Senior Archaeologist (USFS, Sequoia NF)

GREAT BASIN INSTITUTE • Kernville, CA

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Great Basin Institute (GBI), in cooperation with the USFS, is recruiting a Senior Archaeologist to complete Section 106 cultural resource project planning, surveys, site recording, monitoring, reporting, and subcontractor coordination for various projects within the Sequoia National Forest. These projects serve the Cultural Resources program’s mission of helping the USFS improve forest resilience against climate conditions and wildfire threats. The work directly protects sensitive cultural resources. The Senior Archaeologist position offers professional development and leadership opportunities in cultural resource management, including increased exposure and responsibility in enacting USFS processes, procedures, and compliance measures; reporting and data entry/quality assurance and control; and increased technical and project planning experience. The Senior Archaeologist will also act as a liaison between USFS staff, archaeology crews, and subcontractors in the field and will serve in a hybrid role splitting 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 support USFS ecosystem and fuels reduction efforts, contributing to healthy, productive, and resilient forest landscapes and resources. The Senior Archaeologist will perform a variety of activities to support all stages of project work, including crew safety and crew lead oversight, providing or assisting in training, and communicating with agency partners, cultural resource subcontractors, and GBI staff regularly. This physically demanding work, often in remote locations, will provide the Senior Archaeologist with rewarding exposure to some of Sierra Nevada’s backcountry forested landscapes. These positions may require occasional 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. There will be possible overtime as needed. Camping near a work site for several days may be required to meet project objectives.

Requirements

• SOI qualified
• Three 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
• At least three years of field leadership experience
• Familiarity with Section 106/110 NHPA, NAGPRA, and California SHPO compliance procedures
• Experience working with Tribal Communities and Tribal Monitors
• 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, Google suite, and Google Earth
• Qualified as a Harvest Inspector or interested in obtaining that qualification upon employment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with project planning and initial coordination with subcontractors and Tribal Monitors.
• Lead archaeology crews 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.
• Conduct monitoring of timber activities.
• 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, subcontractors, and all other crew members to support field safety, communication, planning, logistics, quality assurance, field implementation, and reporting efforts.
• Perform a variety of activities to support all stages of project work.
• Be responsible for crew safety and crew lead oversight.
• Provide or assist in training.
• Communicate with agency partners, cultural resource subcontractors, and GBI staff regularly.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance premiums 100% paid by GBI. Available on the first day of the month following the start of employment.
• Shared housing provided through Airbnb or USFS barracks.
• Camping Per Diem
• Uniform Stipend: $250.

What This Job Offers

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