Staff Archaeologist/DESCO Full Time

DESCO offers a full suite of environmental services, from planning and permitting through project completion. Our services include, but are not limited to: environmentally conscious project planning; regulatory permitting and compliance (NEPA, CWA, NHPA, ESA, CERCLA, MBTA, etc.); cultural resources surveys, habitat and impact assessments; threatened, endangered, and sensitive (TES) species surveys; wetland assessments, delineation, remediation, mitigation, and monitoring; ecological and vegetation data collection; vegetation sampling and mapping; development of habitat conservation and management plans; compliance monitoring; fish impact assessments; marine mammal monitoring; and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis, among others.

DESCO is seeking a full-time Staff Archaeologist to work with our Principal Investigator and team of accomplished project managers, biologists, and ecologists primarily out of DESCO’s Magnolia, Texas office, with periodic field work in remote locations. 

Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• Conduct project reviews to identify cultural resources issues/concerns and help ensure compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA);
• Conduct research into the cultural history (prehistoric and historic) of project areas and draft concise summaries of findings for inclusion in technical documentation;
• Assist with the development of survey methodology in support of Section 106 requirements for various clients/agencies;
• Participate in field surveys (i.e. field research, data collection, inventory, analysis, and final report production);
• Assist with artifact analysis and preparation;
• Contribute to the preparation of large technical reports, research designs, treatment plans, site forms, and other technical documents;
• Prepare GIS-based maps depicting cultural resources for inclusion in site forms and/or technical reports;
• Coordinate with client and agency representatives as necessary during development of research designs and/or as part of Section 106 consultation efforts;
• Meet strict deliverable deadlines; and
• Achieve client objectives in a quick and cost-effective manner. 

Qualifications

Minimum:

• B.A. or B.S. in anthropology, archaeology, history, or a related field from an accredited university
• Excellent technical writing skills with 2+ years of experience
• Strong attention to detail
• Has accurately prepared field documents, site forms, and reports
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, ESRI/GIS, and GPS programs
• Ability to communicate effectively and coordinate with project managers, clients, and regulators
• Strong work ethic and ability to get the job completed within tight timeframes and difficult conditions
• 1+ years of hands-on survey/field experience and analysis
  • Experience with standard compass and tape. Familiarity with topographic maps and aerial photographic imagery a plus
• Candidate must be physically able to work in harsh, outdoor environments that include but are not limited to uneven terrain, inundated elements (bayous, marshes, floodplains), and variable weather conditions such as extreme heat, cold, moisture, or dryness
• Physical ability to hike 5+ miles a day in tough terrain and harsh conditions
• Ability to work alone or with a team
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record, no exceptions
• Must pass a State and Federal criminal history/security background check
• Must pass pre-employment drug screen
• U.S. Citizenship required

Preferred:

• Master’s degree or higher in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related field
• Ability to meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards
• Prior report authorship in a CRM context
• Experience with local, state, federal, and tribal agencies in the Texas/Gulf Coast region
• Knowledge of federal/state cultural resources regulations for New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama
• Experience with SHPO consultations and NHPA Section 106 permitting
• Advanced skills and knowledge in one or more specialty scientific areas (e.g., lithic, ceramic, or faunal analysis; osteology; historical archaeology)
• Working knowledge of artifact analysis and cataloging (prehistoric and historic-period preferred)
• Knowledge of and experience with oil and gas operations
• Experience leading large crews and/or multiple crews
• Knowledge of and experience with Trimble GPS systems and software and/or GPS data collectors
• Flexibility to travel overnight, including out of state travel, for up to 2+ weeks at a time 

Pay: $50,000 – $65,000, commensurate with experience, plus overtime and benefits (Health, Dental, Life, and Supplemental Insurances; 401K; paid holidays).

Qualified applicants, please send resumes to [email protected].

Additional Details