Archaeologist

Website Announcement

Summary 

This is a posting for one full-time Archaeologist for the Tuolumne River Trust (TRT), functioning out of TRT’s Sonora office. This grant-funded position primarily supports the Forest Health Program’s operations and project development. However, the position will be able to support other TRT programs, such as river and meadow restoration, advocacy, and education, as time and funding allow.  

Information 

The Archaeologist will play a critical program role by working closely with TRT’s Forest Health Program Manager and Project Managers to consult and monitor archaeological resources within forestry treatment units. The Archaeologist will serve as the primary liaison between TRT and the Stanislaus National Forest’s Heritage Program Staff. The position’s primary duties will be coordinating quality control on contracted archeological surveys, providing consultation with project managers and contractors, monitoring forestry treatments within archaeological sites, and assessing damage and any required mitigation to resources. In addition, the Archaeologist will be responsible for training TRT staff on heritage resource protection best management practices. The Archaeologist 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. They will collaborate with TRT’s education and advocacy staff frequently. The Archaeologist will spend considerable time in the field from Spring through Fall and will be responsible for conducting work in strenuous, remote, and poor 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 an experienced field archaeologist with a background in the historic and prehistoric resources of the Sierra Nevadas.   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 ideal candidate has a strong environmental ethic and thrives in collaborative environments with multiple stakeholders. This position is currently funded through grants from state and federal agencies.   

Primary duties include: 

• Coordinate and implement Stanislaus National Forest heritage (historic and prehistoric) resource protection policies, including integrating resource activities and establishing priorities 
• Develop a project plan of work  
• Inform project budgets of costs and timelines 
• Plan, direct, coordinate, and execute surveys for the location and verification of archeological and historical sites and guide marking, protecting, and salvaging of these sites 
• Ensure that scientific and systematic procedures are followed in identifying, evaluating, and classifying cultural resource areas 
• Evaluate and act upon a wide range of on-site management needs, such as the factual reporting of excavation and/or survey findings, and implement corrective measures within the framework of archeological program requirements 
• Evaluate archeological and historical sites and identify which are appropriate for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Responsible for the individual and thematic eligibility assessments of selected classes of sites 
• Supervise the excavation and salvage of archeological Resources Protection Act assessments.  
• Directs the preparation of maps, inventories, reports, and records relative to the discovery, protection, inventory, salvage, and interpretation of heritage and cultural resource areas 
• Administer archeological examination of forestry-related ground-disturbing projects where archeological materials may be subject to destruction or damage 
• Recommends or reviews the mitigating action 
• Prepare technical approval for documentation submitted for program matters, including contracts, National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility criteria, and other required internal reports 
• Prepare contract specifications for surveys or salvage of cultural and heritage resource sites and monitor contract operations. Act as an inspector on such contracts 
• Provide consultation and advice to Forest personnel for problems involving cultural resources 
• 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 
• 3 to 5 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 National Forest land management policies and procedures to ensure that the plans and programs are consistent with such policies and procedures 
• 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, hydrology, soils, recreation management, range, and geology in order to consider resource management issues when carrying out archeological duties 
• Ability to analyze complex and conflicting regulations and policies and project the effect changes to laws and regulations will have upon contract/procurement administration and management 
• Knowledge of administrative procedures in order to plan, program, and budget cultural resource programs 
• 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  
• Ability to work from a home office with a good internet connection  
• 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 archaeologists 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 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 Forest Health Program Manager. This salaried, grant-funded position will pay $60,000 – $ 80,000 annually and include benefits (see below). 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.