Overview
$34.00 – $39.00 Hourly
Seasonal
Description
While serving as the Senior Archaeologist for The Great Basin Institute at Joshua Tree NP, the position would be responsible for writing reports, evaluating and writing determinations of NRHP eligibility, collection and preparation of documentation for Park Section 106 compliance and Section 110 projects. They would also implement and conduct mitigation and protection measures, archaeology projects, cultural resource surveys, data entry, damage assessments, condition assessments, direct and review field and office project work of archaeological technicians, and work with Joshua Tree volunteers.
The senior archaeologist would supervise and participate in basic archaeological field surveys with the archaeology team by walking over the landscape and searching for archaeological features and artifacts. Records data and prepares survey records (e.g., DPR site forms, site maps, photographs, surface artifact analysis forms, condition assessment forms, field notes, etc.). While standard methods, practices, and procedures are available to reference, the incumbent is frequently required to use judgment to make adjustments. May conduct excavation and testing of sites, including the careful recovery of sample materials.
Duties include completing Section 106 compliance inventories, assessments, documentation and implementing mitigation measures. Documentation includes, but is not limited to, writing cultural resource survey reports, creating reports and site maps, monitoring reports, completing standard site records, feature and level forms, assessments of effects, damage assessments, artifact forms. Implementation of compliance stipulations includes: monitoring construction and other Park projects, screening soils to recover artifacts, collecting soil samples, protection and restoration from impacts, coordinating with program managers and staff to follow compliance stipulations. The senior archaeologist identifies and processes specimens recovered in the field, prepares specimens to be sent to dating laboratories, identifies, labels, and packages artifacts for curation. Maintains field equipment and supplies. Maintains related databases, forms, maps, and files. Enters archaeological artifact and project data, including artifact information, catalog records, field notes, site records, etc., into automated systems, appropriate forms, and archival records. Reviews work of archaeologists and archaeological technicians, assuring accurate and complete records and documentation. Coordinates field work to meet project timelines, directs the work of subordinate staff. Retrieves and compiles data as required for resource management reports, interpretive exhibits, etc. Performs basic supervised research. Conducts record searches and interviews, and synthesizes information collected for scientific, historical, and interpretive values.
Completing archaeological surveys in the desert southwest requires the physical endurance to walk over a variety of terrains and in a variety of weather conditions, including extreme heat, and carry a heavy pack. Overnight camping for several days at a time in remote areas may be required.
Location
Joshua Tree National Park encompasses nearly 800,000 acres in southern California, a 1-hour drive from Palm Springs, 2- to 3-hour drive from Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Joshua Tree National Park is of special management concern, lying in the transition of the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert. Aside from the outdoor recreation opportunities and natural wonders within the park, Death Valley, the Mojave Preserve, as well as Lake Mead and Spring Mountains National Recreation Areas are nearby and afford a diversity of outdoor activities ranging from hiking, mountain biking and rock hounding to fishing, boating and skiing/snowboarding.
Field conditions at Joshua Tree include hot, arid days with high exposure to the sun, as well as cold, winter weather. Resources of the region include threatened and/or endangered species habitat, big game habitats, abandoned mine lands, and historic and prehistoric cultural sites.
Compensation
- Wage: From $34 to $39 DOE an hour
- Paid health insurance premiums through Cigna Insurance (medical, dental, vision)
- Paid personal time off and paid federal holidays
- Field per diem for any required overnight camping stays
- 401(k) retirement plan with up to 4% employer match (fully vested on Day 01)
- $25,000 Basic Life & AD & D Insurance
- Pro gear/equipment deals through various companies and websites
Contract Timeline
- 52-week appointment beginning February 2026, or upon completion of a Department of the Interior background investigation.
- Full-time (40 hours/week); some overtime and weekend work may occasionally be required.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archaeology, or a closely related field. Applicants with advanced degrees are encouraged to apply.
- A minimum of 1 year of previous, relevant field experience in archaeology at the crew chief level or lead cultural/heritage resources staff position; archaeology field methods coursework AND an accredited Archaeological Field School.
- Knowledge of historic and/or precontact artifacts, preferably of the Mojave and Colorado Desert regions of the southwest.
- Ability to understand, implement and adhere to established data collection, inventory, recording, and monitoring protocols.
- Capacity to collect and maintain field data in an organized manner that is easily understood and accessible to other resources staff (GBI or NPS).
- Experience completing archaeological site forms (or portions of site forms) and/or entering site form data into database programs.
- 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.
- Ability to read and interpret topographical maps and navigate using a compass.
- 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.
- Ability to work productively and cooperatively as part of a team focused on accomplishing mutual goals and communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience.
- Possess good organizational skills and be detail-oriented.
- 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, desirable.
- Knowledge of the technical methods and procedures of archaeology to perform a variety of routine technical tasks.
- Basic understanding of the principles and theory of archaeology to support the broader archaeological function.
- Knowledge of the precontact and historic cultures of the area to reliably identify and record cultural remains in surveys, excavation, and laboratory analysis.
- Knowledge of basic laboratory methods in order to prepare artifacts for testing, curation, and storage.
- Skill in using basic tools and equipment common to archaeological functions.
- Ability to communicate information in a clear and concise manner.
- Knowledge of database management, word processing, and specialized software programs
- essential to archaeological description, management, and reference.
- Basic knowledge of research methods.
Successful applicant must complete a Department of the 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 the position. If you already have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your application.
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the organization’s ongoing needs.
NOTE: All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
Disclaimer: Although the organization has attempted to accurately and thoroughly describe this position, GBI reserves the right to change the same, including to change, add to or subtract from the duties outlined, within the sole discretion of the organization, at any time, with or without advance notice