Archaeology GIS Digitization Member

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with The Bureau of Land Management, is seeking One Member to contribute to BLM El Centro Archaeological Records Digitization project alongside The Bureau of Land Management Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Start Date: October 2, 2023 (This will be dependent upon passing a background check and fingerprinting)

Estimated End Date: May 10, 2024 *a 30-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: The Bureau of Land Management, El Centro Field Office manages approximately 1.4 million acres of public lands in southeastern California, spread across two counties: Imperial and San Diego. Approximately 95% of the public lands lie within Imperial County. The area is bordered by the U.S./Mexico International border to the south and the Riverside County line to the north. The city of San Diego is about 2 hours from El Centro.

For more information about the El Centro Field Office, please visit https://www.blm.gov/office/el-centro-field-office

Position Overview: The goal of the El Centro Archaeological Records Digitization Project is to improve scientific research, resources accountability, and overall management on site. The BLM El Centro Field Office, California has an opportunity to introduce youth to careers in the BLM, specifically cultural resources and GIS. This will be accomplished by providing an opportunity for one member to gain experience, learn about public lands, further their understanding and appreciation of natural and cultural resources, recreation facilities and opportunities. From this they will gain an increased appreciation and understanding of our public lands and of the value of public service and are likely to become life-long advocates for those values. This project would be especially appropriate for a student studying anthropology or archaeology with training in utilizing GIS software and will provide opportunities to enhance basic career skills such as organization, project management, and communication, well as field skills including the studying and documenting archaeological sites, artifact identification and handling, use of GPS equipment and maps, field note methods, and data collection and preparation techniques. Previous experience with any or all of these skills would significantly enhance the student experience.

The member will assist the BLM El Centro Field Office with scanning cultural resources reports and site records. They will populate an existing GIS geodatabase with cultural resources spatial information comprised of archaeological inventory and site records. They will also conduct field verification and site monitoring to ensure accuracy of collected information. Training will be provided and the participant will work out of the BLM El Centro Field Office, mainly in an office setting. The weather is consistent with a low-desert area. Winters in this area are generally very mild with temperatures averaging from the 60-70s in the daytime and 30-40 degrees at night. Field work will entail hiking over rough terrain with some exposure to venomous snakes, insects and cactus.

Duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Locate and review prior cultural resource project files and data.
• Scan hard copy reports and site records to Adobe PDF and enter resource data into a database.
• Populate an existing GIS geodatabase with cultural resources spacial information of survey and site data.
• Conduct field verification of archaeological resource information as needed.

The member will work 40 hours per week under the close supervision of the BLM staff archaeologist and GIS Specialist.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: Monday-Friday, generally 8 AM-4:30 PM, for the duration of the project.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $800/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. The living allowance is a fixed rate determined by the Bureau of Land Management and ACE and is not flexible.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general information online https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or The Bureau of Land Management.

Housing Assistance: ACE Members will be eligible for reimbursable housing assistance up to $250 per week. The ACE Member will only be reimbursed for approved and demonstrated housing expenses.

Relocation Assistance: ACE members will have access to up to $1,000 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. Specific training will include BLM orientation and cultural resource management methods and procedures, especially from a federal perspective. GIS training and skill development will also be provided depending up on the level of ability held by the selected member. The Member will have opportunities to work with other staff BLM specialists as a member of an interdisciplinary team and participate in special projects throughout the term such as biological monitoring, recreation development and planning. Off-highway driving and safety training will also be provided.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts
• General computer software familiarity including Microsoft Office and Outlook
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required two-part criminal history background check.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold a degree in Cultural Resources Management, Anthropology or Archaeology.
• Knowledge of GIS/ArcGIS, field skills, and data collection.
• Off-highway driving experience

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting. Manual dexterity required for use of computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Field work will require the ability to walk/hike distances up to 5 miles.
• Environmental: Mainly indoor office setting. When conducting field work outside the weather is consistent with a low-desert area. Winters are mild and temperatures in the summer can and will surpass 110°F, and there are other inherent risks, such as rough terrain and venomous snakes.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the Bureau of Land Management or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the Bureau of Land Management. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the Bureau of Land Management, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to the Bureau of Land Management and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/. Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact Recruitment & Division Support Coordinator, Anna-Louise Calliham at acalliham@usaconservation.org.

EEO: American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

Current Openings for Archaeology GIS Digitization Member Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC