Job Description:
Great Basin Institute, founded at the University of Nevada Reno in 1998, is a mission-driven non-profit organization headquartered in the eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. GBI has been a leader in the conservation stewardship field for over two decades, supporting thousands of individuals each pursuing a career in public land management or advancing their academic standing. Partnering with federal, state and local governments, as well as other NGOs and researchers, GBI supports projects in eleven western states ranging from Alaska to New Mexico, and southern California to northwestern Wyoming.
The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the USFS, is recruiting Archaeology Crew Leads to complete Section 106 cultural resource surveys, site recording and monitoring for various projects within the Sierra Nevada mountain range (USFS Region-5 locations). 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; and increased technical experience.Expanded opportunities and exposure to additional disciplines (e.g., forestry, wildlife, hydrology, etc.) and projects may exist. These positions will serve USFS vegetation management and fuels reduction efforts, supporting initiatives for healthy, productive, and resilient forest landscapes and resources.
Archaeology Crew Leads will perform a variety of activities to support all stages of project work. Leads will be responsible for crew safety and oversight, provide or assist in training, and communicate with agency and GBI staff as needed. Crew size will range between 2-6 people.
Primary archaeology field duties will include:
– 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 California DPR site records, GIS maps, and photographic records in addition to inputting data to the USFS heritage database;
– Lead and collaborate with agency personnel and all other crew members 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 California’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, 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.Qualifications:
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archaeology or related discipline (including relevant field methods training coursework and/or an accredited archaeological field school);
- Two years of fieldwork experience including archaeological survey, site recording, monitoring, GPS data collection, and associated reporting;
- 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;
- Strong organizational skills and ability to work cooperatively as well as independently;
- Strong written and oral communication skills with diverse audiences;
- 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 the possibility of overnight camping in remote areas for consecutive nights.
Preferred
- Master’s degree in anthropology, archaeology or related discipline and at least one year of field leadership experience;
- Completion of an accredited archaeological field school;
- At least six months of field leadership experience in California, the Sierras, and/or the Great Basin;
- Familiarity with Section 106/110 NHPA and California and/or Nevada SHPO compliance procedures;
- Knowledge of cultural resource management issues in the Western United States;
- Familiarity with cultural history and forested habitat of the Sierra Nevada region;
- Proficiency in navigating using a GPS, topographic map and compass;
- Ability to exercise quality control in data collection and management;
- Advanced skill using specialized software such as Microsoft Office Suite, ArcMap GIS, and Google Earth.
Location: One or more of these National Forests locations will host Archaeology Crew Lead positions:
Plumas National Forest – https://www.fs.usda.gov/plumas
Stanislaus National Forest – https://www.fs.usda.gov/stanislaus
Tahoe National Forest – https://www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) – https://www.fs.usda.gov/ltbmu/
Lassen National Forest – https://www.fs.usda.gov/lassen/
Eldorado National Forest – https://www.fs.usda.gov/eldorado/
Sequoia National Forest – https://www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia
Compensation and Benefits: • Wage: $17 – $20/hour with overtime at 1.5x hourly rate
• Camping Per Diem: $15/night as necessary
• Health Insurance: The Great Basin Institute will cover 100% of the premium for Health, Dental and Vision Insurance for each Crew Lead effective on the first day of the month following the start of their employment.
Please apply online at https://www.vscyberhosting.com/greatbasin/careers.aspx?rf=AFW&req=2021-RAP-104
