Archaeological Technician

Summary 

This is a posting for two seasonal Archaeological Technicians for the Tuolumne River Trust (TRT), who work out of TRT’s Sonora office. These positions will not exceed a total of 1508 during the 2025 season. This position is funded through state and federal grant, and primarily supports the Forest Health Program’s operations and project development.  This position is typically 90% fieldwork, with 10% in office.  The Sonora office has a hybrid work policy that requires in office attendance one day a week. 

Information 

The Archaeological Technicians will be directed by and will work closely with TRT’s Archaeologist and Project Managers to consult and monitor archaeological resources within forestry treatment units. The position’s primary duties will be coordinating quality control on contracted archeological surveys, advise project managers and contractors, monitoring forestry treatments within archaeological sites, and assessing damage to resources. The Archaeological Technicians will help implement projects designed to increase the health and resilience of the Sierra Nevada forests, protecting and advocating for the ecological, social, and economic values that these forests provide. The Archaeological Technicians will spend considerable time in the field from Spring through Fall and will be responsible for conducting work in strenuous, remote areas in all weather conditions. 

Equity at TRT 

TRT holds a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity as core principles integral to the work we do. As we add new members across all levels of the organization, we seek diverse perspectives and lived experiences that foster learning, creativity, innovation, and equity.  

Duties and Responsibilities 

The ideal candidate is a field Archaeological Technician with a background in the historic and prehistoric resources of the Sierra Nevada.  In addition, an ideal candidate would have experience working with natural resource management projects and have a basic understanding of abiotic and biotic conditions that influence forest ecosystems. Finally, the ability to capture high-quality reproductions of sites, features, and artifacts is desirable via photography and/or sketching. 

Primary duties include: 

• Monitoring fuels reduction work within heritage sites and documenting work performed.
• Inspect contractor field survey performance and flagging for accuracy; improving and reflagging as necessary
• Ensures that archeology work assignments are carried out in a safe, timely manner according to established standards and procedures.
• Adapts ground search strategies as determined by specific project requirements, i.e., terrain, vegetation cover, and time frames. Applies scientific methods to survey land parcels to determine likely archeological interest sites.
• Reviews work in progress to ensure that standards for pre-field research, survey design, site recording, graphics, and final report are being met.
• Prepares Cultural Resource Inventory reports and site forms. Enters site and inventory information into databases and onto GIS maps.
• Conducts inventories of Forest cultural resources in areas of proposed and completed Forest Service projects. Researches reference materials such as State and National register files, historic documents, archeological reports, maps and aerial photos, and interviews source individuals concerning project areas.
• Analyzes archeological data in preparing reports for situations where precedents are not fully applicable. Makes recommendations to be used in “determinations of effect” and “determinations of eligibility” by the archaeologist. Compiles and reports information about the nature and extent of known cultural resources.
• Produces site and survey maps.
• Follows and maintains required data management practices, including naming conventions, file management, and data storage.
• Ability to follow work schedules through use of specialized task management software.
• Performs a variety of computations and assessments of standard archeological data, such as entering archeological artifacts and projects data in appropriate forms and databases.
• Advises other employees on methods of cultural resource inventory and provides written instructions, research materials, and supplies to all involved in the planning and operation of natural resource activities.
• Serve as a crew leader.
• Responsible for preparing archeological and historical information to create interpretive materials for display and dissemination. Monitors archeological projects to ensure the sufficiency of fieldwork.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications 

The ideal candidate will have a background and track record that includes: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a related field AND
• 1-2 years of specialized experience where your primary responsibility supported the following skills and abilities
• Professional knowledge of archeological principles, practices, and concepts to accomplish the full range of duties connected with heritage and cultural resources management
• Knowledge of the principal laws dealing with heritage and cultural resources management in the Forest Service and accompanying regulations
• Knowledge of archeological survey procedures and the ability to relate results of studies and surveys to concepts of multiple-use management
• Familiarity with related fields such as timber management, fuels management, hydrology, soils, recreation management, range, and geology in order to consider resource management issues when carrying out archeological duties
• Knowledge of various cultures and ethnic groups who inhabited the region in past periods to relate findings to the appropriate cultures
• Knowledge of and experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), specifically ArcGIS Pro, Field Maps, and Survey123
• Project goal-oriented with initiative in fulfilling programmatic and grant-related obligations.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, and the public
• Team player and ability to interact effectively with people from different cultures and experiences
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Physically able to work in the field (hiking off-trail through heavy brush, lifting, carrying supplies and equipment, etc.) during all seasons
• Must have a valid driver’s license, be fit and able to walk to forest project sites, and be able to lift at least 20 pounds

Travel 

Project locations are typically within 1-3 hours of the Sonora office. TRT has multiple offroad capable work vehicles available to staff; however, the Archaeological Technicians may be required to provide their own transportation due to resource constraints. They will be compensated for travel according to the current IRS rate. The employees’ private vehicle may sometimes be necessary to travel over roads in various conditions, from paved to rough national forest roads. Proof of a valid US driver’s license and insurance will be requested at the time of employment. 

Additional Details 

This position will be based in our Sonora, CA office and report to the Archaeologist. This an hourly, grant-funded position will pay $24 – 26 per hour and does not include benefits. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be at or near the lower end of the range. A candidate will land higher on the range according to the degree to which they exceed the minimum qualifications.