Archaeology Team Member - Tahoe National Forest, Yuba River District

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the US Forest Service, is seeking FOUR ARCHAEOLOGY TEAM MEMBERS to contribute to the archaeology project alongside Tahoe National Forest's Yuba Ranger District Staff.

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

Start Date: 05/06/2024

Estimated End Date: 11/01/2024

*a 26 week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Yuba River Ranger District (Nevada City, California)

The Tahoe National Forest is located in the northern Sierra Nevada (east of Sacramento) and extends from the foothills across the Sierra crest to the California state line. It includes over 850,000 acres of public land interspersed with 350,000 acres of private land in a checkerboard ownership pattern. Rivers, snow-capped peaks and dense forests offer outstanding recreation year-round. A complex set of ecosystems are found as the terrain ascends from 1,500 feet along the western boundary to over 9,000 feet along the crest. The forest provides a variety of resources and opportunities and is managed by the Forest Service.

For more information about the Tahoe National Forest, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe

Position Overview: The Archaeology Team Members will support Forest Service initiatives by providing technical support to the heritage resource staff. Members are responsible for a variety of tasks, including participating in cultural resource inventory surveys, collecting and editing GIS data, adapting pedestrian survey strategies, preparing data for reports and completing site records, conducting data entry into the NRM heritage database, and completing additional tasks as determined by Forest Service staff. The purpose of the position is to serve as a field member for archaeological surveys. The member will assist the senior technician or crew lead in ensuring work is accomplished within established standards and procedures. The survey team will execute surveys in support of multiple Forest Service priority projects.

Project Tasks:

• Performs on-the-ground pedestrian surveys to locate and document surface historic and prehistoric cultural resources
• Prepare data to be included in cultural resource inventory reports and prepare site forms. Enter site and inventory information into the NRM cultural resource database, and onto GIS maps.
• Monitor cultural resource sites to ensure approved standard protection measures are implemented and adequate and document changes in site condition over time.
• Conduct inventories of Forest cultural resources in areas of proposed Forest Service projects. Researchers will reference materials such as State and National Register files, historic documents, archeological reports, maps and aerial photos
• Ensures that archeology work assignments are carried out in a safe and timely manner according to established standards and procedures
• Review work in progress to see that standards for pre-field research, survey design, site recording, graphics, and final report are being met
• Assists other members or FS staff on methods of cultural resource inventory

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: Work schedule will be Mon-Thur 7:00am -5:30pm, reporting to the Tahoe National Forest's Supervisor's Office in Nevada City daily. Schedule adjustments will be limited and granted upon approval of the District Archaeologist.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $865.20/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

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. However, housing may be available at a daily bunk rate of approximately $10-20 per day by the Forest. Barracks housing provided by the Forest is typically located 30-45 minutes from the daily reporting location and are typically in remote locations with limited connectivity. A Housing Allowance of up to $265/week will be available. Local candidates are encouraged to apply.

Gear Allowance: New ACE members will have up to $500 to spend on eligible gear purchases, and returning members or FS employees will have up to $250. Eligible gear for this position may include boots, work pants, hiking socks, and must be approved by ACE and Forest Service staff prior to purchase.

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 USFS training required for a government driver's license, safety training, NRM database entry, and other applicable heritage program training.

Qualifications

Applicants for this position should hold a bachelor's degree in Anthropology, or a similar cultural/natural resource field, and have specific archaeological fieldwork experience. This is a highly demanding outdoor position that requires substantial physical fitness and mobility, and a tolerance for extreme weather and demanding conditions.

ACE Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts
• 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 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.

USFS Required:

• Practical knowledge of the basic theories and practices of archaeology in order to compile technical reports and provide recommendations to the district archaeology staff
• Knowledge of the techniques of archaeological reconnaissance in order to adapt survey strategies to identify a large variety of artifacts and features
• Practical knowledge with GIS
• Ability to perform library and archival research to locate and obtain pertinent background information
• Knowledge of technical report writing to prepare reports and site records
• Skill using a compass, aerial photos, topographic maps and GPS units to navigate survey areas and to locate/record sites
• Must be able to adhere to instructions, program and safety procedures, and use initiative in carrying out assignments in accordance with the archaeological crew lead
• Be able to adequately document historic and precontact cultural resources

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for [use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Ability to move up to 30 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. Indoor work, which is limited throughout the season, is in a climate controlled environment.
• Noise Environment: Light noise exposure both in the field and in office environments
• Travel: This position does not require unique travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, steep and rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, dense and poisonous vegetation, 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 Tahoe National Forest or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the Tahoe National Forest. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the Tahoe National Forest, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to USFS 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 Tahoe National Forest Project Coordinator, Al Richert, at arichert@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 Team Member Tahoe National Forest, Yuba River District Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC