Shared Range Archeologist Project Lead

Rocky Mountain Youth Corps•Albuquerque, NM

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Range Program Archeologist Individual Placement supports the Cibola National Forest Heritage and Cultural Resource Department through archeological field and office work. The role conducts field reconnaissance surveys, records and reports archeological sites, leads field crews, manages GIS and cultural-resource data, and assists with report production. Work supports three ranger districts, so travel is required and the duty station may change during the assignment. Administrative work includes collecting data, writing brief project reports, and communicating with Cibola National Forest and Rocky Mountain Youth Corps staff. The position is managed through RMYC and includes regular check-ins, life-skills training, and other training opportunities tailored to the individual; cross-training with other programs is encouraged. The position is seasonal and full-time, scheduled for 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Exact start and end times depend on funding, program needs, and application timing. Compensation is $24.44 per hour. RMYC observes national holidays as approved paid days off, and staff housing is available on Mount Taylor and in Magdalena. A USDA background clearance and pre-employment National Service Criminal History Check and fingerprint scan are required before service begins. Participants will have access to government facilities and systems and will be supplied with government vehicles, equipment, and materials needed for the work, subject to applicable rules and safety policies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in archeology, anthropology, or a similar field.
At least 3–5 years of professional work experience in archaeology.
Knowledge of archeological theories, principles, and concepts, including reconnaissance, evaluation, and basic field-survey procedures.
Knowledge of federal and state legislation and policies concerning protection of cultural and historical sites.
Knowledge of the cultures and ethnic groups that inhabited the region in past periods to evaluate archeological findings and conduct surveys.
Interpersonal skills and knowledge of team principles for archeological work.
Communication skills to exchange information and present findings and recommendations.
Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident.
Valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record.
Must complete USDA background clearance, a pre-employment National Service Criminal History Check, and fingerprint scan; must truthfully disclose criminal history, cannot be registered or required to register on a state or national sex offender registry, and cannot have a murder conviction.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, speak, hear, climb, balance, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl frequently and lift up to 50 pounds unassisted.
Ability to walk extensively over rough, rocky surfaces and to bend and stretch during field investigations.
Ability to perform fieldwork in all weather conditions, occasionally in mountainous terrain, and use primitive facilities for extended periods.
Ability to communicate danger or a need for assistance at a distance of up to 50 meters, including in limited visibility or loud background noise.
Ability to perceive apparent hazards, follow hazard-management directions, and maintain focus for several hours while traveling and working in varied weather.
If taking prescription medication, ability to maintain the proper dosage through self-medication without assistance.
Willingness to accept differences, solve interpersonal or group problems, and contribute to a safe learning environment.
Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals to perform essential functions.

Responsibilities

Assist staff with archeological field and office work and develop knowledge of relevant skills, techniques, and procedures.
Work with project proponents and archeological staff to design and complete cultural-resource compliance appropriate to each undertaking.
Serve as a field lead to plan and conduct standard field reconnaissance in areas planned for range program activities.
Support other project areas as needed, including timber harvest, trails management, wildlife habitat improvement, road construction, and recreational development.
Complete pre-field record searches, including searches for previous sites and surveys, land patent records, and aerial photographs.
Record archeological sites to standard using methods and materials such as FieldMaps, site plans, site forms, and paper maps.
Write small- to mid-size compliance reports.
Manage cultural-resource records and reports and complete GIS mapping.
Research and examine historical records to understand the history, social structure, and living conditions of past cultures in the area.
Assist with field investigations as part of a Forest-wide classification and protection program for incorporation into long-range management plans.
Track miles of trail improved, acres of land improved, and other notable project work for biweekly RMYC reports.
Work effectively as a team member in potentially stressful or difficult conditions and contribute to a safe, harassment-free learning environment.
Complete program activities, including conservation projects, education, training, and national service.
Communicate ideas, concerns, hazards, personal distress, injuries, or assistance needs to supervisors, colleagues, organization staff, and others as appropriate.
Represent the U.S. Forest Service appropriately to the public and partners.
Remain flexible and adaptable in a changing work environment and respond appropriately to stress or crises.
Maintain alertness and focus while traveling and working in varied weather conditions, and follow directions for recognizing and managing hazards.