Description

The Great Basin Institute is hiring one (1) Historian to work under the guidance and mentorship of Death Valley National Park (DEVA) Cultural Resources staff to write well-researched historical reports of mining sites in DEVA. Through this immersive experience, the Project Historian will assist DEVA in protecting its valuable resources by researching, documenting, and assessing the integrity of historic mining landscapes throughout the park. 

The Project Historian will join a team of archeologists to conduct field surveys of select mining landscapes in the park, which will include some opportunities to camp overnight on site. The Project Historian will be expected to assess the resources in the field and conduct archival research to develop a robust history of the mining landscapes. Each mining landscape will be described and evaluated under the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) Criteria for Eligibility. Through this contract, the Project Historian will gain experience working on federal heritage documentation and, in partnership with the National Park Service, will work to protect and preserve cultural resources for present and future generations. 

Essential Job Functions may include the following:

• Conducting field surveys of mining landscapes within the boundaries of DEVA, some of which may require overnight camping in remote areas of the park.
• Documenting cultural resources in the park through primary and secondary source research. This will include determining the period of significance, associated features on the landscape, and summarizing the history of the landscapes within their historical contexts. 
• Evaluate cultural resources according to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) Criteria of Eligibility and provide thorough justifications for evaluations. This will include evaluating the integrity of the landscape and making professional recommendations on the eligibility of the cultural resources. 
• Work collaboratively with park staff to review and edit evaluations. When each evaluation is complete, the final version will be submitted in a format ready for review by Park Management and the California State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). 

Location:

Death Valley National Park is located in Nevada and California and boasts some of the hottest and driest climates, and lowest elevation in North America. The park includes a superlative desert of streaming sand dunes, snow-capped mountains, multicolored rock layers, water-fluted canyons and three million acres of wilderness. Death Valley is home to the Timbisha Shoshone people and to plants and animals unique to the harshest desert environment. The closest cities are Pahrump and Beatty, Nevada (both approximately 1 hour away). Las Vegas is a little over 2 hours away.

The Cultural Resource Program works closely with the local tribe and there will be opportunities for the selected candidate to participate in tribal consultation meetings.

Field conditions 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 and Benefits:

• Wage: $32.50 per hour (no overtime)
• Premiums 100% GBI-paid: comprehensive medical, dental (with an optional coverage upgrade), visual insurance, and a $25,000 Life/AD&D policy;
  • Enrollment eligibility begins the first day of the month following the first day of service.
• 401(k) retirement savings with up to 4% GBI match;
• Paid Leave Benefit: Paid Time Off accrued at 4.61 hours per 80-hour pay period starting on the first day of employment;
• Paid holidays (12 per year);
• Shared housing may be provided.

Contract Timeline:

• Desired start date in late January of 2026
• Full time, average 40 hours per week.
• This project is expected to last for approximately 51 weeks, with the potential to extend, beginning in early January, pending the completion of a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI).

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public History or a related field (history, archeology, etc.);
• Solid understanding of National Register guidance and its application in evaluating historic structures;
• Experience obtaining and evaluating historical evidence through primary and secondary sources;
• Experience synthesizing historical evidence to draw logical conclusions, especially as it relates to NRHP guidance; 
• Ability to camp for multiple days, with or without accommodation;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience; and
• Self-motivated and self-directed individual who is capable of working independently and as part of a team toward mutual goals and objectives.

Preferred:

• A Master’s degree in architectural history or a related cultural resources-focused field;
• Experience completing NRHP nominations or similarly evaluating the significance and integrity of historic structures;  
• Experience conducting in-depth field assessments, with or without assistance;
• Experience with geodatabases and mapping software such as ArcGIS or QGIS.