James Daniels

About James Daniels

I’m a Registered Professional Archaeologist with nearly two decades of experience in cultural resource management and archaeological science across California, the western U.S, and Mesoamerica. I hold a PhD in Anthropology from the University of California, San Diego, where my research focused on human-environment interactions, early village formation, and remote sensing applications in archaeology.As a Senior Cultural Resources Project Manager at HELIX Environmental I lead NEPA, CEQA, and Section 106 compliance projects for infrastructure, environmental planning, and land management initiatives. My technical expertise includes ground-penetrating radar (GPR), pXRF analysis of ceramics and obsidian, GIS-based sensitivity modeling, site evaluation, and tribal consultation. I’ve authored hundreds of technical reports and contributed to high-profile projects for agencies, municipalities, and tribal communities.I’ve also had the privilege of conducting collaborative fieldwork in Guatemala, Mexico, Belize, and Nicaragua, including NSF-funded research in coastal Chiapas. I’m passionate about bridging rigorous scientific methods with meaningful cultural stewardship and effective compliance strategy—whether I’m producing reports, leading geophysical surveys, or mentoring the next generation of field archaeologists.

Experience

1. Senior Cultural Resources Project Manager

   HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc.

   Mar 2026 — Present · Carlsbad, CA, US

   I manage complex cultural resources projects across California and the western United States, helping public and private clients navigate federal, state, and local historic preservation regulations while delivering high-quality technical work. My role integrates project management, technical leadership, and business development within HELIX\'s multidisciplinary environmental consulting practice.I lead cultural resources investigations from planning through completion, including archaeological survey, testing, and evaluation, data recovery, artifact analysis, and mitigation monitoring. I oversee the preparation of technical reports, environmental documentation, treatment plans, and preservation strategies, and provide guidance to clients on compliance with laws such as CEQA, NEPA, and Section 106.As a project manager, I coordinate project teams, manage budgets and schedules, oversee subconsultants and ensure deliverables meet HELIX\'s rigorous quality standards. I also mentor and train staff archaeologists, support hiring and professional developments, and new business opportunities. Working closely with planners, biologists, engineers, and GIS specialists, I help deliver integrated environmental solutions while advancing the responsible stewardship of cultural resources.

Education

• UC San Diego

  Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Anthropology

• North Carolina State University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Anthropology

  2001 — 2004

• California State University, Long Beach

  Master of Arts (M.A.), Anthropology

  2006 — 2009