ARCHAEOLOGIST AT ZION NATIONAL PARK
Location: Zion
State: Utah
Program: Cultural Resources
Contract Length: Over 12 Months
Description:
The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the National Park Service (Zion National Park), is recruiting an Archaeologist to lead various park compliance projects under the supervision of the Zion Cultural Resource Program Manager. These projects are related to archaeological duties in compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Projects may include: the preparation of compliance documents (Assessment of Effects Forms for Section 106 and Section 110), working with interdisciplinary teams to prepare compliance packages, submitting compliance packages to the UT SHPO, and preparing archaeological resource protection strategies and treatment plans specifically related to potential impacts from identified management needs and proposed management actions.
The position is primarily office-based work (75%) and will include any or all of the following:
- Data management – use of three databases to enter and organize archaeology records, all maps and illustrations will be digitized using graphic programs (Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator), photographs will be labeled, uploaded, and annotated, spatial data will be processed and added to the master archaeology geodatabase, and project records will be prepared for Museum Archives
- Preparation of reports and management documents – includes environmental reviews of park undertakings, as well as other products such as: consultation letters, project reports, monitoring reports, finding aids, and scope of works.
- Quality control of products produced by other employees and/or contractors and supervision of other staff and contractors conducting archeological field work and data entry. This position will provide the training necessary for these individuals.
This position will include field work duties (25%) where temperatures in the summer regularly exceed 90-100° F and monsoons occur during July-September. Occasional camping will be required. Field duties include any or all of the following:
- Training crew member on field techniques and methods.
- Supervising and conducting data entry, digital records management, monitoring of construction activities and will entail – navigating with topographic maps, completing site forms, taking scale photographs, making scale illustrations, conducting condition assessments and fuels assessments, collecting spatial data, producing artifact illustrations, identifying artifacts, and making determinations of eligibility.
- Monitoring and treatment activities, along with supplementary documentation – drainage re-routing, barrier installation, social trail eradication, installation of signs, minor stabilization, backfilling, and/or data recovery. Approximately 25% of time will be spent in the field during the course of this position.
The Great Basin Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing environmental research, education, and service throughout the West. GBI’s Research Associate Program provides multidisciplinary capacity for professional support of diverse partnerships across western states while presenting emerging professionals with career-enhancing opportunities in natural/cultural/recreation resource management, ecological conservation, environmental stewardship, and related fields. The Archaeologist will gain exposure to policies and approaches for managing cultural resources on public lands and enhance their experience in standard techniques for archaeological field documentation, management of associated data, and reporting.
Contract Timeline:
• 52-week appointment beginning February/March 2024
• Full time (40 hours/week)
Location:
Zion National Park is a unique geological, natural, and cultural treasure in southwestern Utah. Opportunities for sightseeing, hiking, and camping abound. Humans have occupied this area for approximately 10,000 years and archaeological sites occur throughout the park. Work will be based out of park offices in Springdale, UT.
Compensation and Benefits:
• Wage: $28 per hour
• Housing Stipend: $200/week
• Camping Per Diem: $40/day (when applicable)
• Paid sick and vacation time and paid federal holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available with fully paid monthly premiums
• Enrollment in 401K retirement plan, fully vested on Day 1 with up to a 4% employer match
Job Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Cultural Resource Management, or similar discipline;
- Relevant field experience in archaeology, anthropology, cultural resource management, or similar discipline;
- Familiarity with cultural resource management on public lands;
- An understanding of basic principles and approaches related to performing archaeological site condition assessments and site recordation,
- Knowledge of archaeology of the Colorado Plateau is preferred;
- Experience with standard field techniques to survey and assess cultural resources;
- Ability to navigate and collect data using handheld GPS units and read a topographic map;
- Exposure to using GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro) to upload, create and manipulate data and maps;
- Experience using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator;
- Experience working with Microsoft computer programs;
- Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience;
- Capacity to work independently and within a team environment;
- Must be motivated, self-directed, organized, and detail oriented in order to balance multiple tasks simultaneously;
- Physically fit to work long hours outdoors, carry personal and field equipment, and withstand the climatic rigors of the desert;
- Willingness and ability to camp for consecutive days, as needed, in backcountry settings; and
- Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license with the ability to safely operate a 4WD vehicle on unimproved roads.
The 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 this position.
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.