Description:

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the USFS, is recruiting a Sr Archaeology Crew Lead 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. The work that you will do directly protects sensitive cultural sites, helping ensure the stories they tell are preserved for generations to come.

The Sr Archaeology Crew Lead position provides professional development and leadership opportunities in cultural resource management including increased exposure and responsibility enacting USFS processes, procedures, and compliance measures. The Sr Archaeology Crew Lead 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.

The Sr Archaeology Crew Lead will perform a variety of activities to support all stages of project work. The Sr Archaeology Crew Lead will be responsible for crew safety and oversight, assist in training and communicate with agency and GBI staff as needed. Crew size will range between 2-6 people. Primary archaeology field duties include, but are not limited to:

• Lead archaeology crew to conduct and 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 state-specific site records, GIS maps, and photographic records in addition to inputting data to the USFS heritage database;
• Lead crew and collaborate with agency personnel to support field safety, communication, planning, logistics, quality assurance, field implementation, and reporting efforts;

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, wildfire smoke, 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 $34 - $38/hr 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:

Required:

• Master’s degree in Anthropology, Archaeology or related discipline and at least one year of field leadership experience;
• Ability to meet Oregon “Qualified Archaeologist” statute requirements to apply for OQA certification;
• Understands that the OR SHPOs requirements were championed by Oregon tribes, who have review authority over permits (along with other organizations), and that the ability to hold a permit is an important responsibility;
• Familiarity with Section 106/110 NHPA and OR SHPO compliance procedures;
• Familiarity with cultural resource management issues in the Western United States;
• Familiarity with cultural history and forested habitat of the Southeast Oregon;
• Familiarity with lithic material
• Familiarity with the Forest Service Heritage NRM database
• Advanced experience with specialized software such as Microsoft Office Suite, ArcGIS, Avenza, and Google Earth.
• Experience leading crews in the field, including oversight of crew safety, communication, fidelity to methods and data quality;
• Proficiency in navigation using GPS, topographic map and compass;
• Ability to recognize and record prehistoric and historic artifacts, features and architecture
• Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license with the ability to safely operate and maintain a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads;
• Ability to work effectively in a team setting with USFS staff, GBI staff, volunteers, academic, state, and federal partners;
• Ability to work safely and productively in remote field settings under adverse conditions, this may include occasionally overnight work & camping in remote areas for consecutive nights;
• Ability to understand, implement and adhere to established data collection, inventory, assessment, and monitoring protocols;
• Capacity to collect and maintain field data in an organized manner that is easily understood and accessible to other resources staff;

• Strong oral and written communication skills with a diverse audience;
• Willingness to work a variable schedule in response to project needs, possibly including some weekends, nights, holidays;
• Physically fit to work outdoors, carry up to 50 pounds of personal and/or field equipment, and withstand the rigors of a forested and/or high desert environment in all seasons.