Archaeologist

Summary

This is a posting for one full-time Archaeologist for the Tuolumne River Trust (TRT), who works 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. This position will be subject to a seasonal schedule that fluctuates between 4/10s and 5/8s. 4/10s will be the primary work schedule and will roughly follow the peak season (March through October). During the slow months, the position will be transitioned to the 5/8s schedule. This position is a full-time, 12-month, and benefited position.

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 resource mitigation. 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 off road 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. As an hourly position, an hourly rate between $28.85 – $38.46/ hour will be paid DOE. Overtime will be provided, as will medical, dental, and retirement at no cost to the employee per TRT’s employee policy. A candidate will land higher on the range according to the degree to which they exceed the minimum qualifications.

TRT Sponsored Benefits:

• 100% Employer paid medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with a 3% employer match
• After probationary period, 2 weeks of paid vacation per year with an additional week each year of employment to a maximum of 4 weeks per year.
• 17 paid holidays
• 12 days of paid sick leave per year
• Long term disability coverage
• Employer paid $10,000 life insurance policy
• For remote and/or hybrid work employees, monthly home office stipend for internet and cell service and one-time home office setup stipend
• 3 weeks of Paid Parental Leave for employees with at least two years of employment

TRT is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that a diverse staff of qualified, highly-skilled, and creative individuals is necessary to achieve the vision and mission of the initiative. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who can contribute to the diversity of our workforce across a range of dimensions.

Tuolumne River Trust Background

The Tuolumne River Trust promotes the stewardship of the Tuolumne River and its tributaries to ensure a healthy watershed, from Yosemite National Park to the San Joaquin River and the San Francisco Bay-Delta. Founded in 1981, the Trust is the only organization working throughout the watershed, linking Sierra and Valley conservation issues and forging strong ties between rural mountain and valley regions and Bay Area urban communities. 

The 2013 Rim Fire, which burned 257,000 acres and approximately 20% of the Tuolumne Watershed, was a profound event for the watershed, the community, and for TRT as an organization and compelled us to engage in forest restoration and management. TRT serves as a member of the Leadership Team of the Yosemite Stanislaus Solutions (YSS) and acts as the project manager for forest, meadow, spring, and wildlife restoration projects on behalf of the collaborative. TRT also works closely with Tuolumne County, which is the signatory of a Master Stewardship Agreement with the Stanislaus National Forest on behalf of YSS.

Other TRT programs include: a) participation in the relicensing of the Don Pedro Dam, which regulates stream flows in the lower Tuolumne River, and the Bay Delta Water Quality Control Plan update to ensure improved river flows for fish and wildlife in the lower Tuolumne River, b) restoration of floodplains, riparian forests, and other habitat along the lower Tuolumne River, c) building public support for watershed stewardship by connecting the public to the River through education and outreach, d) educating schoolchildren in the Bay Area and Central Valley about the importance of the Tuolumne River to our region; and e) improving water use efficiency in the Bay Area so that more water is left in the river to ensure its health.

By linking mountain, valley, and Bay Area conservation issues, and connecting people to the river through outings and education, the Trust is building broad support for watershed stewardship. Our strategic approach melds advocacy, education, collaboration, scientific inquiry, and litigation when necessary to address threats and take advantage of conservation and restoration opportunities. For more information about the Tuolumne River Trust, visit: www.tuolumne.org.