Archeologist

Natural Resources Conservation Service•Des Moines, IA

13d

About The Position

This position is with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Iowa. The incumbent serves as a Cultural Resources Specialist, providing guidance and assistance to field personnel and resource technical teams on conserving, protecting, and enhancing cultural resources—including Native American issues—encountered in NRCS programs and activities. The position conducts field investigations and prepares cultural resource investigation and assessment reports; prepares technical cultural resource sections for contracts, environmental documents, agreements, and other agency instruments; and assists field staff with planning or coordinating surveys of archeological and historical sites to comply with applicable laws and regulations. The incumbent also maintains cooperative relationships with conservation districts, government agencies, and private organizations, and maintains technical guidance and information on cultural resources, including state compliance policies, procedures, and tribal consultation practices. Work takes place in both office and field settings. Field conditions may include extreme cold, hot sun, rain, and snow. The position is eligible for telework according to agency policy. Recruitment and/or relocation incentives may be authorized.

Requirements

Meet the basic archeology qualification requirement through qualifying education, a combination of education and experience, or four years of archeological work experience demonstrating knowledge of professional archeology principles and theories.
For GS-11, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-9, including archeological methods and field investigations, preparation of assessment reports, and technical and administrative support for conservation-related resources; qualifying graduate education or a combination of education and experience may substitute.
For GS-12, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11, including archeological methods, technical assistance and guidance to field employees, recommendations for resource treatment and preservation, and/or development and implementation of methods addressing environmental or cultural concerns. Education cannot substitute at GS-12.
If qualifying based on education, submit transcripts; education must be from an accredited institution, and foreign education must be accompanied by the required equivalency verification.
Meet time-in-grade requirements if applying as a current federal GS employee for a promotion.
Be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
Successfully complete required background investigation and/or fingerprint check and continuous vetting.
Serve a one-year probationary period, subject to written certification that continued employment advances the public interest.
Use direct deposit for federal payments.
Successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
Possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator's license for the type of vehicle used to perform the position's duties.
Meet the physical demands of fieldwork, including walking, climbing, bending, crossing rivers and creeks, excavating sampling sites, performing shovel tests, and carrying loads up to 20 pounds across varied terrain.

Responsibilities

Conduct field investigations and prepare cultural resource investigation and assessment reports.
Prepare technical cultural resource sections of contracts, environmental documents, agreement documentation, and other instruments of agency intent.
Assist field staff with planning or coordinating field surveys for archeological and historical sites to comply with cultural resource protection laws and regulations.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with resource conservation districts, federal, state, and local government agencies, private organizations, and other contacts.
Prepare and maintain technical guides and information concerning cultural resources.
Develop state compliance policies and procedures for cultural resource preservation and tribal consultation.
Provide guidance and assistance to field personnel and resource technical teams regarding cultural resource conservation, protection, and enhancement, including Native American issues.