The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the USFS, is recruiting an Archaeology Technician to complete Section 106 Cultural Resource surveys, site recording and monitoring for various projects within the Tahoe 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 improves the quality of these forests by helping ensure they continue to thrive for generations to come.

This work provides professional development and leadership opportunities in cultural resource management including increased exposure and responsibility enacting USFS processes, procedures and compliance measures; assisting in reporting and data entry/quality assurance and control. Expanded opportunities and exposure to additional disciplines (e.g., forestry, wildlife, hydrology, etc.) and projects may exist. 

Archaeology Technician will perform a variety of activities to support all stages of project implementation.

Primary archaeology field duties will include the following: 

• Collaborate with Archaeology Crew Lead and USFS 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 California DPR site records, GIS maps, and photographic records in addition to inputting data to the USFS heritage database

Project Timeline:

• June 8th - October 31st, 2026. 
• Schedule: Four ten hour shifts, Monday through Thursday. 
• Projects are weather dependent and there is always a chance the season will end earlier if weather prevents safe field. operations.

At Least one of the Following:

• Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archaeology or related discipline (by position start date);
•  One year 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. This includes occasionally 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 Qualifications:

• Fieldwork experience & familiarity with the cultural history and forested habitat of the Sierra Nevada region;
•  Familiarity with Section 106/110 NHPA and California and/or Nevada SHPO compliance procedures;
• Advanced skill using specialized software such as Microsoft Office Suite, ArcMap GIS, and Google Earth;
• Ability to safely operate and maintain a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

This physically demanding work, often in remote locations, will provide crew members with rewarding exposure to some of America's backcountry landscapes. These positions require extensive hiking in sometimes steep terrain at altitudes ranging from 750 - 10,000 ft AMSL. Archaeology crew members will be expected to carry their own personal gear and water on a daily basis, possibly during extreme or inclement weather conditions such as heat, snow, or rain. Work schedules, generally four 10-hour days with 3 days off each week, 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.

Archaeology crew members must be able 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 similar backcountry settings is preferred.

NOTE:  This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees 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.