Job Type: Temporary
Salary Details: $25 to $31 per hour
Deadline: Jul 02, 2023

POSITION  
An Archaeologist (Temporary Hourly) position is available with the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML). This position is located at Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) in Washington. This position will provide cultural resources expertise for historic preservation and at archaeological sites on the installation, and it will include a need to have a working understanding of the geomorphology (changes in landforms, site formation, deposition, erosion, etc.) at these sites plus the regulations that govern their care. There is potential for the candidate to compete for permanent employment with CEMML at JBLM dependent on funding and qualifications.

ORGANIZATION  
CEMML is a research, education, and service unit within the Warner College of Natural Resources at CSU. CEMML applies the latest and most appropriate science to promote the sustainable management of natural and cultural resources on Department of Defense (DoD) and other public lands. We provide technical support, conduct applied research, and offer career development and learning opportunities to support resource stewardship. We collaborate with our sponsors and other CSU departments to resolve complex environmental issues, leaving a legacy of science-based decisions that sustain our resources for future generations.

To learn more about CEMML’s contributions to land management, our mission, vision, and values, please visit http://www.cemml.colostate.edu/.

See a complete listing of open CEMML positions at http://www.cemml.colostate.edu/careers.  

JBLM CULTURAL RESOURCES PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Cultural Resources Program at JBLM supports mission readiness and sustainable training while ensuring compliance with Federal Laws and military regulations and policies. The main goals of the program are to foster good stewardship of historical buildings and landscapes, archaeological sites, sacred places, and Tribally significant cultural and natural resources located on the base and to ensure compliance with historic preservation law (including Section 106 regulations) and other federal mandates. The Cultural Resources Program manages three topic areas: historical buildings and landscapes, archeological sites, and tribal consultation. Currently, the department manages 8,075 historical resources, and 473 archeological sites.

Core actions of the JBLM promote the productive use of significant buildings and landscapes, conduct archeological surveys and excavations to identify and protect important places, and coordinate with the Medicine Creek Treaty Tribes to provide access to culturally significant cultural and natural resources and sacred places on JBLM. For example, access to camas and cedar – traditional resources still used today – is critical for cultural continuity of the Tribes. To maintain good relationships, the Cultural Resources Program Manager also provides presentations on cross-cultural communication to ensure that Tribal and non-Tribal interactions are beneficial for all parties involved.

POSITION SUMMARY
The person hired in this position will be a key member of a group of subject-matter experts that collect and analyze information and resources regarding potential impacts of base mission and climate change on cultural resources. The work of this employee will help to inform adaptation planning for JBLM and it will help to ensure that cultural resources on the base are treated in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations. The employee will work under the direct supervision of the Cultural Resources Program Manager (CRPM) at JBLM. This position will allow a professional the opportunity to fully administer less complex projects as well as work with the CRPM in a support role for more complex projects.

The archaeologist will have a wide breadth of opportunities and tasks in this position. Generally, tasks will range from research design, implementation, and technical writing to coordinating and assisting with field work, administrative duties, and leadership of field crew members. Other overarching task areas include working independently and together with the CRPM to ensure that project field efforts meet state and Federal historic preservation guidelines. The candidate must have a firm understanding of local, state-level, and Federal regulatory compliance requirements governing cultural resources, including knowledge of Section 106 and Section 110 regulations of the National Historic Preservation Act. This understanding should include, but is not limited to, a specific knowledge of how to conduct compliant reconnaissance and terrestrial surveys that include shovel tests; how to conduct site documentation, monitoring and mitigation; how to navigate with physical maps, compass, and tape; how to interpret aerial photographs; and, finally, how to prepare a technical report and update administrative records. All field efforts will follow the Secretary of the Interior’s standards and guidelines for identification of historic properties and Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation field investigation guidelines. 

The successful candidate should be a team player and work both cooperatively with and independently from the CRMP. This position requires a person who is organized and able to coordinate, assist with, and track field efforts and progress. For example, typical duties will include working with the CRMP, or independently, to initialize GPS units and use them in the field; set up and acquire data forms and physical field maps; schedule crews, set their assignments, help problem solve in the field, and ensure crew safety; ensure that vehicles are acquired, scheduled, and serviced on time; and inventory, distribute, and monitor all field equipment.

