Archaeology Field Lead - Spring Mountains National Recreation Area
Description:
The Great Basin Institute, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service’s Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (SMNRA), is recruiting an Archaeology Field Lead to support a variety of cultural resource projects. As part of the analysis required by the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for potential ground disturbing projects, a Section 106 of NHPA cultural resource evaluation must be completed to evaluate effects to federally owned historic and prehistoric sites. In order to complete these specialist reports, surveys for archaeological resources need to be completed for all proposed projects.
In coordination with the District Archaeologist, the Archaeology Field Lead will implement all stages of the archaeological survey process, which includes: pre-field review (search of archaeological databases to determine if the area had been surveyed before and if there are any known archaeological sites in the area), intensive archaeological pedestrian surveys (cultural properties will be fully inventoried, recorded, and GPS’d), site documentation using Nevada IMACS site forms, and development of the final Heritage Resources Management reports. Strong ArcMap skills preferred as is previous knowledge of Forest Service Cultural Database.
The Field Lead will serve as the primary liaison between the field team and USFS personnel to ensure projects are being accomplished accurately. The Field Lead will be responsible for the oversight of project activities, including ensuring adherence to agreed-upon protocols and procedures, serving as a positive role model for other field team members, and facilitating accurate completion and documentation of project efforts.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Wage: $21.25 per hour
- Camping Per Diem: $15/day (when applicable)
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance available at no cost
Timeline:
· 19-week appointment
· Full-time; 40 hours per week
Location:
The base of operations for this opportunity is north and west of Las Vegas, NV on the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (Clark and Nye Counties, Nevada). The successful applicant will experience a tremendous diversity of habitat types from the Mojave Desert habitat surrounding the SMNRA. Many developed and undeveloped recreational opportunities are available in the region ranging from rock climbing and bouldering, to mountain biking, hiking, and fishing. USFS Housing is located approximately 20 miles from the SMNRA office and the closest grocery store, so access to a personal vehicle is strongly encouraged.
Qualifications:
Technical Requirements:
· Educational and field experiences related to archaeology, anthropology, or indigenous peoples studies;
· Experience and understanding of the proper steps required to conduct archaeological site surveys, including: mapping, recording, photographing, GPSing, figuring out location and routes into and out of sites, and drawing artifacts or structures as needed;
· Accurately assess the condition of the archeological survey sites (e.g.: whether or not a site has been impacted by either human or natural causes);
· Draw on previous experiences to develop archeological survey plans, including strategies for covering all accessible areas and the time necessary to cover an area;
· Experience preparing, reviewing and commenting on cultural resource reports documenting archeological fieldwork, excavations or historical properties;
· Knowledge of GIS software (highly desirable, but not required); and
· Experience operating hand-held GPS equipment, reading a map, and using a compass for navigation.
Additional Requirements:
· Experience leading/guiding field technicians and/or volunteer groups to complete field tasks;
· Self-motivated with ability to maintain a positive attitude while working in a diverse team environment;
· Experience working in the desert southwest or SMNRA, desirable;
· Ability to walk a minimum of 12km/day in challenging terrain and harsh and rapidly changing desert and mountainous conditions, and otherwise be in good physical condition;
· Willingness to camp in the field (front or backcountry) for consecutive days;
· Possess a valid, clean, state-issued driver’s license with the ability to operate a 4WD vehicle on or off paved roads.
How to Apply:
Please visit our employment web page to apply directly through our online portal:
https://www.vscyberhosting.com/greatbasin/careers.aspx?rf=HANDSHAKE&req=2021-RAP-034
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