Senior Archaeologist

Government of the Virgin Islands

32d

About The Position

This professional position is responsible for administering the Virgin Islands State Historic Preservation Office’s Archaeology Program. The role involves coordinating with developers, government agencies, and stakeholders to ensure compliance with federal and territorial cultural resource protection laws. Key duties include reviewing and documenting archaeological surveys, projects, and excavation activities, providing technical guidance on archaeological resources, and conducting assessments, investigations, and research. This includes work involving unmarked human burials and government-owned properties. The position also manages the Virgin Islands Archaeological Resources Collections, analyzes recovered materials, and supports public education, outreach, reporting, and preservation initiatives to protect the Virgin Islands’ archaeological and cultural resources.

Requirements

A graduate degree in archaeology, anthropology, or closely related field.
Meet the Professional Qualification standards as set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations, 36 CFR Part 61.
At least one year of full-time professional experience or equivalent specialized training in archaeological research, administration or management.
At least four months of supervised field and analytic experience in general Caribbean, Central, South and North American archaeology.
Demonstrated ability to carry research to completion.
At least one year of full-time professional experience at a supervisory level in the study of archaeological resources of the prehistoric period or in the study of archaeological resources of the historic period.
Professional experience in conducting excavations in the Caribbean and the Virgin Islands.
Professional experience in the operations of the State Historic Preservation Office.
Knowledge of principles and practices of cultural resource management.
Knowledge of Virgin Islands Prehistory.
Knowledge of Virgin Islands History.
Knowledge of site preservation techniques.
Knowledge of collections management.
Knowledge of managing archaeological records.
Good communication skills.
Good writing skills.
Willingness to multitask.
Ability to coordinate effectively with other Virgin Islands Government and Federal Government agencies.
Knowledge of archaeological theory and techniques.
Knowledge of characteristics of various archaeological artifacts, especially those of the Caribbean, Central and South America.
Skill in using archaeological excavation equipment.
Ability to conduct independent research and analyze data.
Ability to identify and classify archaeological artifacts.
Ability to prepare scientific research reports.
Ability to conduct archaeological surveys.
Ability to work with Geographical Information Systems (GIS) programs to map and analyze data related to archaeological surveys and sites.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality as it relates to sensitive archaeological resources and government operations.

Responsibilities

Evaluate proposed activities for their potential effects on archaeological resources.
Review technical reports, site assessments, survey documentation, and archaeological findings submitted by consultants and project proponents.
Determine whether archaeological investigations meet applicable professional standards and regulatory requirements.
Communicate compliance requirements, findings, recommendations, and corrective actions to applicants, consultants, agencies, and other stakeholders.
Review applications and supporting documentation for archaeological and paleontological permits.
Monitor permitted archaeological activities and verify compliance with approved scopes of work and applicable requirements.
Maintain accurate records of archaeological sites, investigations, permits, collections, and related correspondence.
Conduct field visits and onsite inspections to document existing conditions and evaluate archaeological resources.
Identify, document, photograph, map, and assess archaeological features, artifacts, and sites.
Examine and classify archaeological artifacts and materials recovered from surveys, excavations, and salvage activities.
Develop and maintain inventories, databases, maps, photographs, and other records associated with archaeological resources.
Prepare technical correspondence, findings, recommendations, reports, maps, and other professional documentation.
Provide technical information and recommendations to the Director, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer, and other appropriate officials.
Coordinate with federal, territorial, local, nonprofit, and private-sector representatives on archaeological and cultural resource matters.
Perform site visits, public outreach, meetings, presentations, and other duties necessary to support the preservation and responsible management of archaeological resources.