The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the USFS is recruiting one Archaeology Crew Lead to complete Section 106 cultural resource surveys, site recording and monitoring for various projects within the Tahoe National Forest. 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 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 converse with agency and GBI staff as needed. Crew size will be 3 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 the Archaeology Crew Lead 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.
Project Descriptions: (*NOTE- these are anticipated projects, however project are subject to change as needs are assessed closer to the start of the field season)
Tahoe National Forest:
Crews working on the Sierraville Ranger District will assist agency personnel with surveying, site recordation and site monitoring on a variety of fuels reduction and vegetation management projects. Crews working on the Truckee Ranger District will assist agency personnel on completing the archaeological pedestrian survey for the Five Creeks project, a forest restoration project on approximately 5000 acres located between Olympic Valley and Truckee along the Highway 89 corridor. Additional projects may include surveys in support of non-motorized trail proposals. See Additional Location descriptions below for further details about the area.
Contract Timeline:
The timing of these positions are tentative and may be impacted by weather and/or the COVID-19 pandemic. Start and end dates may vary according to local conditions.
May-November 2021
Full time, minimum 40 hours per week
Location:
Tahoe National Forest – Sierraville Ranger District: The historic town of Sierraville, CA is located at the southern end of the huge Sierra Valley and is a short drive from the Tahoe/Reno areas. This quaint ranching town offers outdoor enthusiasts an abundance of activities and access to lakes, streams, trails and more without the crowds often found in neighboring Lake Tahoe. Sierraville is 24 mi. from Truckee, 20 miles to Graeagle and 35 mi to Downieville, CA. Truckee Ranger District: Truckee is a charming and bustling town- once a stop along the Transcontinental Railroad, and now a frequent stop for those traveling the I-80 corridor. Known as a recreational paradise, Truckee offers access to hiking and biking trails, ski resorts, rivers and lakes. Truckee also hosts a vibrant downtown with numerous shops and restaurants. Tahoe National Forest is a vacation destination for many, offering endless outdoor activities including hiking, biking, skiing, rafting, fishing, camping and more while also centrally located for arts, music and sporting events including the Downieville Classic, High Sierra Music festival, Wanderlust and more.
Compensation and Benefits:
Wage: $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.
Job Qualifications:
Required Qualifications
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 Qualifications
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.
To Apply: https://www.vscyberhosting.com/greatbasin/Careers.aspx?req=2021-RAP-035&type=JOBDESCR
