Senior Archaeological Crew Lead (USFS, Eldorado NF)

GREAT BASIN INSTITUTE•Placerville, CA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the USFS, is recruiting one Senior Archaeology Crew Lead to complete Section 106 cultural resource project planning, surveys, site recording, and monitoring for various projects within the Eldorado National Forest at various Ranger District locations, including Amador, Georgetown, and Placerville. These projects all serve the Cultural Resources program’s greater mission of helping the USFS in their critical goal of improving forest resilience in the face of worsening climate conditions and increased wildfire threats. The work that you will do directly protects sensitive cultural resources, helping ensure the stories they tell are preserved for generations to come. The Senior Archaeology Crew Lead position provides professional development and leadership opportunities in cultural resource management including increased exposure and responsibility enacting USFS processes, procedures, and compliance measures; reporting and data entry/quality assurance and control; and increased technical and project planning experience. The Senior Archaeology Lead will also act as liaison between USFS staff and archaeology crews in the field and will serve in a hybrid role that splits time between field and office duties. Expanded opportunities and exposure to additional disciplines (e.g., forestry, wildlife, hydrology, etc.) and projects may exist. These positions will serve USFS vegetation management and fuels reduction efforts, supporting initiatives for healthy, productive, and resilient forest landscapes and resources. Senior Archaeology Crew Leads will perform a variety of activities to support all stages of project work. Senior Leads will be responsible for crew safety and Crew Lead oversight, provide or assist in training, and communicate with agency partners and GBI staff regularly. Crew size will range between 2-6 people. Primary archaeology field duties may include, but are not limited to: Assisting with project planning and initial onboarding of other crew members. Lead archaeology crew to conduct and complete field surveys to document, assess and characterize the status of new cultural resources. Monitor existing sites and complete site updates and condition assessments. Prepare California DPR site records, GIS maps, and photographic records in addition to inputting data to the USFS heritage database. Lead and collaborate with agency personnel and all other crew members to support field safety, communication, planning, logistics, quality assurance, field implementation, and reporting efforts. This physically demanding work, often in remote locations, will provide Archaeology Crew Leads with rewarding exposure to some of California’s backcountry forested landscapes. These positions may require extensive hiking in steep terrain at high altitudes (5,000-9,000 ft.) with heavy packs on a semi-regular basis, possibly during extreme or inclement weather conditions such as heat, snow or rain. Work schedules, generally four 10-hour days with 3 days off each week, are subject to change depending on weather and project needs. Camping near a work site for several days may be required to meet project objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archaeology or related discipline, including relevant field methods training coursework AND at least two consecutive years of archaeology-related field work
Experience leading crews in the field, including oversight of crew safety, communication, fidelity to methods and data quality
Proficiency in navigation using GPS, topographic map and compass
Ability to recognize and record prehistoric and historic artifacts, features, and architecture
Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license with the ability to safely operate and maintain a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads
Ability to work effectively in a team setting with USFS staff, GBI staff, interns, volunteers, academic, state, and federal partners
Ability to work safely and productively in remote field settings under adverse conditions.
This may include occasional overnight work & camping in remote areas for consecutive nights
Ability to understand, implement and adhere to established data collection, inventory, assessment, and monitoring protocols
Capacity to collect and maintain field data in an organized manner that is easily understood and accessible to other resources staff
Strong communication skills with diverse audiences, both written and oral
Willingness to work a variable schedule in response to project needs, possibly including some weekends, nights, or holidays
Physically able to work outdoors, carry up to 50 pounds of personal and/or field equipment, and withstand the rigors of a forested and/or high desert environment in all seasons.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in anthropology, archaeology or related discipline and at least three years of field leadership experience
Familiarity with Section 106/110 NHPA, NAGPRA, and California SHPO compliance procedures
Knowledge of cultural resource management issues in the Western United States
Understanding of cultural history and forested habitat of the Sierra Nevada region
Advanced skill using specialized software such as Microsoft Office Suite, ArcMap GIS, Avenza Pro, and Google Earth
Prior experience working in similar backcountry settings is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assisting with project planning and initial onboarding of other crew members.
Lead archaeology crew to conduct and complete field surveys to document, assess and characterize the status of new cultural resources.
Monitor existing sites and complete site updates and condition assessments.
Prepare California DPR site records, GIS maps, and photographic records in addition to inputting data to the USFS heritage database.
Lead and collaborate with agency personnel and all other crew members to support field safety, communication, planning, logistics, quality assurance, field implementation, and reporting efforts.
Responsible for crew safety and Crew Lead oversight.
Provide or assist in training.
Communicate with agency partners and GBI staff regularly.