Senior Archaeologist- Joshua Tree National Park

While serving as the Senior Archaeologist for The Great Basin Institute at Joshua Tree NP, the senior archaeologist would be responsible for writing reports, evaluating, and writing the determination of NRHP eligibility.  They would also monitor the implementations of archaeology projects, conduct surveys, data entry, conduct damage assessments, condition assessments, and work with volunteers at Joshua Tree.

The senior archaeologist would supervise and participate in basic archaeological field surveys with the archaeology team by walking over the landscape and searching for archaeological features and artifacts. Records data and prepares survey records (e.g., site maps, photographs, surface artifact analysis forms, field notes, etc.). While standard methods, practices, and procedures are available to reference, the incumbent is frequently required to use judgment to make adjustments. Conducts excavation and testing of sites, including the careful recovery of sample materials.

Duties include completing standard feature and level forms, screening soils to recover artifacts, and performing flotation of soil samples. Processes specimens recovered in the field. Prepares specimens to be sent to dating laboratories. Identifies, labels, and packages artifacts for curation. Maintains field equipment and supplies. Maintains related databases, forms, maps, and files. Enters archaeological artifact and project data, including artifact information, catalog records, field notes, site records, etc., into automated systems, appropriate forms, and archival records. Retrieves and compiles data as required for resource management reports, interpretive exhibits, etc. Performs basic supervised research. Conducts record searches and interviews, and synthesizes information collected for scientific, historical, and interpretive values.

Completing archaeological surveys in the desert southwest requires the physical endurance to walk over a variety of terrains and in a variety of weather conditions, including extreme heat, and carry a heavy pack. Overnight camping for several days at a time in remote areas may be required.

Location

Joshua Tree National Park encompasses nearly 800,000 acres in southern California, a 1-hour drive from Palm Springs, a 2- to 3-hour drive from Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Joshua Tree National Park is of special management concern, lying in the transition of the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert. Aside from the outdoor recreation opportunities and natural wonders within the park, Death Valley, the Mojave Preserve, as well as Lake Mead and Spring Mountains National Recreation Areas are nearby and offer a diversity of outdoor activities ranging from hiking, mountain biking, and rock hounding to fishing, boating, and skiing/snowboarding.

Field conditions at Joshua Tree include hot, arid days with high exposure to the sun, as well as cold, winter weather. Resources of the region include threatened and/or endangered species habitat, big game habitats, abandoned mine lands, and historic and prehistoric cultural sites.

Compensation

• Wage: From $34 to $39 DOE an hour.

• Paid Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance premiums are covered 100% by GBI. Available on the first day of the month following the start of employment.

• Competitive PTO accrual and paid holidays

• Field per diem for any required overnight camping stays

• Eligible for 401(k) retirement plan with up to 4% GBI match (fully vested on Day 01)
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD & D Insurance
• Access to Pro Deals through various companies and websites

Contract Timeline                    

• 52-week appointment beginning February 2026, or upon completion of a Department of the Interior background investigation.

• Full-time (40 hours/week); some overtime and weekend work may occasionally be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archaeology, indigenous people’s studies, or closely related field. Applicants with advanced degrees are encouraged to apply;
• Six months of previous, relevant field experience; OR archaeology field methods coursework AND an accredited Archaeological Field School;
• Knowledge of historic and/or prehistoric artifacts preferably of the Mojave and Colorado Desert regions of the southwest;
• Ability to understand, implement and adhere to established data collection, inventory, recording, and monitoring protocols;
• Capacity to collect and maintain field data in an organized manner that is easily understood and accessible to other resources staff (GBI or NPS);
• Experience completing archaeological site forms (or portions of site forms) and/or entering site form data in to database programs;
• Ability to utilize ArcGIS software to build maps, organize and manage data, and manipulate data layers;
• Experience operating hand-held GPS equipment for navigation and electronic field data collection; experience post-processing field data, a plus;
• Ability to read and interpret topographical maps and navigate using a compass;
• Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license with ability to safely operate and maintain a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads;
• Ability to work productively and cooperatively as part of a team focused on accomplishing mutual goals and communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience;
• Possess good organizational skills and be detail oriented; and
• Ability 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 the desert southwest or similar desert climates, desirable.
• Knowledge of the technical methods and procedures of archaeology to perform a variety of routine technical tasks.
• Basic understanding of the principles and theory of archaeology to support the broader archaeological function.
• Knowledge of the prehistoric and historic cultures of the area to reliably identify and record cultural remains in surveys, excavation, and laboratory analysis.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory methods in order to prepare artifacts for testing, curation, and storage.
• Skill in using basic tools and equipment common to archaeological functions.
• Ability to communicate information in a clear and concise manner.
• Knowledge of database management, word processing, and specialized software programs
• essential to archaeological description, management, and reference.
• Basic knowledge of research methods.

Successful applicant must complete a Department of the Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to NPS human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position. If you already have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your application.