About the Role
We are a cultural resource management (CRM) firm conducting Stage 1 through Stage 4 archaeological assessments across Ontario under the Ontario Heritage Act and the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism's Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists (2011). We are seeking a Senior Archaeological Report Writer to lead the production of high-quality, ministry-compliant reports for a steady pipeline of land development, infrastructure, and resource projects.
This is a senior role for someone who knows the reporting process inside out, can take a project from raw field notes to a submission-ready Project Information Form (PIF) and report package, and can mentor junior writers. The position is well-suited to a licensed professional or applied research archaeologist looking to focus on the analytical and writing side of CRM work, though a strong unlicensed senior writer with the right reporting background will also be considered.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead authorship of Stage 1 background studies, Stage 2 property assessment reports, Stage 3 site-specific assessments, and Stage 4 mitigation reports in full compliance with the 2011 Standards & Guidelines.
- Synthesize field notes, mapping, artifact catalogues, and historical/archival research into clear, defensible narrative, analysis and recommendations.
- Prepare and submit Project Information Forms, site record forms, and supporting documentation through Ontario's Past Portal (PastPort).
- Conduct background research: registered site searches, historical mapping (Tremaine, Illustrated Historical Atlases, fire insurance plans, aerial photography), land registry records, Indigenous land use and treaty context, and physiographic / environmental setting.
- Draft and integrate Indigenous engagement sections in line with ministry expectations, including documentation of correspondence and community input.
- Manage the report review cycle: respond to ministry revision requests, address compliance concerns, and shepherd reports through to acceptance and entry on the Ontario Public Register of Archaeological Reports.
- Maintain quality control standards so reports pass ministry review on first submission wherever possible.
- Mentor junior writers and field staff on reporting standards, writing conventions, and the rationale behind ministry requirements.
- Liaise with project managers, field directors, clients, municipalities, and approval authorities; occasionally attend client or stakeholder meetings.
- Track deliverables and deadlines across a portfolio of concurrent projects.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in archaeology, anthropology, or a closely related discipline; a Master's degree is preferred and is required for those holding (or pursuing) a Professional archaeological licence in Ontario.
- Minimum 5 years' experience in Ontario CRM archaeology, with a substantial portion of that time spent authoring or co-authoring Stage 1–4 reports submitted to (and accepted by) the ministry.
- Demonstrated mastery of the Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists (2011) and current ministry administrative bulletins (Project Information Forms, Archaeological Reports, PastPort uploads, rural historical farmsteads, Indigenous engagement, winter fieldwork, etc.).
- Working knowledge of relevant legislation and policy: Ontario Heritage Act (Part VI), O. Reg. 8/06, O. Reg. 170/04, the Provincial Policy Statement, and the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act.
- Strong technical writing skills with the ability to translate field and lab data into clear narrative for ministry reviewers, clients, and approval authorities.
- Proficiency with PastPort, ArcGIS or QGIS (for figure preparation and verification), and standard Microsoft Office tools.
- A valid Ontario archaeological licence (Professional or Applied Research) is strongly preferred. Candidates without a current licence must demonstrate equivalent reporting experience under a licensed professional.
- Eligibility to work in Canada.
Assets
- Membership in the Ontario Association of Professional Archaeologists (APA) or Canadian Archaeological Association (CAA).
- Regional specialization (e.g., Iroquoian village sites, Archaic lithic assemblages, 19th-century Euro-Canadian farmsteads, fur trade era, urban historical archaeology).
- Experience with linear and large-scale infrastructure projects (transmission, transit, highways, pipelines).
- Familiarity with engagement protocols of First Nations and Métis communities in the relevant project regions.
- Editorial or peer-review experience; published archaeological writing.
Pay: $75,000.00-$85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- Vision care
- Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Toronto, ON (Toronto District)
