Individual Placement - Cultural Resources Participant

Student Conservation Association • Junction City, OR

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position involves working with the Cultural Resources Team in the Environmental Stewardship Section of the Willamette Valley Project (WVP) for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The WVP is responsible for operating 13 dams and managing natural and cultural resources across nearly 50,000 acres in Oregon. The Environmental Stewardship section focuses on community partnerships in resource preservation and restoration. The participant will assist with cultural resource surveys, documentation, public outreach, historical research, and archival work. This role offers an opportunity to learn about various cultural resources within the Willamette Valley Project area, including pre-contact archaeological sites, Traditional Cultural Properties, and historic structures. Additionally, the participant may provide field support for natural resource programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with coursework in anthropology, archaeology, cultural resources management, archival or museum studies, architectural history, GIS, or other closely related field.
• Experience or training with ESRI GIS programs (such as ArcPro, FieldMaps).
• Experience with spreadsheet and word processing programs (MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• Willingness to use your personal computer to conduct office/data entry work.
• Ability to work outdoors in remote settings and inclement weather.
• Ability to work well independently and as a team.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs (daypack/bags of equipment).
• Ability to navigate by maps, aerial photos, compass, and GPS.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail.
• A positive attitude.
• Willingness to work a 40-hour work week with daily shifts ranging from 8-10 hours. Shifts may occasionally increase to 12 hours or be conducted on the weekends.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to report on time to the USACE Fern Ridge Lake office.
• Must own a vehicle to reliably get to and from the field office.
• Ability to complete or fulfill all partner driving requirements.
• Service eligibility is contingent upon the results of a Federal government background check and driving record check.

Nice To Haves

• Professional experience in anthropological, archaeological, archival/museum studies, or cultural resources management position.
• Professional experience utilizing GIS programs to manage data, create maps, and navigate when in the field.
• Experience writing or compiling technical reports and site forms.
• Experience in conducting cultural resources fieldwork.

Responsibilities

• Conducting cultural resource surveys and completing documentation.
• Assisting with public outreach efforts.
• Performing historic research.
• Archiving historic records.
• Monitoring and documenting archaeological and built resources.
• Conducting background research for cultural resource surveys.
• Compiling and mapping data for archaeological reports.
• Developing presentations, pamphlets, and curriculum for public outreach.
• Participating in outreach events for various age groups.
• Organizing, cataloging, reviewing metadata, and scanning historic dam construction photos and related documents.
• Learning about pre-contact archaeological sites, Traditional Cultural Properties, and historic resources.
• Providing field support for natural resource programs, such as botany, wildlife biology, boundary surveys, and park operations.
• Assisting with general office support, including filing, organizing shared drives, preparing meeting materials, and updating tracking spreadsheets.
• Providing event logistics assistance, such as setting up outreach booths, assembling educational materials, and coordinating supplies.
• Performing light field preparation, including preparing survey kits, charging GPS units, organizing maps, and staging equipment.
• Interacting with visitors and answering general questions at public events.

Benefits

• Optional Monthly Health Insurance Coverage (13 months)
• Interns may attend trainings, local workshops, or complete other online classes.
• First Aid/CPR certification
• Health Insurance (optional)

What This Job Offers

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