Archaeology Technicians (Americorps, BLM, Lakeview FO)

The Cultural Resource Program at GBI, in cooperation with BLM at Lakeview Field Office is recruiting three AmeriCorps members to serve as Archaeology Technicians. 

During the field season, the technicians will lead a number of pedestrian surveys and ensure that the resulting inventory and cultural resource data are appropriately documented and archived. The technicians will, during non-field-going times work to verify/create GIS data for cultural resources to ensure that the correct geospatial data is stored in the BLM OR and SHPO databases. This archaeological archiving and records management project will provide the successful applicant with exposure to federal data, records and database systems, provide insight about how a federal land management agency operates under a multiple-use mission, and will offer the opportunity to develop and sharpen skills related to GIS and data management. Upon completion of this position, the technicians will be better prepared with the cultural resource inventory and geospatial skillsets necessary to function in today’s cultural resources field.  

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Conduct archaeological surveys, including pedestrian transects, shovel testing, and site delineation.
• Record cultural resources using GPS, tablets, field forms, and standardized site documentation methods.
• Identify, map, and describe artifacts, features, and site conditions in the field.
• Working with ARCGIS Pro, fieldmaps, and UAS/LIDAR data.
• Assist with evaluating site integrity and potential eligibility under Section 106.
• Process artifacts and data in the lab: cleaning, cataloging, labeling, and basic analysis.
• Support GIS data entry, map creation, and organization of field records.
• Conduct background research using site files, maps, and archival materials.
• Work safely and efficiently in small field teams across varied terrain and weather.
• Follow established protocols to ensure data quality, consistency, and regulatory compliance.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• Approximately 50 percent of the work is in the field. The fieldwork will involve driving and walking over rough, rocky, and sandy terrain with wide variations in temperature ranging from below freezing in the fall and winter to above 90 degrees F during the summer. Duties required for outside work involve walking, bending, climbing hills, and lifting and carrying various materials or supplies which are occasionally heavy.
• BLM equipment used – Computers, tablets, GPS units, cameras, 4×4 vehicles, and recording equipment (tape measures, compasses, clinometer, etc.). Training will be provided for all equipment. Safety training is also provided, as safety is our first priority.
• Based on weather conditions, approximately 50 percent of the work is in the office. Office work involves using GIS to create maps and conduct analysis. Organizing and correcting analog and digital records and files. Planning and organizing field projects and educational events. Duties in the office will require a significant amount of sitting, focused on computer work as well as working with paper documents.

*Members are required to take a mandatory 30-minute lunch break each service day. This break does not count toward their service hours for the education award.

Timeline:

• The project is anticipated to begin on June 1st, 2026 – April 16th, 2027
• Position start date will vary, contingent on successfully completing a DOI and AmeriCorps background check.
• 1,700-hour service term.
• Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8 hours daily.

Location:

This position is based in the BLM Lakeview Field Office, Lakeview, Oregon. Lakeview, Oregon, is nestled in the heart of the high desert, offers a unique blend of stunning natural beauty and is known for being a hub for outdoor recreation opportunities. The area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, fishing, bird watching, and camping.

Required:

(This AmeriCorps position is open to US Citizens, Nationals, or Permanent Residents age 17 or older)

• Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, History, or allied discipline with coursework in GIS;
• Educational and field experiences related to archaeology;
• Experience using ArcGIS;
• Exposure to reviewing and interpreting cultural resource data in reports, maps, photographs, etc.;
• Interest in strengthening current skills in developing, editing, organizing, and managing digital files using databases;
• Written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to effectively communicate BLM land management (multiple-use) principles and cultural resource management concepts;Experience working with the BLM and/or working in the Eastern Oregon/Northern California region is desirable.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to work independently and in a team setting to accomplish project goals;
• Possess strong organizational skills with the ability to meet deadlines and produce professional deliverables including draft documents for team review;
• Flexibility and capability to meet the demands of rapidly changing plans and schedules;
• Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record with experience safely operating 4WD vehicles on and off paved roads;
• Willingness and ability to consistently enact high performance standards and a strong work and team ethic in support of the mission of GBI and goals of BLM;
• Complete a DOI BI. Applicants who already possess a fully adjudicated BI will be strongly considered
• AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limited to earning equivalent of two full-time education awards), (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) name search and federal criminal background check, (4) adhere to the rules, regulations and code of conduct as specified in the Member Service Agreement; and (5) not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: 

This project is federally funded through the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority. Participants serving under this authority may be eligible for the PLC non-competitive hiring status and certificate. The PLC Authority requires all applicants meet the age and US Citizen requirements. Additional information regarding the PLC can be found on the GBI website under the Research Associate Programs FAQ.  

Note: 

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Interns 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.