Archaeology Crew Lead (USFS Humboldt-Toiyabe NF)

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the USFS, is recruiting two (2) Archaeology Crew Leads to complete Section 106 cultural resource surveys, site recording, and monitoring for various projects within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. These projects all serve the Cultural Resources program’s greater mission of helping the USFS in their critical goal of improving forest resilience in the face of worsening climate conditions and increased wildfire threats. The work that you will do directly protects sensitive cultural sites, helping ensure the stories they tell are preserved for generations to come.

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 serve USFS vegetation management and fuels reduction efforts, supporting initiatives for healthy, productive, and resilient forest landscapes and resources.

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 3-8 people. Primary archaeology field duties include, but are not limited to:

• Lead archaeology crew consisted of AmeriCorps members 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 Nevada IMACS site records, GIS maps, and photographic records in addition to potentially 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.

Location: 
Mountain City, Ruby Mountains, Jarbidge Ranger District, Elko, NV

The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest offers a setting of classic Western beauty and is known for its many recreational opportunities, scenic vistas, and wild places where visitors can still find solitude. The Forest does not resemble most other National Forests in that it has numerous fairly large but non-contiguous sections scattered across most of the state of Nevada and a portion of eastern California. It is divided into seven uniquely different administrative units. Six of the units are referred to as “ranger districts” and one is a “national recreation area.” Located in northeastern Nevada, the Ruby Mountains area is composed of rocky peaks, glacier-formed lakes, steep narrow canyons, and rolling hills. 

Compensation & Benefits: 

• Wage: $28/hour with overtime at 1.5x hourly rate;
• Shared housing may be provided;
• Camping Per Diem: $15/night as necessary;
• Uniform Stipend;
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance premiums are covered 100% by GBI. Available on the first day of the month following the start of employment;
• Personal Leave Time (PLT) accrued (beginning on the first day of employment) at a rate of 0.05 hours per hour worked (~4 hours biweekly);
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance covered 100% by GBI;
• Paid federal holidays.

Contract Timeline: 

• Anticipated project timeline of June-November
• Full time, average 40 hours per week.
• Projects are dependent on the local weather, and there is always a chance the season will end earlier if weather prevents safe field operations.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archaeology or related discipline, including relevant field methods training coursework AND one year of archaeology-related fieldwork;
• Experience leading crews in the field, including oversight of crew safety, communication, fidelity to methods and data quality;
• Proficiency in navigation using GPS, topographic maps and a 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. This may include regular 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, and 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;
• Ability to work independently.

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 Nevada SHPO compliance procedures;
• Knowledge of cultural resource management issues in the Western United States;
• Familiarity with cultural history of the Great Basin region;
• Advanced skill using specialized software such as Microsoft Office Suite, ArcMap GIS, and Google Earth.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 
This physically demanding work, often in remote locations, will provide crew members with rewarding exposure to some of America’s backcountry landscapes. These positions require extensive hiking in sometimes steep terrain at altitudes ranging from 750 – 10,000 ft AMSL. Archaeology crew members will be expected to carry their own personal gear and water 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 will be required to meet project objectives.

Archaeology crew members must be able 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 in excess of 40lbs, and be in overall good physical condition. Prior experience working in similar backcountry settings is preferred.

NOTE:  This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the organization’s ongoing needs.

NOTE: All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Disclaimer: Although the organization has attempted to accurately and thoroughly describe this position, GBI reserves the right to change the same, including to change, add to or subtract from the duties outlined, within the sole discretion of the organization, at any time, with or without advance notice