The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with Lake Mead National Recreation Area (LAKE), is recruiting one archeological crew member. The archeological crew member will work under the direction of the Crew Lead with guidance from the Park Archeologist and Cultural Resource Manager to assist with archeological field work, museum work, lab analysis, data processing, and reporting throughout the park. Field work includes surveying for cultural resources, construction monitoring, recording, and documenting cultural resources, condition assessments of known sites, and National Register of Historic Places eligibility assessments in support of Section 106 and 110 compliance and research projects. This position will be expected to learn and draw upon the following in order to accomplish project objectives:

• Knowledge of cultural resource management, including laws (National Historic Preservation Act) and National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) criteria;
• Ability to perform field projects and work in team environment;
• Ability to work in an archeology field crew of 2 to 4 crew members and volunteers in remote locations;
• Navigate and utilize topographic maps, compass, etc.;
• GIS/GPS use and implementation;
• Make publishable maps using ArcPro;
• Utilize Esri Field Maps with tablet for field site documentation;
• Archeological survey field experience;
• Cultural resource site recording, complete in field documentation and associated site records;
• Detailed and accurate field notes;
• Artifact identification and age/use interpretation;
• Accurate and detailed data entry into variety of databases;
• Ability to write reports summarizing current field work, sites documented, previous survey;
• Prepare documents for archival curation;
• Work with current aerial photos, GIS, archival documents (historic maps and literature) to develop historic context;
• Back country navigation and driving on primitive roads with 4WD vehicle; and
• Back country camp for extended periods of time.

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archeology, indigenous peoples studies, or closely related field;
• Six months of previous, relevant field experience; OR archeology field methods coursework AND an accredited Archeological Field School;
• 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 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.

Lab work is partially sedentary with prolonged standing, walking, and bending often required, as well as lifting and moving of heavy items weighing 40 pounds or more. Completing archeological surveys in the southwest requires the physical endurance to walk up to 10 miles daily over a variety of terrains and in a variety of weather conditions, including extreme heat. Overnight camping for several days at a time in remote areas is possible.

Location

This Research Associate position will be based out of Boulder City, Nevada where the Lake Mead National Recreation Area Headquarters is located. It is a 20-minute drive from the city of Henderson which lies on the outskirts of Las Vegas. Lake Mead National Recreation Area encompasses 1.5 million acres in southern Nevada and northwestern Arizona, in the transition of the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, including mountains, canyons, valleys, and two vast lakes. It hosts 7.5 million visitors per year. From the mouth of the Grand Canyon, the park follows the Arizona-Nevada border along what was formerly 140 miles of the Colorado River. Opportunities for recreation abound.

Contract Timeline

• Six-month appointment beginning May 2024 or upon completion of a Department of Interior background investigation
• Potential for an extension, pending available funding and positive performance review
• 40 hours per week; some overtime and weekend work may occasionally be required

Compensation and Benefits:Compensation

• Rate of pay: $18/hour
• Park housing may be provided.
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance will be completely paid for at no cost to you by the Great Basin Institute and available starting the next month after your first day of service.
• Camping Per Diem: $20/day (when applicable)
• Training opportunities