Archaeologist

the South Dakota State Government•Rapid City, SD

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The archaeologist in this position works closely with the Contracts Manager, generally on projects in Archaeological Research Center's (ARC's) contracts program. The position is located at the Archaeological Research Center (ARC) in Rapid City, a growing city known for its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and dynamic local culture. The Archaeological Research Center is a program of the South Dakota State Historical Society and is the Office of the State Archaeologist. Archaeologists from ARC have provided cultural resource consulting services to hundreds of clients in the region since 1973, and work on a wide range of CRM, grant-funded, mitigation, and research-based projects. The Center has a permanent staff of 14, plus a varying number of seasonal employees. This position is a full-time position with the Department of Education - Archaeology Research Center.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, or cultural resources management, or equivalent experience.
Practical field and lab experience through a certified field school or equivalent training is required.
Strong proficiency in writing, especially in technical survey or evaluation reports, is desired.
Background and experience in Northern Plains prehistoric and historic artifact identification is also preferred.
The ideal candidate will be equally proficient in field-based skills as well as office skills (i.e., writing and communicating).
Knowledge of archaeological theory and methods.
Knowledge of ArcPro or ArcMap and GNSS survey equipment.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Access, and Excel.
Knowledge of Plains archaeology, including South Dakota or surrounding states.
Skill to identify prehistoric and historic artifacts and site types.
Skill to effectively communicate with other staff members, clients, landowners, or other necessary personnel.
Skill to think critically.
Skill to plan ahead.
Skill to closely follow instructions and learn quickly.
Skill to complete assigned work in a timely manner.
Skill to understand and follow administrative requirements established by the State for all employees.
Ability to understand state and federal historic preservation laws, rules, and guidelines.
Ability to solve problems and anticipate project needs.
Ability to work responsibly both individually and as part of a team.
Ability to be flexible and adaptable to ever-changing project needs, assignments, and deadlines.
Ability to maintain a positive and problem-solving attitude.
A valid driver's license is required.
Must apply online.
Applicants should be in physical condition for strenuous outdoor work conditions typical of archaeological survey and excavation, such as hiking long distances over rough terrain, carrying heavy equipment, hand excavation by trowel and shovel, transporting up to 50lbs of soil in buckets, and screening.
The Archaeologist will need to be prepared to work in a variety of weather conditions, including heat and cold, rain, wind, and snow, often for multiple weeks in a row.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of cultural resources management principles, South Dakota archaeology, and the basics of GIS will greatly benefit the person in this position.
A cover letter and writing sample are optional but encouraged.

Responsibilities

Conduct archaeological field surveys, testing, monitoring, and site evaluations.
Conduct lab work including artifact cataloging and analysis and photo cataloging.
Conduct background research such as record searches and courthouse documentation.
Prepare technical reports or contribute to larger reports as necessary.
Work closely with all Archaeological Research Center staff, project clients, state and federal agency representatives, Tribal Historic Preservation Office personnel, private landowners, and other public entities to complete projects on time and within budget.
Prepare technical reports, catalog artifacts or photographs, artifact analysis, waterscreening, processing soil, and conducting research during off-season periods.
Work on sites or surveys that may sometimes be mundane.
Take detailed field notes and apply those notes to report preparation.

Benefits

Health insurance (HSA and FSA options available)
Well-being programs
Employee assistance
Dental
Membership in South Dakota Retirement System
Vacation leave
Sick Leave
11 paid holidays
Flexibility in work schedules
State-provided laptop for remote work
Longevity pay
Meal per diems during travel
Use of fleet vehicles
State-covered hotel expenses
$0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits.