Archeologist

Ducks Unlimited • Champaign, IL

4d • $60,000 - $75,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Ducks Unlimited is hiring a full-time, term Archeologist to work from the USDA NRCS Office in Champaign, Illinois, supporting the Great Lakes Atlantic Region. The position is expected to run from December 2026 through 2030, with an extension possible depending on funding. In a developmental capacity, the incumbent will assist with cultural resources reviews for NRCS Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) projects under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and other applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

The Archeologist will research cultural resources and archaeological sensitivity, determine when surveys or other identification efforts are needed, conduct surveys, document sites, and prepare archaeological forms, survey reports, and consultation documents. The role also supports National Register eligibility recommendations and preparation of technical cultural resources sections for contracts, environmental review documents, and agreement documents. The incumbent will communicate and collaborate with NRCS and Ducks Unlimited staff and private landowners, attend staff meetings, and maintain daily records of time and work accomplishments. Extensive travel throughout Illinois is expected, including overnight travel several days per month.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archaeology, or a related field.
• CRM project management experience.
• At least 3 years of relevant field and report-writing experience.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Experience using appropriate computer programs and GPS technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to complete tasks in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Experience working outdoors in varied conditions.
• Ability to lift or carry heavy objects and walk long distances in uneven conditions.
• Must pass all pre-hiring screenings.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator’s license for the type of vehicle(s) operated; duties include driving on public and private roads during daylight and occasionally after dark, and may require off-road driving.
• Ability to maintain professional and company standards and ethics.
• Ability to remain bias-free in communications and interactions with interested parties.
• Ability to perform duties in compliance with equal opportunity and civil rights laws and regulations.
• Must perform duties in a manner supportive of a safe and healthy work environment.

Nice To Haves

• Meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards for archaeology.
• Master’s degree in anthropology, archaeology, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of supervisory experience in field, laboratory, and office settings.
• RPA member or eligible to become an RPA member.
• Experience in the archaeology of the Midcontinent and/or Eastern Woodlands.
• Experience with federal Section 106 procedures, reporting requirements, and National Register of Historic Properties eligibility criteria.
• Familiarity with federal and state laws and regulations relating to cultural resources management and burial protections.
• Exceptional organizational and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to communicate archaeological information and legal requirements effectively to non-specialists.
• Ability to manage multiple archaeological projects concurrently.
• Experience with a broad range of cultural resources in different environmental settings.
• Experience with both pre-contact and post-contact archaeological sites and materials.
• Experience independently manipulating data and creating maps and figures using GIS software.
• Experience driving a UTV, or willingness to become certified to drive one.
• Awareness of and experience protecting against archaeological fieldwork safety hazards, including disease-carrying insects, wildlife, poisonous plants, extreme temperatures and storms, hazardous materials, and agricultural chemicals.

Responsibilities

• Assist with cultural resources reviews for NRCS ACEP projects in accordance with Section 106 and applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
• Use archaeological databases and other sources to identify documented cultural resources within or adjacent to project areas.
• Use data sources to identify areas of high archaeological sensitivity in different environmental settings.
• Determine the need for archaeological surveys and other identification efforts.
• Independently conduct archaeological surveys and identify and document archaeological sites within project areas.
• Draft archaeological site forms, survey reports, and consultation documents.
• Provide NRCS decision-makers with recommendations regarding National Register eligibility of cultural resources.
• Assist in developing technical cultural resources sections of contracts, environmental review documents, and agreement documents.
• Communicate and collaborate regularly with NRCS staff, Ducks Unlimited staff, and private landowners.
• Attend regular staff meetings and maintain daily records of time distribution and work accomplishments.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Travel extensively throughout the state, including overnight travel several days per month.

Benefits

• Comprehensive group medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance, including spouse and dependent coverage.
• Three weeks of paid vacation.
• Paid sick leave.
• Ten paid holidays.
• 401(k) plan with partial employer match.
• Tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level