ARCHAEOLOGY ASSOCIATE/Great Basin Institute Full Time

Working cooperatively with the National Park Service’s Death Valley National Park (DEVA) and US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), the Great Basin Institute is recruiting an (1) Archeology Associate to join our Research Associate (RA) program and assist DEVA and FWS archaeology staff with archaeological field work, report review, NHPA compliance, meeting attendance, and data processing. The Associate will support a variety of cultural resource projects including: conducting monitoring, completing archaeological surveys and site recordation, producing archeological survey reports, reviewing contractor submissions and fieldwork, and assisting the DEVA staff (Park Section 106 Coordinator, Park Archaeologist and/or Cultural Resource Manager) and FWS staff (Regional Archaeologist, Refuge Manager) with compliance documentation and review for major water and wastewater infrastructure and other projects at Death Valley National Park and additional projects in the units within the Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex (Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Desert NWR, Moapa NWR and Pahranagat NWR).  Ninety percent (90%) of work will be DEVA projects and ten (10%) will be USFWS projects giving the RA experience with two different agencies within the Department of the Interior.

The Archaeology Research Associate will implement all stages of the archaeological compliance process, including:

• Pre-field review – search of archaeological databases to determine if the area had been surveyed before and if there are any known archaeological sites in the area; archival research at the Park or FWS archive collection;
• Intensive archaeological pedestrian surveys to inventory and record cultural properties working independently or as a crew lead;
• Site and isolated find documentation in both California and Nevada;
• Development of final reports;
• Review of contractors’ draft and final archaeological and cultural landscape inventory reports and site forms;
• Attendance and participation in project meetings;
• Archaeological monitoring; and
• Evaluation of cultural resources for inclusion on the National Register;
• Site condition assessment and revisit and evaluation; and
• Review and creation of Section 106 compliance documents.

Contract Timeline:

• Anticipated 52-week appointment beginning July 2023 (duration depends on start date availability and available funding), or upon completion of a Department of Interior background investigation; potential for extension pending available funding and positive performance review
• 40 hours per week; some overtime and weekend work may occasionally be required

Location:

Death Valley National Park is located in Nevada and California and boasts some of the hottest and driest climates, and lowest elevation in North America. The park includes a superlative desert of streaming sand dunes, snow-capped mountains, multicolored rock layers, water-fluted canyons and three million acres of wilderness. Death Valley is home to the Timbisha Shoshone people and to plants and animals unique to the harshest desert environment. The closest cities are Pahrump and Beatty, Nevada (both approximately 1 hour away). Las Vegas is a little over 2 hours away.

Field conditions include hot, arid days with high exposure to the sun, as well as cold, winter weather. Resources of the region include threatened and/or endangered species habitat, big game habitats, abandoned mine lands, and historic and prehistoric cultural sites.

Housing in park is very limited currently and applicants should look for housing surrounding area. Nearby gateway communities to consider for housing include Pahrump, NV; Amargosa Valley, NV; Beatty, NV; Tecopa, CA; or Shoshone, CA. Office space may be available in Pahrump, Amargosa Valley or Death Valley and/or there may be some flexibility with office work being performed via telework with the associate commuting to Death Valley or a National Wildlife Refuge for fieldwork. This position is expected to be 70% office time and 30% field time. A commuter van serves the Park from Pahrump, Nevada.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Wage: $30.00 per hour
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available at no cost
• Participation in a commuter van from Pahrump, Nevada, may be available for DEVA projects.
• Paid time off
• Paid federal holidays
• Training opportunities

Job Qualifications:
Technical Requirements-

• Degree in Archaeology or related field, Master’s degree desirable;
• Field experiences related to archaeology, anthropology, or indigenous peoples studies – in particular, historic and prehistoric Mojave Desert archaeology and/or Great Basin archaeology;
• Ability to understand, implement and adhere to established data collection, inventory, recording, and monitoring protocols;
• Ability to work well independently and on a team in both office and field environments;
• Capacity to collect and maintain field data in an organized manner that is easily understood and accessible to other resources staff (GBI or NPS or FWS);
• Experience completing archeological site forms (or portions of site forms) and/or entering site form data into database programs;
• Experience preparing, reviewing and writing reports;
• Experience preparing, reviewing and writing site forms and isolated find forms, California and Nevada experience, a plus;
• Ability to utilize ArcGIS software to build maps, organize and manage data, and manipulate data layers;
• Experience operating hand-held GPS equipment for navigation and electronic field data collection; experience post-processing field data and experience with tablets, Field Maps, and ArcGIS Pro, a plus;
• Read and interpret topographical maps and navigate using a compass;
• Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license with ability to safely operate and maintain a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads;
• Ability to work productively and cooperatively as part of a team focused on accomplishing mutual goals;
• Communicate effectively, both written and orally, with diverse audiences;
• Understands the requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and cultural and tribal consultation aspects of NEPA and is able to communicate those requirements to a diverse audience including lay people, colleagues, tribal staff, and project managers; experience with compliance documentation or SHPO consultation desirable;
• Flexibility and capability to meet the demands of rapidly changing plans and schedules;
• Possess good organizational skills and be detail oriented; and
• Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, camp in the backcountry for consecutive days, work in all types of weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, carry a heavy pack more than 35-45 lbs, and be in overall good physical condition; prior experience working in the desert southwest, or similar desert climates and heat tolerance, desirable.

Successful applicant must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to NPS human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position. If you already have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your application.

EEO Statement

We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.

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