigations, regulatory compliance, and historic preservation efforts that enable projects to move forward while protecting significant archaeological and historic resources.

Position Summary:

The SOI Qualified Archaeologist provides technical leadership for archaeological investigations and cultural resource management projects. This position is responsible for planning and conducting archaeological fieldwork, evaluating cultural resources for National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility, preparing and reviewing technical reports, supporting environmental compliance documentation, and coordinating with federal, Commonwealth, and local regulatory agencies.

The Archaeologist also provides technical oversight to Archaeological Technicians and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams of environmental scientists, planners, engineers, and project managers to support successful project delivery.

Essential Job Functions: 

The following duties are considered essential to the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions:

• Lead archaeological field investigations, reconnaissance surveys, pedestrian surveys, shovel testing, test excavations, archaeological monitoring, and other cultural resource investigations.
• Evaluate archaeological sites and historic resources for eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
• Prepare and review archaeological descriptions, historic contexts, Historic Resource Survey Reports, Assessments of Effects, and other technical documentation.
• Prepare Section 106 documentation and support consultation activities in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).
• Support preparation of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation and related environmental compliance reports.
• Coordinate with the Puerto Rico State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), federal agencies, and other regulatory stakeholders throughout project planning and implementation.
• Supervise, mentor, and provide technical oversight to Archaeological Technicians and field personnel.
• Ensure archaeological investigations comply with professional standards, project requirements, and applicable federal and Commonwealth regulations.
• Review field documentation, mapping, photography, data collection, and technical deliverables to ensure quality and accuracy.
• Collaborate with environmental professionals, planners, engineers, GIS specialists, and project managers to integrate cultural resource considerations into project planning and permitting activities.
• Utilize GIS applications, digital field collection tools, and project management systems to document investigations and maintain project records.
• Complete project documentation, time reporting, expense reporting, and other administrative requirements in a timely manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
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Required Qualifications:

• Meet the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualification Standards for Archaeology (36 CFR Part 61, Appendix A).
• Graduate degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in cultural resource management (CRM).
• Demonstrated experience leading archaeological field investigations and supervising field personnel.
• Experience evaluating archaeological sites and historic resources for National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility.
• Working knowledge of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), including Section 106, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and applicable federal and Commonwealth cultural resource regulations.
• Demonstrated experience preparing archaeological reports, historic contexts, Historic Resource Survey Reports, Assessments of Effects, preservation planning documents, and other regulatory documentation.
• Experience coordinating with regulatory agencies, including the Puerto Rico State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), and supporting environmental permitting efforts.
• Strong technical writing, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Professional proficiency in both English and Spanish, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lead field teams while working collaboratively with multidisciplinary project teams.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Must reside in Puerto Rico.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting federally funded infrastructure, transportation, environmental, resilience, or disaster recovery programs.
• Experience preparing Environmental Assessments (EA), Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), and other NEPA documentation.
• Experience working with FHWA, USACE, FEMA, DOE, EPA, HUD, or other federal agencies.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro, Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Acrobat, and digital field data collection platforms.
• Experience managing multiple cultural resource projects within a consulting environment.

Physical Requirements:

The employee must be able to conduct archaeological field investigations in remote or undeveloped locations, including walking over uneven terrain, hiking, bending, kneeling, lifting up to 35 pounds, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Work Environment / Environmental Factors: 

This is a remote position based in Puerto Rico with periodic travel throughout the island to support archaeological surveys, monitoring activities, field investigations, and project meetings.

Compensation:

The anticipated salary range for this position is $70,000–$80,000, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and geographic location. Actual compensation will be determined based on education, experience, certifications, and internal equity.

Additional Information:

• Employment Type: Full-time

   

• Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8AM–5PM (no expected overtime)

   

• Travel Requirements: 5%–10% (for archaeological monitoring activities)

   

• Work Location: Puerto Rico