Culture Resources Specialist

Overview

NV5 is a leading provider of tech-enabled engineering, testing, inspection, and consulting solutions for the built environment. We specialize in engineering design, asset management, and geospatial data analytics to support infrastructure resilience and building systems performance throughout the entire asset lifecycle.

With more than 100 offices nationwide and abroad, NV5 assists clients with planning, designing, building, testing, certifying, and operating infrastructure assets that improve the communities where we live and work.

We are looking for a part-time on-call Cultural Resources Specialist (Southern California applicants only)- to support cultural resource compliance for construction, infrastructure, and environmental projects. This role provides on-site monitoring, leads field teams, and ensures proper identification, documentation, and protection of archaeological, historical, and tribal cultural resources.

Responsibilities

Our Cultural Resources Specialist will support technical analysis efforts and provide leadership in developing and implementing appropriate field methodologies and monitoring approaches. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, culturally sensitive, and comfortable working in dynamic field environments while coordinating with archaeologists, contractors, clients, and tribal representatives. You will demonstrate sound professional judgment, strong communication skills, and the ability to coordinate effectively with multidisciplinary teams while upholding respect for tribal sovereignty and cultural traditions.

• Conduct on-site monitoring during qualifying ground-disturbing activities to identify and protect cultural resources.
• Recognize, document, and classify prehistoric and historic artifacts, features, and materials in real time.
• Implement and communicate stop-work procedures in accordance with compliance protocols.
• Provide direction on monitoring methodologies, adaptive field strategies, and response protocols when resources are discovered.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, cultural resource management plans, and inadvertent discovery procedures.
• Lead technical analysis of findings, including preliminary assessments and reporting contributions.
• Lead and mentor junior monitors during field operations to ensure high-quality data collection and documentation.
• Coordinate daily activities with archaeologists, tribal cultural experts, environmental specialists, and construction teams.
• Prepare accurate monitoring logs, daily field reports, photographs, and GPS/GIS data.
• Ensure compliance with CEQA, NEPA, NHPA Section 106, AB 52, and other regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated reliability and professionalism, including consistent punctuality, dependable attendance, and the ability to meet project schedules and field commitments.
• Participate in pre-construction meetings and deliver cultural sensitivity briefings when needed.
• Maintain respectful and clear communication regarding culturally sensitive information.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, Native American Studies, or related field.
• Experience leading or supervising field monitoring teams.
• Familiarity with GPS, GIS, tablets, and digital field data tools.
• Experience collaborating with tribal governments or cultural representatives.
• OSHA 10/30 or First Aid/CPR certification.
• 5–7+ years of experience in cultural resource or archaeological monitoring.
• Strong ability to identify, evaluate, and appropriately document cultural materials in field settings.
• Solid knowledge of federal, state, and tribal cultural resource regulations.
• Solid knowledge of local tribes, including cultural traditions, histories, consultation protocols, and sensitivity to tribal perspectives regarding cultural resources and ancestral lands.
• Strong written documentation and field reporting skills.
• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather and site conditions.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• May require extended hours, weekends, or evening work based on project needs.

The pay range for this position in California is $45.00 to $50.00 per hour. Base pay offered may be higher or lower depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and location of the candidate. Restricted stock units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered.

All local employment laws apply. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via the NV5 careers site.

NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k) and professional development/advancement opportunities.

NV5 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NV5 complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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