Clear and thorough documentation of all work is essential, and this will require an employee who can accurately and consistently complete and submit all requisite field paperwork as well as quality check all data. Some paperwork must be completed and submitted daily, and this documentation includes daily safety forms and journals, shovel test forms by transect and site, state forms documenting the site and its features, field sketches and feature profiles, and photographs taken and documented in a log. Daily progress will be communicated directly to the CRPM and should include an update on how all linear and/or block surveys are progressing, clearance of parcels or tracts, site revisits conducted, newly recorded sites, as well as any constraints to the project (e.g., access issues, crew performance). All field data will also be reviewed and quality-checked weekly by the successful candidate for this position.

At times there may be other duties assigned. Some of these duties may require the employee to support and execute the broad goals of the project based on the project’s research design and overall standards of investigation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
The successful candidate must meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology, or a related field, with a focus in Archaeology and attendance of at least one accredited academic field school and one to two years documented field experience.
  • Firm understanding of local, state-level, and Federal regulatory compliance requirements governing cultural resources, including working with Section 106 and Section 110 of the NRHP. This includes but is not limited to field surveys, testing, mitigation, monitoring and/or report writing.
  • Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe software in addition to working knowledge of ArcGIS software or similar GIS Platform.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal guidance and in a team environment, in addition to taking direction from CRPM.
  • Ability to utilize GIS data collection equipment.
  • Ability to communicate with project-related field personnel, proponents, and other Cultural Resources Program staff effectively and respectfully.
  • Ability to travel and conduct daily fieldwork for extended periods (crews typically work 10-hour days for the duration of field effort, with exception of travel days).
  • Ability to conduct fieldwork in inclement weather (cold, heat, humidity, light rain, and snow, etc.).
  • Ability to work in rugged terrain and implement shovel tests at prescribed intervals up to 10-miles a day while carrying appropriate field equipment weighing up to 40 lbs.
  • Possess a valid driver’s license and have access to reliable transportation.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Regional archaeological experience specific to the Pacific Northwest.
  • Experience updating site information in the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation database.
  • Familiarity with prehistoric and/or historic artifact analysis, laboratory procedures, and equipment.
  • Experience working on military installations.
  • Expertise in managing cultural resources data in ArcGIS (ArcMap 10.x and ArcPro 2.x), Survey123, and/or ArcGIS Online

PAY RATE AND EMPLOYMENT TERM
Pay rate is $25 to $31 per hour. This is a 40-hours/week, nine-month appointment. There is potential for the candidate to compete for permanent employment with CEMML at JBLM dependent on funding and qualifications.

BENEFITS
This is a Non-Student Hourly position and is eligible for medical and retirement benefits. Please visit https://hr.colostate.edu/current–employees/benefits/to learn more about Colorado State University’s benefit packages.

WORK LOCATION
This position is located at JBLM, which is located 9.1 miles southwest of Tacoma, Washington. The facility is defined by both the United States Army’s Fort Lewis and the United States Air Force’s McChord Air Force. JBLM has more than 45,000 service members and civilian workers and has a total active population of nearly 210,000 inhabitants, making it the fourth most populous military installment worldwide. The installation consists of four geographical areas encompassing over 400,000 acres. 

BACKGROUND CHECK
Colorado State University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search, and motor vehicle history.

HOW TO APPLY
For full consideration, apply no later than 2 July 2023. To be considered, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications listed in this announcement. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Please remove social security numbers and birthdates from application materials. A complete application consists of the following items:

  • Cover letter (no more than 1 page, single-sided)
  • Resume (no more than 2 pages, single-sided)
  • Copy of transcripts for each degree earned or being pursued among those listed under qualifications (unofficial is acceptable)

Applicants should combine all application materials into one clearly labeled document and send to Tania Metcalf at T.Metcalf@ColoState.edu. Reference JBLM Archaeologist in the subject line.