Archaeological Field Supervisor (Nashville, TN)

Planning Practice

With a keen focus on people, we constantly seek to improve communities and create more sustainable, convenient, healthy, and attractive places. Michael Baker International’s team of planners, landscape architects, and public engagement experts collaborate with clients and communities to design shared spaces that are safe, accessible, and equitable for all. We create, visualize, and communicate planning concepts as they move from an initial vision through implementation, aligned with a community’s unique vision, values, and development strategy. Together we plan the future of communities that are sustainable and that meaningfully connect people to their environment.

What We’re Looking For:

Michael Baker International is currently seeking to hire an Archaeological Field Supervisor/Field Director for our Nashville, TN office. Under the supervision of a Senior Archaeologist, Archaeology Department/Technical Manager, or Cultural Resources Director, the successful candidate will perform both field and/or post-field tasks, including management of archaeological field crew, daily supervision of Phase I, II, and III archaeological investigations, and report production.

A Hybrid working arrangement is available within the Nashville, TN area. This role requires onsite field work as required. 

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE UNABLE TO SPONSOR OR TAKE OVER SPONSORSHIP OF AN EMPLOYMENT VISA FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY AT THIS TIME.

What You’ll Do:

• Coordinate field mobilization, scheduling, and landowner communication


• Lead daily field operations, including crew task assignments and oversight


• Conduct health and safety briefings on-site


• Maintain accurate field documentation, including notes, photo logs, and paperwork review


• Perform and oversee field data collection (e.g., photography, GPS/Trimble, mapping, site plans)


• Assign and track field designations (e.g., strata, features)


• Prepare field methods and results documentation based on fieldwork


• Assemble field equipment and ensure readiness for deployment


• Provide regular progress updates to project leadership


• Support artifact and specialized analyses as needed


• Collaborate closely with the Archaeology Lab Supervisor

What You Need to Succeed:

• Minimum qualifications
  
  
  
  • Master’s or Ph.D. in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a closely related field
  
  
  • 5+ years of relevant experience, including 2+ years in a field supervisory role
  
  
  • Meets Secretary of the Interior (36 CFR Part 61) professional qualification standards
  
  
  • Strong working knowledge of Section 106, NEPA, and applicable permitting requirements
  
  
  • Experience leading Phase I and Phase II archaeological investigations
  
  
  • Ability to interpret project mapping and oversee field execution
  
  
  • Proficiency in field methods and technologies, including GPS/Trimble, compass navigation, and site mapping
  
  
  • Solid understanding of soil development, stratigraphy, and site formation processes
  
  
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Photoshop, ArcGIS, and GPS-related software
  
  
  • Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills, with ability to interpret field findings
  
  
  • Valid driver's license with willingness to travel
  
  


• Preferred qualifications
  
  
  
  • Active listing or eligibility for listing on the Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA)
  
  
  • Experience conducting Phase III archaeological investigations
  
  
  • Additional experience supporting deep excavation projects
  
  

Physical Demands:

Field: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The successful candidate must be able to walk and/or hike over various terrains, sometimes over great distances (average daily walking distances up to 2 miles), while carrying both personal and company equipment (e.g., shovels, screens). They must be able to lift heavy loads (e.g., soil-filled buckets) up to 50 lbs. The job requires repeated bending, lifting, screening, kneeling, digging, etc.

Work Environment:

Field: A standard field workday runs in 8-day sessions, 10 hours per day, in all seasons. Additional hours may be required in the evening for paperwork review or landowner coordination. The work environment is typically outdoors, and sometimes under adverse weather conditions requiring appropriate clothing (e.g., work boots, rain gear, cold-weather gear). At minimum, Field Supervisors are required to have the following personal field tools: backpack, compass, English/Metric tape measure, trowel (e.g., Marshalltown), line level, clip board, pencils, and work gloves.

Compensation:

The approximate compensation range for this position $78,099 - $112,769 per year. This compensation range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.   

Why Choose Us:

• Medical, dental, vision insurance 


• 401k Retirement Plan 


• Health Savings Account (HSA) 


• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) 


• Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability 


• Professional and personal development 


• Generous paid time off 


• Commuter and wellness benefits

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