Lead Archaeologist

Position Title: Lead Archaeologist – Fort Polk, LA

Job Level: Mid-Level

Location/Installation: Fort Polk, LA

# of Positions Available: 1

Annual Salary Range: $60,000-$70,000

Position Summary

The Lead Archaeologist is a Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) Team member and Colorado State University employee that will be stationed in Fort Polk, Louisiana. Fort Polk is located in west-central Louisiana among the longleaf pine forests of the Kisatchie National Forest.

The Lead Archaeologist will provide the support necessary to assist the Fort Polk Conservation Branch (CB) in the implementation and management of the Integrated Cultural Resources Management Plan (ICRMP) and other Fort Polk cultural resources program duties. This position may assist the Cultural Resource Manager (CRM) with coordination with outside entities such as archaeological contractors, the State Historic Preservation Office, Tribes, and multiple federal agencies on cultural resources projects and consultations. This position will work closely with the Fort Polk Cultural Resources Manager (CRM) to ensure compliance with cultural resources laws and effective stewardship of archaeological sites and collections. The Lead Archaeologist will be responsible for:

• Supporting ICRMP program planning, execution, and oversight, including fieldwork, curation, reporting, and compliance documentation.
• Assist with compliance reviews related to NHPA, NEPA, NAGPRA, ARPA, and other cultural resources regulations.
• Review and edit reports, site forms, and SOPs; compile data for annual ICRMP updates and reporting.
• Collaborate with the CRM on archaeological projects and public outreach events (e.g., Archaeology Month, Native American Heritage Month).
• Manage the Cultural Resources GIS data input, organization, and cataloging to support accurate and accessible cultural resources mapping.

Position is contingent on funding.

Duties/Responsibilities include:

• This position supervises 1 Curator/Collections Manager, 1 Field Archaeologist, and any temporary hourly employees and volunteers.

Decision making needs for this position include:

• Assisting the CRM with decisions pertaining to cultural resources management activities at Fort Polk.
• Capable of making independent decisions relating to safety while performing job duties (i.e. not going around a live fire barricade, not climbing metal ladder during a lightning storm, wearing personal protective equipment, and adhering to safety protocols).
• Capable of improvising while conducting job duties to prevent delays (i.e. making temporary repairs to equipment with improvised materials and re-prioritizing daily activities in relation to military activities in the field).
• Prioritize project goals and tasks to achieve an annual work plan/ schedule.
• Create and establish protocols for CR tasks while ensuring that Team members are educated in these protocols and follow them accordingly.
• Duties and responsibilities include assisting the CRM with coordination of the Fort Polk Cultural Resources Program, including with outside entities such as archaeological contractors and the State Historic Preservation Office, US Forest Service, National Park Service, and other federal agencies, as well as all installation entities whose activities may involve impacts to cultural resources. Additionally, the Lead CRM Archaeologist must provide expert advice on compliance with all regulatory drivers and interactions with federally recognized tribes, and coordinate, prepare and execute events associated with Native American Heritage Month. The Lead Archaeologist serves as the GIS Specialist. Other duties include revising and maintaining the Fort Polk Integrated Cultural Resources Management Plan (ICRMP) on an annual basis and oversee the development of the next five-year ICRMP.
• The Lead CRM Archaeologist will update State of Louisiana archaeological site forms and deliver them to the CRM for further coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office. The employee must attend meetings and conduct up to twelve special cultural resource briefings for the ENRMD at Fort Polk, and actively participate in a number of other CR-related activities such as public outreach and education, equipment upkeep, historical research, ICRMP implementation, oral history recording and compilation, site protection, technical reviewing, Regulatory Compliance assistance, Native American Heritage support. This position may support special events and requests which includes special projects, tours for veteran soldiers, reports, and other support functions.
• Complete GIS data input, consolidation, organization, and cataloging. Develop map products as needed for deliverables and for federal partners.
• Collaborate with the CRM and participate in meetings, briefings, presentations, and administrative tasks related to the ICRMP. Assist with reporting requirements and be prepared to serve as a lead representative to meet project objectives.
• Assist with inventory of Program equipment, hand receipts, and key control protocols. Appropriately maintain equipment, vehicles, and facilities.
• Serve as a team member and inspector for the Installation’s Maneuver Damage Program. Includes performing maneuver damage inspections after training events and major training rotations to determine the extent, location, and degree of natural resources damage.

Minimum Requirements

• M.S./M.A. in Anthropology, Archaeology, Historic Preservation, Cultural Resources Management, or closely related field
• Two (2) years of professional work experience with cultural resource projects and/or programs including execution of field work, oversight of laboratory processing and artifact analysis, site mapping, and final report generation.
• Professional work experience with ESRI’s suite of software including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Collector/Field Maps, ArcGIS Survey123, or similar mobile and desktop GIS applications or be able to attend GIS professional development training if funding is available.
• Ability to perform strenuous fieldwork in rugged terrain and weather extremes.
• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
• The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date; CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Preferred Requirements

• Prior experience in management of cultural resource projects and/or programs including all aspects of planning, logistical support, execution of field work, oversight of laboratory processing and artifact analysis, site mapping, and final report generation.
• Three years of experience using GIS tools and producing maps for cultural resource projects and/or programs. This includes creating, maintaining, and editing geodatabases, conducting spatial analyses (vector and raster), and georeferencing/geometry replacement. This also includes experience using ESRI apps such as Survey123, Field Maps, and Dashboards.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal historic preservation legislation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of techniques for excavation, artifact identification, artifact analyses, site mapping, technical report writing, and GPS use.
• Knowledge of the archaeology of Louisiana or the southeast.
• Prior experience conducting cultural resource management on military lands.

About CEMML

CEMML is a research, education and service unit within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University (CSU). CEMML applies the latest and most appropriate science to promote the sustainable management of natural and cultural resources on Department of Defense (DoD) and other public lands. We provide technical support, conduct applied research, and offer career development and learning opportunities to support resource stewardship. We collaborate with our sponsors and within CSU to resolve complex environmental issues, leaving a legacy of science-based decisions that sustain our resources for future generations.

To learn more about CEMML’s contributions to land management, our mission, vision, and values, visit http://www.cemml.colostate.edu/

Application Instructions

For full consideration, apply by: 11/7/25

Link to application (apply through Open Pool): https://jobs.colostate.edu/postings/168359

Employee Benefits:
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact. To learn more, please visit:

• https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf
• https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/
• https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/
• https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.