Archaeology Crew Lead (USFS, Sequoia NF Kern River Ranger District)

GREAT BASIN INSTITUTE•Kernville, CA

16d•$30 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The Great Basin Institute (GBI), in cooperation with the USFS, is recruiting an Archaeology Crew Lead to complete Section 106 and Section 110 cultural resource surveys, site recording, and monitoring for various projects within the Sequoia National Forest. These projects support GBI's Cultural Resources program's mission to help the USFS improve forest resilience against climate change and wildfire threats. This role directly protects sensitive cultural sites, ensuring their preservation for future generations. The position offers professional development and leadership opportunities in cultural resource management, including increased exposure to USFS processes, procedures, and compliance measures; assistance with reporting and data quality assurance; and enhanced technical experience. Expanded opportunities in other disciplines like forestry, wildlife, and hydrology may also be available. This role will support USFS vegetation management and fuels reduction efforts, contributing to healthy and resilient forest landscapes. The crew lead will also have the opportunity to work with a Tribal Monitor and learn from local tribes. The Archaeology Crew Lead will perform various activities to support all stages of project work, including crew safety and oversight, training, and communication with agency and GBI staff. Crew size will range from 2-4 people.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archaeology or related discipline, including relevant field methods training coursework AND two years of archaeology related field work
Experience leading crews in the field, including oversight of crew safety, communication, fidelity to methods and data quality
Proficiency in navigation using GPS, topographic map and compass
Ability to recognize and record prehistoric and historic artifacts, features, and sites
Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license with the ability to safely operate and maintain a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads
Ability to work effectively in a team setting with USFS staff, GBI staff, interns, volunteers, academic, state, and federal partners
Ability to work safely and productively in remote field settings under adverse conditions. This may include occasionally overnight work & camping in remote areas for consecutive nights
Ability to understand, implement and adhere to established data collection, inventory, assessment, and monitoring protocols
Capacity to collect and maintain field data in an organized manner that is easily understood and accessible to other resources staff
Strong communication skills with a diverse audiences, both written and oral
Willingness to work a variable schedule in response to project needs, possibly including some weekends, nights, holidays
Physically fit to work outdoors, carry up to 50 pounds of personal and/or field equipment, hike up to 10 miles a day, and withstand the rigors of a forested and/or high desert environment in all seasons.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working in similar backcountry settings is preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead archaeology crew to conduct and complete field surveys in areas planned for forest projects to document, assess and characterize the status of new cultural resources.
Monitor existing sites and complete site updates and condition assessments.
Prepare California DPR site records, GIS maps, and photographic records.
Input data to the USFS heritage database.
Lead and collaborate with agency personnel and all other crew members to support field safety, communication, planning, logistics, quality assurance, field implementation, and reporting efforts.
Perform literature reviews and project background research.
Assist with Section 106 and Section 110 reporting, including drafting project maps.
Draft California DPR archeological site records, archeological site maps, and archeological sketch maps.
Assist with GIS data management.