AmeriCorps Archaeology Technician (USFS Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest)

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the USFS, is recruiting six (6) AmeriCorps Archaeology Crew Members to complete Section 106 Cultural Resource surveys required in order to perform thinning and other wildfire mitigation activities, site recording and monitoring for various projects within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. These projects all serve the Cultural Resources program’s greater mission of helping the USFS in the fulfillment of their work on the National Priority Landscape / Wildfire Crisis Strategy, and more specifically within the Wildland Urban Interface. The work that you will do directly improves the quality of these forests helping ensure they continue to thrive for generations to come.

This work provides professional development and leadership opportunities in cultural resource management including increased exposure and responsibility enacting USFS processes, procedures and compliance measures; assisting in reporting and data entry/quality assurance and control. Expanded opportunities and exposure to additional disciplines (e.g., forestry, wildlife, hydrology, etc.) and projects may exist.

Archaeology technicians perform a variety of activities to support all stages of project implementation. Crew size will range between 3-8 people. Primary archaeology field duties will include:

• Collaborate with Archaeology crew leads and agency staff to support field safety, communication, planning, logistics, quality assurance, field implementation and reporting efforts;
• Complete field surveys to document, assess and characterize the status of new cultural resources;
• Monitor existing sites and complete site updates and condition assessments;
• Prepare Nevada IMACs site records, GIS maps, and photographic records in addition to potentially adding data to the USFS heritage database;
• Digitize paper site records as needed;
• Complete Section 106 training.

Location: Mountain City, Ruby Mountains, Jarbidge Ranger District, Elko, NV

The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest offers a setting of classic Western beauty and is known for its many recreational opportunities, scenic vistas, and wild places where visitors can still find solitude. The Forest does not resemble most other National Forests in that it has numerous fairly large but non-contiguous sections scattered across most of the state of Nevada and a portion of eastern California. It is divided into seven uniquely different administrative units. Six of the units are referred to as “ranger districts” and one is a “national recreation area.” Located in northeastern Nevada, the Ruby Mountains area is composed of rocky peaks, glacier-formed lakes, steep narrow canyons, and rolling hills.

Term of Service:

• Anticipated project timeline of July-November
  • Position start date will vary, contingent on successfully completing an AmeriCorps background check
• 675 minimum required service hours
• Projects are dependent on the local weather, and there is always a chance the season will end earlier if weather prevents safe field operations.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Biweekly Living Allowance of $1,496.00
• Biweekly Housing Allowance of $424.00
• Shared housing provided may be provided;
• Camping Per Diem: $15/night as necessary;
• Uniform stipend;
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance premiums are covered 100% by GBI. Available on the first day of the month following the start of employment;
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance covered 100% by GBI

Segal Education Award:
After successfully completing an AmeriCorps term of service members are eligible to receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $2,817.14. You can use the award to repay qualified student loans and to pay current educational expenses at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs.

Student Loan Forbearance:
If you are currently paying on any federal student loans you have the option to put those loans into forbearance during your time as an AmeriCorps volunteer, that will allow you to cease payments while serving.

Interest Accrual Repayment:
As an AmeriCorps alum, you are eligible to have the National Service Trust pay all or a portion of the interest that accumulated on your qualified student loan(s) during your term of service. These payments are made in addition to the Education Award and are not deducted from your Education Award balance. To be eligible to have accrued interest paid: The loan must have been placed in forbearance for the service period, and you must have successfully completed a term of service and received an Education Award.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Eligibility:
AmeriCorps Volunteers qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archaeology or related discipline (including relevant field methods training coursework and/or an accredited archaeological field school);
• Fieldwork experience including archaeological survey, site recording, monitoring, GPS data collection, and associated reporting;
• Ability to recognize and record prehistoric and historic artifacts, features, and architecture;
• 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;
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work cooperatively as well as independently;
• Strong written and oral communication skills with diverse audiences;
• Ability to work effectively in a team setting with USFS staff, GBI staff, academic, state, and federal partners; and
• Ability to work safely and productively in remote field settings under adverse conditions. This includes regular overnight camping in remote areas for consecutive nights;
• Ability to meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limited to earning equivalent of two full-time education awards), (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) name search and federal criminal background check, (4) adhere to the rules, regulations and code of conduct as specified in the Member Service Agreement; and (5) not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.

Preferred:

• Completion of an accredited archaeological field school;
• At least six months of field experience in western states region;
• Familiarity with Section 106/110 NHPA and Nevada compliance procedures;
• Knowledge of cultural resource management issues in the Western United States;
• Familiarity with cultural history and forested habitat of the Great Basin region;
• Proficiency in navigating using a GPS, topographic map and compass;
• Ability to exercise quality control in data collection and management; and
• Advanced skill using specialized software such as Microsoft Office Suite, ArcMap GIS, and Google Earth.

TO APPLY
Please submit an up-to-date resume, a one-page cover letter that details your interest in the position, and any qualifications not fully outlined in your resume, and contact information for three professional references.  Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview. For questions regarding this position, please contact isengupta@gbinstitute.org

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 
This physically demanding work, often in remote locations, will provide crew members with rewarding exposure to some of America's backcountry landscapes. These positions require extensive hiking in sometimes steep terrain at altitudes ranging from 750 - 10,000 ft AMSL. Archaeology crew members will be expected to carry their own personal gear and water on a daily basis, possibly during extreme or inclement weather conditions such as heat, snow, or rain. Work schedules, generally four 10-hour days with 3 days off each week, are subject to change depending on weather and project needs. Camping near a work site for several days will be required to meet project objectives.

Archaeology crew members must be able 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 similar backcountry settings is preferred.

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.

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.