KEO is a creative enterprise, where innovation is a way of life. We are uniquely resourced with end-to-end services to take clients from inspiration – through conceptualization – to realization of planning, design or project delivery in the built and natural environments. For over 60 years we’ve led with vision, contributing to many of the world’s most ambitious projects, iconic places, remarkable experiences and prosperous communities.

As a highly integrated and agile AEP/PMCM firm, KEO is recognized by ENR as one of the Top 225 International Design Firms and one of the Top 20 International PM/CM Firms. We are also ranked by World Architecture as the 51^st largest global architecture firm and the #1 Firm in the Middle East Region in their 2024 WA100 Survey.

We invite you to join us. Why?

When you join KEO, you’ll discover more than just a job – you’ll find a supportive environment that fosters your professional development through internal global mobility and career development and does so within a culture that supports company-wide health and well-being through on-demand counselling services and regular workplace clinics. You will be invited to celebrate community events such as sports days, fun-runs, in-house sports teams and beach clean ups. In addition to your competitive package and benefits you will have access to a suite of policies that include hybrid working arrangements, individual athletic sponsorship, study assistance sponsorship, employee referral rewards.

Our newest opportunity is for a talented Archaeologist (Cultural Heritage) to join our award-winning team based in Al Ula, KSA. 

The successful candidate will support our projects with expertise in cultural heritage conservation, archaeological assessment, and heritage management. This role involves collaboration with both local and international stakeholders to ensure the preservation and respectful integration of cultural heritage into infrastructure and development projects, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.

We envisage success in this role to include:

• Heritage Assessment & Fieldwork:
• Conducting cultural heritage assessments, including archaeological surveys and excavation, to identify, record, and evaluate heritage resources within project sites.
• Developing Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMP) that outline mitigation measures for heritage conservation, integrating these into project planning and execution.
• Overseeing field activities related to heritage management, ensuring all work aligns with local regulations and best practices in archaeology and heritage conservation.
• Regulatory Compliance & Reporting:
• Ensuring project compliance with Saudi heritage protection laws and international standards, including UNESCO World Heritage guidelines where applicable.
• Preparing detailed reports and documentation of heritage findings, assessments, and recommendations for project stakeholders, including governmental and private clients.
• Reviewing complex cultural heritage documents, summarizing key findings and compliance needs in clear, concise formats.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
• Liaising with governmental agencies, local communities, and international bodies to promote heritage preservation within the context of development.
• Participating in client-facing meetings, offering expertise on cultural heritage management and ensuring alignment with project goals and timelines.
• Team Leadership & Training:
• Providing training to team members on cultural heritage assessment techniques and the latest developments in archaeological research methods.
• Risk Management:
• Identifying potential risks to cultural heritage within project areas and implement strategies to mitigate impacts on heritage sites and resources.
• Responding to and manage any cultural heritage issues encountered during project activities, ensuring timely and respectful solutions.

To be successful in this dynamic opportunity, we envision that your career journey to date will include a minimum of 10 years’ experience partnered with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Archaeology, Cultural Heritage Management, Anthropology, or a related field.

We are seeking relevant project management KSA experience working for large scale infrastructure and masterplan projects. Knowledge of Saudi Arabian cultural heritage laws, regulations, and procedures, as well as international best practices in archaeology and heritage conservation. Experience with heritage and archaeology projects in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Experience in Al Ula region is a plus.

Bilingual communication skills in both English and Arabic are preferred.

KEO’s performance is founded upon integrity, results, innovation, safety and our people. We embrace diversity and recognise its’ contribution to client success wherever we work.

We are excited to hear how you can partner with our award-winning team and treat all expressions of interest confidentially.