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Archaeology Technician (Joshua Tree National Park)
Job Code:2019-RAP-090
Location:Twentynine Palms
State:California
Program:Research Associate Program
Contract Length:6 Months
  

Job Description:

Working cooperatively with the National Park Service’s Joshua Tree National Park (JOTR), the Great Basin Institute is recruiting two Archaeological Technicians to support cultural resource inventories. The principal objective of this position is to promote cultural scientific research in Joshua Tree National Park. The Archaeological Technician will be responsible for supporting: archaeological field surveys, site recording, mapping, excavations, site condition assessments, monitoring, writing sections of draft reports; database entry; file management; preparation of National Register Nominations and Determinations of Eligibility; and other routine tasks associated with resource division functions. Some ecological restoration tasks may be included such as: planting native plants or vertical mulching for trees. 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.


Photo Credit: Alessandra Puig-Santana, GBI Research Associate

Contract Timeline:
• 26 week appointment beginning January 2019, or upon completion of a Department of Interior background investigation;
• Potential for an extension up to one year, pending positive performance review and available funding;
• 40 hours per week; some overtime and weekend work may occasionally be required.

Location:
Joshua Tree National Park encompasses nearly 800,000 acres in southern California, 2- to 3-hour drive from Los Angeles, Phoenix 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 and Grand Canyon National Parks, 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.

Compensation and Benefits:
• Rate of pay: $18.00/hour
• Limited Health, Dental and Vision Insurance will be completely paid for at no cost to you by the Great Basin Institute and available starting your first day of service.

Job Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archaeology, indigenous peoples studies, or closely related field; Applicants with advanced degrees are encouraged to apply;

  • Six months of previous, relevant field experience; OR archaeology field methods coursework AND an accredited Archaeological Field School;

  • Knowledge of historic and/or prehistoric history and artifacts of the Mojave 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;

  • Read and interpret topographical maps and navigate using a compass;

  • 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 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; and

  • 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 40 lbs, and be in overall good physical condition. Prior experience working in the desert southwest, or similar desert climates, desirable.

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. If you already have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your application.

Other Job Information (if applicable):

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.