Now Hiring: Principal Investigator (Archaeology) – Pacific Northwest Focus

Ellensburg, Washington
Full-time
Salary Range: $80,000 – $100,000+, based on qualifications and experience

Dig Deep into the Past — Right Here in the Heart of the Pacific Northwest.

Statistical Research, Inc. (SRI), a nationally recognized cultural resources management (CRM) firm, is looking for an experienced and passionate Principal Investigator to lead archaeological projects from our Ellensburg, WA office. If you’re ready to take your career to the next level while exploring the rich and diverse cultural landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, this is your opportunity.

Why SRI?

At SRI, we do more than meet compliance — we tell the story of place. With a 40+ year track record across the western U.S., we combine rigorous science with creative problem-solving to deliver high-quality, ethical CRM services. Join a company that values people, professional integrity, and purpose-driven work.

SRI serves clients across the western U.S., but this role is all about the PNW – lush forests, volcanic plateaus, and some of the most significant archaeological heritage in the country.

About the Position

As a Principal Investigator at SRI, you are a strategic and scientific leader at the forefront of CRM. You’ll guide projects from design through completion — developing research strategies, overseeing fieldwork, mentoring project teams, and producing high-quality technical reports. Whether conducting Class III inventories, leading excavations, or synthesizing complex data into compelling interpretations, you play a key role in advancing archaeological research and preservation across the western United States.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead compelling archaeological field investigations — from rugged backcountry surveys to complex data recovery projects across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.
• Develop and implement region-specific research designs and field strategies rooted in Northwest cultural traditions and environmental contexts.
• Mentor and manage field crews, lab staff, and project directors.
• Collaborate with tribal communities, state and federal agencies, and private clients to ensure respectful and legally compliant practices.
• Write and review high-quality technical reports that meet both professional and regulatory standards.
• Manage budgets, schedules, and deliverables with clarity, integrity, and efficiency.
• Play a key role in expanding SRI’s presence in the Pacific Northwest region.

What You Bring:

We are hiring at multiple levels within the Principal Investigator track. Final title and salary will reflect your experience, qualifications, and regional expertise. Core qualifications include:

• A Master’s degree or higher in Anthropology or Archaeology
• Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA) certification
• Meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards
• Deep familiarity with PNW cultural resources, regional histories, and archaeological materials
• Strong understanding of NHPA Section 106, Washington DAHP requirements, and tribal consultation protocols
• Excellent leadership, communication, and technical writing skills

Tiered Opportunities

We are considering candidates for the following levels:

Principal Investigator I

• 10+ years of CRM experience, including successful management of small to mid-sized projects, leading field teams, and producing defensible technical reports.

Principal Investigator II

• All PI I qualifications, plus experience managing complex or multi-state projects, mentoring junior staff, and contributing to client development and proposal writing.

Senior Principal Investigator

• Demonstrated leadership on large-scale or regionally significant CRM efforts. Strong business development skills, advanced technical or analytical expertise, and strategic contributions to company-wide initiatives.

What We Offer:

Competitive salary: $80,000 – $100,000+ depending on experience and level

• Full suite of benefits:
  • Medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance
  • Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
  • Retirement plan with company contribution
• Professional development and conference support
• A supportive, collaborative team environment with regional autonomy and real opportunity to shape your work.

Ready to Join Us?

Explore the PNW. Grow your career. Make a difference in the field of archaeology. Join SRI and help uncover the stories buried in the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest.

If you’re passionate about preserving the past while shaping your professional future, SRI wants to hear from you. Please send your resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to srijobs@sricrm.com with the subject line: “Principal Investigator – Ellensburg, WA”, noting the Principal Investigator level for which you’d like to be considered.

Statistical Research, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.