Description:

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the USFS, is recruiting Archaeology Crew Members to complete Section 106 cultural resource surveys, site recording, and monitoring for various projects within the Fremont-Winema 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 member position provides professional development and leadership opportunities in cultural resource management including increased exposure and responsibility enacting USFS processes, procedures, and compliance measures. The Archaeology crew members will assist in reporting, data entry, quality assurance and control. This position will serve USFS vegetation management and fuels reduction efforts, supporting initiatives for healthy, productive and resilient forest landscapes and resources.

Archaeology technicians perform a variety of activities to support all stages of project implementation. Crew size will range between 2-6 people.

Primary archaeology field duties will include:

• Collaborate with archaeology crew lead and agency staff to support field safety, communication, planning, logistics, quality assurance, field implementation and reporting efforts;
• 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 site records, GIS maps, and photographic records in addition to inputting data to the USFS heritage database.

This physically demanding work, often in remote locations, will provide Archaeology Crew Leads with rewarding exposure to some of Oregon’s backcountry forested landscapes. These positions require extensive hiking in steep terrain at high altitudes (5,000-9,000 ft.) with heavy packs on a daily basis, possibly during extreme or inclement weather conditions such as heat, snow or rain. Work schedules are generally four 10-hour days with 3 days off each week and are subject to change depending on weather and project needs. Camping near a work site for several days may be required to meet project objectives.

Location:

The Fremont-Winema National Forest occupies the heart of Southeast Oregon, from the eastern slope of the Cascade Range to the rugged desert landscape of Oregon's Outback. Fremont-Winema NF manages the uplands near some of Oregon’s oldest archaeological sites such as Paisley Caves and Dietz Site. The ecosystem ranges from towering snow-capped peaks to wide-open sage basins. Pivotal to the economy and communities of southeast Oregon, this 2.3 million acre forest is known for its many recreational opportunities, scenic vistas and wild places.  

Compensation and Benefits:

• Hourly Rate $19.25 - 21.75, Full time, 40hrs/week, Overtime paid at 1.5x
• Full Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance premiums paid 100% by GBI.
• Mental health support resources are employer provided.
• Competitive paid time off accrual.
• This position is eligible for paid holidays following the agency holiday schedule.
• Professional training and certifications may be provided as needed.
• Shared housing provided.

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, including occasional 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 Fremont-Winema National Forest region;
• Familiarity with Section 106/110 NHPA and Oregon SHPO compliance procedures;
• Advanced skill using specialized software such as Microsoft Office Suite, ArcGIS, Avenza, and Google Earth;
• Ability to safely operate and maintain a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads.
• Current or previous USFS profile.