Job Details

Description

The Great Basin Institute (GBI), in cooperation with the USFS, is recruiting one (1) Archaeology Crew Lead to complete Section 106 cultural resource surveys, site recording, and monitoring for various projects within the Lassen National Forest. These projects serve the Cultural Resources program's mission of helping the USFS improve forest resilience against worsening climate conditions and increased wildfire threats. The work you will do directly protects sensitive cultural sites, preserving the stories they tell for future generations.

The 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; assisting in reporting and data entry/quality assurance and control; and increased technical experience. Expanded opportunities and exposure to additional disciplines (e.g., forestry, wildlife, hydrology, etc.) and projects may exist. This position will support USFS vegetation management and fuels reduction efforts, contributing to healthy, productive, and resilient forest landscapes. Additionally, this crew lead will support cultural resources work related to forest-wide recovery efforts following the Dixie Fire.

The Archaeology Crew Lead will perform a variety of activities to support all stages of project work. Leads will be responsible for crew safety and oversight, provide or assist in training, and communicate with agency and GBI staff as needed. Crew size will range between 2-6 people. Primary archaeology field duties include:

• 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 adding 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 require extensive hiking in steep terrain at high altitudes (5,000-9,000 ft.) with heavy packs on a daily 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.

LOCATION:
Lassen National Forest is a total of 1.2 million acres or 1,875 square miles. It lies within seven counties: Lassen, Shasta, Tehama, Butte, Plumas, Siskiyou, and Modoc.

CONTRACT TIMELINE:
Start and end dates may vary according to local conditions and individual projects: Tentatively June-November. Projects are weather dependent and there is always a chance the season will end earlier if weather prevents safe field operations.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• Wage: $30/hour with overtime at 1.5x hourly rate. Full time, 40 hours per week;
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance premiums 100% paid by GBI. Available on the first day of the month following the start of employment;
• Shared housing may be provided;
• Camping Per Diem: $15/night;
• Uniform Stipend.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology or related discipline, including relevant field methods training coursework AND one year 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, including occasionally 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 fit 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.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in anthropology, archaeology or related discipline and at least one year of field leadership experience;
• Familiarity with Section 106/110 NHPA and California SHPO compliance procedures;
• Knowledge of cultural resource management issues in the Western United States;
• Familiarity with cultural history and forested habitat of the Sierra Nevada region;
• Advanced skill using specialized software such as Microsoft Office Suite, ArcMap GIS, and Google Earth.

TO APPLY

Please submit an up-to-date resume, a one-page cover letter detailing your interest in the position, and any qualifications not fully outlined in your resume, and contact information for three professional references. Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview. For questions regarding this position, please contact ...@gbinstitute.org