Archaeology Technician (USFS Plumas National Forest)

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the USFS, is recruiting two (2) Archaeology Technicians to complete Section 106 Cultural Resource surveys, site recording, and monitoring for various projects within the Plumas National Forest. These projects all serve the Cultural Resource Services 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 improves the quality of these forests helping ensure they continue to thrive for generations to come.

This work provides professional development and leadership opportunities in cultural resource management including increased exposure and responsibility in enacting USFS processes, procedures, and compliance measures; assisting in reporting and data entry/quality assurance and control. Expanded opportunities and exposure to additional disciplines (e.g., forestry, wildlife, hydrology, etc.) and projects may exist. 

Archaeology technicians perform a variety of activities to support all stages of project implementation, primary archaeology field duties will include: 

• Complete field surveys to document, assess, and characterize the status of cultural resources;
• Record data and prepare survey records
• Retrieve, enter, and compile data
• Conduct excavation and testing of archeological sites, including the careful recovery of sample materials.
• Process artifacts and specimens recovered in the field.
• Catalogue artifacts for curation.
• Communicate information and maintain working relationships
• Write or edit documents
• Maintain archeological information databases.
• Produce documents and reports using software applications.
• Query data when writing reports.

Location: 

Plumas National Forest is a national forest located in the northern Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, United States. It covers over 1.2 million acres and encompasses a diverse range of landscapes, including lush forests, rugged peaks, sparkling lakes, and rolling meadows. The forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, bald eagles, and numerous species of fish and reptiles.

The Plumas National Forest offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors, including hiking, camping, fishing, boating, horseback riding, and mountain biking. The forest is also a popular destination for winter sports, with several ski resorts located within its boundaries.

The forest is located near the towns of Quincy and Portola and is easily accessible from nearby major cities such as Reno, Nevada and Sacramento, California. With its breathtaking scenery and abundance of outdoor activities, the Plumas National Forest is a popular destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and families alike

Compensation & Benefits: 

• Wage: $21-$22 hourly, depending on experience, with overtime at 1.5x hourly rate;
• Shared housing provided;
• Camping Per Diem: $25/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: 

• Nine month position, July 2025 – March 2026;
• Full time, average 40 hours weekly;
• Schedule: Ten hours per day, four days per week.

Necessary supplies and equipment:

• Sturdy footwear, ideally rugged hiking boots with Vibram soles and ankle support
• Long sleeve field/tactical pants and shirts
• Mapping compass
• Field backpack with 11L minimum capacity
• Field lunch and sufficient water to get through a 10hr day

Qualifications:

At least one of the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archaeology or related discipline (by position start date);
• Six months of professional fieldwork experience;
• An accredited archaeological field school and relevant field methods training coursework.

Other required:

• Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license;
• 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 includes occasionally overnight camping in remote areas for consecutive nights;
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work cooperatively as well as independently;
• Proficiency in navigation using GPS, topographic map and compass.

Preferred:

• Fieldwork experience & familiarity with the cultural history and forested habitat of the Sierra Nevada region;
• Familiarity with Section 106/110 NHPA and California and/or Nevada SHPO compliance procedures;
• Advanced skills using specialized software such as Microsoft Office Suite, ArcMap GIS, and Google Earth;
• Ability to safely operate and maintain a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads;
• Advanced skills using specialized software such as Microsoft Office Suite, ArcMap GIS, and Google Earth.

Physical Demands: 

The work is partially sedentary with prolonged standing, walking, and bending often required. Heavy items (e.g., packs up to 50 pounds) must be lifted and carried on a routine basis. NOTE: Hiking across rough, mountainous terrain while carrying a pack is a routine part of this position.

Office work is performed in an adequately lit, ventilated, cooled, and heated area. During field work the incumbent is subject to extreme and/or adverse weather conditions, and injuries and discomforts from a variety of sources. The incumbent will therefore adhere to all safety rules

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.

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.