ARCHAEOLOGIST

State of Arkansas

About The Position

As the largest industry in Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. The Department is organized into five Divisions: Forestry Division, Livestock and Poultry Division, Natural Resources Division, Plant Industries Division, and Shared Services Division. This position will be under the supervision of a Natural Resource Conservation Service Archeologist and/or Senior Cultural Resource Specialist but frequently will be working autonomously. Assist the Cultural Resources Specialist (CRS) with cultural resource inventories, field investigations, and agency planning projects which may impact cultural resources. Operate a Global Positioning System (GPS) and/or Geographic Information System (GIS) equipment and software for field data collection, as well as general computer hardware, software, and other related information technology in order to prepare reports and make determinations of effect. Assist with the recordation of cultural resources unidentified through research and field investigations and assists in evaluation of cultural resources for their eligibility or significance relative to the National Register of Historic Places. Extensive field work including walking in rough and/or wet terrain, exposure to weather extremes, carrying equipment, digging test holes and working around farm equipment. The Archaeologist is responsible for conducting archaeological investigations, preserving cultural resources, and ensuring compliance with state and federal historic preservation laws. This position involves surveying, excavating, analyzing, and documenting historical and prehistoric sites across Arkansas, often in coordination with other state agencies, tribal representatives, and research institutions. The Archaeologist will work on projects related to heritage conservation, environmental compliance, and cultural resource management (CRM) to support the protection and interpretation of Arkansas’s rich archaeological heritage.

Requirements

Knowledge of Arkansas prehistory, history, and archaeological methods.
Field survey, excavation, and lab analysis techniques.
Understanding of GIS, remote sensing, and geospatial data analysis.
Artifact identification, cataloging, and preservation practices.
Familiarity with state and federal historic preservation laws (NHPA, NAGPRA, ARPA, etc.).
Report writing and technical documentation for regulatory compliance and research publications.
Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities to assess and interpret archaeological findings.
Effective verbal and written communication skills for technical reports, public presentations, and interagency collaboration.
Ethical integrity in handling cultural artifacts and engaging with descendant communities.
Minimum of two years of archaeological fieldwork, research, or cultural resource management experience.
Must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for archaeology.
Must hold or be eligible for an Arkansas State Archaeologist Permit as required under the Arkansas Antiquities Act.

Nice To Haves

Archelolgical field school
Register of Professional Archaeologists (ROPA) Certification and/or National Park Service and Department of the Interior Qualified
Ability to work autonomously
Experience as a crew chief

Responsibilities

Conduct archaeological field surveys, excavations, and site assessments in compliance with state and federal regulations.
Use geospatial technology, mapping software, and field equipment to document and analyze site locations.
Identify, collect, and catalog artifacts, ecofacts, and site features using proper excavation and preservation techniques.
Assess the historical and cultural significance of sites for state projects, land management, and conservation efforts.
Process, analyze, and interpret archaeological data collected from fieldwork.
Prepare technical reports, site evaluations, and National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) nominations.
Maintain detailed site records, artifact databases, and GIS maps for state archives and public records.
Ensure compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), the Arkansas Antiquities Act, and other cultural resource laws.
Assist in the development and implementation of cultural resource management plans for state-owned lands and development projects.
Provide recommendations on site protection, conservation strategies, and mitigation efforts for projects impacting historic or prehistoric resources.
Collaborate with Native American tribes, historical societies, and local communities to ensure ethical stewardship of cultural sites.
Support state agencies in complying with federal and state historic preservation laws.
Conduct public outreach, educational programs, and workshops to promote awareness of Arkansas’s archaeological heritage.
Develop interpretive materials, presentations, and reports for the general public, schools, and policymakers.
Work with museums, universities, and historical organizations to promote research and preservation efforts.
Assist in responding to public inquiries regarding archaeological sites, artifact discoveries, and preservation guidelines.
Coordinate with state and federal agencies, contractors, and researchers on projects involving cultural resources.
Review and assess Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) and Environmental Assessments (EA) related to archaeological sites.
Provide expert consultation to state agencies on permit applications, land-use planning, and site management.
Ensure adherence to state laws governing archaeological site excavation, artifact collection, and preservation.