Cultural Resources Specialist

NEW Solutions • Durango, CO

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

This role is offered through a partnership agreement and does not constitute an NRCS hiring action. This position is a non-federal role funded through an existing agreement between NRCS and NEW Solutions. The enrollee will provide direct support to farmers and landowners, enabling the implementation of conservation practices on the ground. This role contributes to NRCS's mission by enhancing capacity in field offices and ensuring timely assistance to producers. It is designed to free up NRCS staff for emergency and high-priority responses, not to replace federal staff. This role helps ensure continued progress on conservation planning, practice implementation, and technical assistance, especially in high-demand or disaster-affected areas. It aligns with the Administration's priorities for farmer-first, field-facing, and partner-enabled capacity expansion. For over 25 years, National Experienced Workforce Solutions (NEW Solutions) has specialized in connecting experienced workers (ages 55+) with full-time and part-time job opportunities that support the critical missions of Federal Agencies across the United States. NEW Solutions connects experienced workers (ages 55+) with the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS). These are experienced professionals who provide technical and professional assistance to the Department of Agriculture for the Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services (ACES) Program.

Requirements

• Minimum of 15 year(s) of experience in Archaeology, Anthropology, or related field. OR BA/BS Degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or related field.
• Knowledge of cultural resources processes, including cultural resources surveys, cultural resource and survey documentation, report writing, and ArcGIS is required.
• Experience required with Windows, MS Word, MS Excel GIS

Nice To Haves

• Colorado and/or southwestern United States archaeology experience is preferred.
• Registered Professional Cultural Resources Specialist accreditation and/or ability to meet the Secretary of the Interior?s Cultural Resources Specialist requirements and/or ability to be a Principal Investigator on a State of Colorado Archaeology permit are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supports the State Cultural Resources Specialist by applying foundational anthropological and archaeological field methods to locate, test, and evaluate cultural resource sites.
• Conducts pre-field research, performs field surveys, and completes site evaluations using reference materials, landowner interviews, aerial imagery, historic maps and newspapers, Government Land Office records, and technical instruments.
• Assesses proposed project areas for potential cultural resources and, when identified, documents them using ArcGIS Field Maps, digital photography, and written notes.
• Records all cultural resources following Colorado State Historic Preservation Office site form standards, including the creation of GIS shapefiles.
• Completes NRCS Colorado Report Forms and associated GIS documentation for all surveys.
• Reports progress, findings, and any emerging issues during biweekly team meetings and individual check-ins with team managers.
• Works directly with NRCS staff to complete surveys/assessments in the southwestern and western part of Colorado, supporting overall agency objectives that are typically part of Farm Bill cost-share programs.
• Collaborates and supports surveys/assessments throughout Colorado as needed.
• Collaborates to improve NRCS Cultural Team processes.
• Supports training NRCS team members in cultural resource identification as requested.
• Contributes to State, Area, and Cultural Resource Team bi-weekly meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Selected candidate required under NRCS policy to complete Cultural Resources Training Modules 1-8 and subsequent refresher training every five years.
• Travel to assigned field offices and field sites.

Benefits

• Paid Health Insurance Premium for positions budgeted at 60+ hours per pay period
• Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave
• Paid Federal Holidays
• Optional Vision and Dental Insurance available for positions budgeted at 35+ hours per pay period.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree