Cox|McLain Environmental Consulting, Inc. (CMEC), a small Austin-based firm with offices in Houston, DFW, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa, is looking to fill multiple archeological monitoring positions for large-scale construction projects in the greater Houston area. We expect the projects to start in Spring 2021 and last an estimated 6-10 months.
Duties will include coordinating and working alongside construction crews to identify resources that might be impacted. This will include observing/monitoring mechanical excavations; examining backdirt for cultural materials; describing excavation exposures (e.g., horizons, textures, integrity, Munsell colors, etc.); identifying prehistoric and historic-age artifacts; navigating and mapping using the ArcCollector app; and other duties as assigned by CMEC senior cultural resources staff. The positions may require bending, stooping, carrying field equipment, standing, and walking for extended periods of time, and making visual and tactile distinctions using color, texture, moisture content, depth, and distance.
Compensation varies based on candidate qualifications but generally ranges from $18/hour for minimum experience to approximately $20/hour for highly experienced monitors. Typical per diem rate is $61/day (no receipts required) and will be disbursed along with expense reimbursements for work-related purchases such as mileage (if personal vehicle is used), vehicle fuel (if a company or rental vehicle is used), etc. The anticipated work schedule will be Monday-Friday with 8-10 hours/day, with any hours over 40 per week paid at time and a half. Typically weekends will be off without pay or per diem. Single-occupancy lodging will be provided and monitors will be able to stay in their rooms over the weekends at the company’s expense.
The successful applicant will have completed, at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree in archeology, anthropology, or a closely related field, a recognized field school, and 1-2 years of professional archeological experience. CRM. Also required: a demonstrated ability to work independently; solid field skills, including the ability to work in difficult conditions (e.g., hot or cold weather, remote locations, etc.); ability to effectively and courteously communicate with a diverse group of workers and use delegated authority to stop work if needed; dedication to using digital means for project management including mapping applications, daily monitoring updates, etc. Previous experience in Texas, Oklahoma, or the greater south and southwest U.S. is a plus but is not required.
These positions are temporary positions on a project-specific basis, not on-call contracts. Benefits and relocation assistance are not available. Successful application/performance on one or more projects is not to be construed as a guarantee of future part- or full-time work. That said, CMEC is a growing company, with new staff positions developing every few months. We often keep our eye on high-performing temporary technicians, crew chiefs, and monitors as potential staff candidates.
Please e-mail a resume/CV (PDF format preferred) that includes your archeological education and work history as well as contact information for at least three cultural resource-related professional references to jobs@coxmclain.com. PLEASE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING JOB IDENTIFIER IN YOUR EMAIL SUBJECT LINE: “Houston Arch Monitoring.”
Due to volume, we may not be able to respond directly to every application. CMEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
