Senior Archaeologist - Sierra Nevada Region of California

General position summary:

Mason, Bruce & Girard (MB&G) is excited to announce the launch of a new cultural resource management division dedicated to serving the forestry sector. We are looking for an experienced and motivated Senior Archaeologist to lead and grow this emerging team. This position offers an excellent opportunity to shape the direction of our cultural resource services while working on impactful projects related to forestry, fuels reduction, forest health, and cultural resource preservation in the northern Sierra Nevada region of California.

Approximately 70% of projects are located within a 2-hour travel radius of our Auburn, CA office. The remaining 30% are based in northern and central California. The role involves a balance of fieldwork (about 50%) and office-based responsibilities (about 50%). May occasionally lead projects in Oregon and Washington.

Why MB&G:

• Opportunity to build and lead a new business division with potential for long-term growth.
• Challenging, diverse projects with high potential for professional advancement.
• Join a collaborative, well-established team known for delivering large-scale projects.
• Flexible scheduling and telecommuting options for office-based work.
• Competitive benefits package.

Ideal Candidates Should Be:

• Enthusiastic about diverse work in cultural resource management and forest health.
• A motivated, solution-oriented leader with strong field and office skills.
• Highly collaborative, with the ability to mentor and manage teams.
• Highly organized, with excellent time management and multitasking abilities.
• Committed to ongoing professional growth, knowledge acquisition, and skill development.

Essential Functions/Work Assignment Examples:

• Lead and manage archaeological surveys to identify cultural, archaeological, and historical resources.
• Oversee and mentor a growing team of archaeologists and field technicians, ensuring the highest standards of fieldwork, compliance, and reporting.
• Collaborate with forestry professionals, land managers, and stakeholders to integrate cultural resource management strategies into forest health, fuels reduction, and habitat restoration projects.
• Conduct background research, including reviewing records from the California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS), Native American tribe consultation (as needed), and literature on sensitive species and archaeological resources.
• Perform field surveys, including pedestrian archaeological surveys to document cultural resources. Field work is to be performed in all weather conditions, steep, rough terrain, and a variety of settings including open fields and forested areas
• Identify and document any areas of sensitivity or potential concern requiring mitigation measures to comply with CEQA regulations.
• Provide strategic direction on how to incorporate cultural resource management into broader land management practices.
• Ensure compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA, NEPA, CEQA, and other relevant federal and state regulations.
• Prepare detailed technical reports that include findings, significance evaluations, and recommended mitigation measures. Reports must comply with SHPO standards for CEQA compliance.
• Act as the principal point of contact with clients, government agencies, Native American tribes, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth project delivery.
• Contribute to business development by identifying new opportunities and building relationships within the forestry, environmental, and land management sectors.

Job Skills:

• Expertise in archaeological fieldwork within forested environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Excel, ArcGIS, mapping, and analysis.
• Knowledge of California’s cultural resources, archaeological laws, and environmental regulations (Section 106, CEQA, NEPA).
• Relevant archaeological experience in the Sierra Nevada region preferred.
• Experience working with Native American tribes in consultation and cultural resource management in California.
• Expertise in writing comprehensive technical reports for SHPO submission, including GIS maps and shapefiles of archaeological and ecological findings.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to convey technical information clearly to diverse audiences, including government agencies, clients, and tribal groups.
• Working knowledge of forest management and ecological restoration is preferred.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, Prehistoric Archeology, Historic Archeology, Conservation, Cultural Anthropology, or Curation degree from an accredited university and meet the Secretary of Interior’s Qualifications Standards (36 CFR Part 61).
• 3-7 years of experience in cultural resource management
• Proven ability to lead and manage teams of archaeologists, field technicians, and project staff.
• Demonstrated experience conducting archaeological surveys within forested environments.
• Strong understanding of the regulatory landscape, including Section 106, NEPA, CEQA, and other state and federal laws related to cultural resource management.
• Meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards for archaeology.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to interface directly with clients, government agencies, and stakeholders.
• Tribal consultation experience is a significant plus.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.
• Experience with GIS and other relevant archaeological software tools is a plus.
• Competency with Microsoft Office programs and Esri’s ArcGIS.
• Comfortable working in remote and rugged field environments, including physical labor in various weather conditions.
• Positive and motivated.
• A valid driver’s license.

About MB&G:

Mason, Bruce & Girard, Inc. is a full-service natural resource consulting firm, with expertise in environmental services, forestry, and geographic information systems (GIS). A set of core values guide our work, focusing our efforts on providing responsible, sustainable solutions that meet client needs.

We have four California Registered Professional Foresters (RPFs) on staff who lead forest health and hazard tree mitigation projects in the Sierra Foothills. We have a senior biologist on staff who leads environmental and biological surveys. We provide expertise and support CAL FIRE, private industry, small landowners, Federal and State agencies, Cities, Counties, Resource Conservation Districts, Utilities, and others.

Our areas of expertise include forestry, wildlife, fisheries, wetlands, water quality, and GIS. Our work is characterized by the highest level of client service, the application of the best science and technology, quality processes and results, integrity, and our respect for the natural environment. We provide natural resource consulting services to both industry and government and have done so since 1921.

Join Us/Apply Now

Click here http: https://www.masonbruce.com/careers/ to apply and send us your resume.

 All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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