ARCHAEOLOGY TECHNICIAN AT LAKE MEAD NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
Location: Boulder City
State: Nevada
Program: Cultural Resources
Contract Length: 6 months
Job Description:
Archaeological Technician at Lake Mead National Recreation Area
The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with Lake Mead National Recreation Area (LAKE), is recruiting an Archaeological Technician to join the Research Associate (RA) Program. The RA will work under the direction of the Park Archaeologist and Cultural Resource Manager to assist with archaeological field work, museum work, lab analysis, data processing, and reporting throughout the park. Field work includes surveying for cultural resources, construction monitoring, recording and documenting cultural resources, condition assessments of known sites, and National Register of Historic Places eligibility assessments in support of Section 106 and 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act compliance and research projects. This position will be expected to learn and draw upon the following in order to accomplish project objectives:
• Knowledge of cultural resource management, including laws (National Historic Preservation Act) and National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) criteria;
• Ability to implement field projects and maintain productivity with changing priorities and tight timelines;
• Accurately complete and submit forms in a timely manner in support of SHPO and NHPA reporting requirements;
• Critically review data collection needs for cultural resource assessments and surveys;
• Critically identify and assess potential impacts on cultural resources;
• Ability to effectively work as a team member and manage an archaeology field crew of 2 to 4 crew members and volunteers in remote locations;
• Large-scale cultural resource survey experience;
• Cultural resource site recording, complete in field documentation and associated site records;
• Artifact identification and age/use interpretation;
• Navigate using topographic maps, compass, etc.;
• Ability to utilize ArcGIS software to build maps, organize and manage data, and manipulate data layers;
• Experience operating hand-held GPS equipment for navigation and electronic field data collection; experience post-processing field data, a plus;
• Utilize Field Maps application with tablet for field site documentation;
• Accurate and detailed data entry into variety of databases;
• Ability to write reports summarizing current field work, sites documented, previous survey;
• Work with current aerial photos, GIS, archival documents (historic maps and literature) to develop historic context;
• Back country navigation and driving on primitive roads with 4WD vehicles; and
• Back country camp for extended periods of time.
Contract Timeline:
• 6-month appointment beginning January 2024; potential to extend pending positive performance review and available funds
• Full time (40 hours/week); some overtime and weekend work may occasionally be required
Location:
This Research Associate position will be based out of Boulder City, Nevada where the Lake Mead National Recreation Area Headquarters is located. It is a 20-minute drive from the city of Henderson which lies on the outskirts of Las Vegas. Lake Mead National Recreation Area encompasses 1.5 million acres in southern Nevada and northwestern Arizona, in the transition of the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, including mountains, canyons, valleys, and two vast lakes. It hosts 7.5 million visitors per year. From the mouth of the Grand Canyon, the park follows the Arizona-Nevada border along what was formerly 140 miles of the Colorado River. Opportunities for recreation abound.
Compensation and Benefits:
• Wage: $22.50 per hour
• Paid leave and holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available after your first month of employment
• Camping Per Diem: $20/day (when applicable)
• Training opportunities
Job Qualifications:
This position will be expected to learn and draw upon the following in order to accomplish project objectives:
• Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archeology, indigenous peoples studies, or closely related field;
• Six months of previous, relevant field experience; OR archeology field methods coursework AND an accredited Archeological Field School;
• Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license with ability to safely operate and maintain a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads;
• Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, camp in the backcountry for consecutive days, work in all types of weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, carry a heavy pack in excess of 40lbs, and be in overall good physical condition. Prior experience working in the desert southwest, or similar desert climates is desirable.
Lab work is partially sedentary with prolonged standing, walking, and bending often required, as well as lifting and moving of heavy items weighing 40 pounds or more. Completing archeological surveys in the southwest requires the physical endurance to walk over a variety of terrains and in a variety of weather conditions, including extreme heat or cool temperatures. Overnight camping for several days at a time in remote areas is possible.
Successful applicant must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to NPS human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position. If you already have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your application.
EEO Statement
We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.