Archaeology Technician (USFS Plumas NF)

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the USFS, is recruiting Archaeology Technicians to complete Section 106 Cultural Resource surveys, site recording, and monitoring for various projects within the Plumas National Forest. These projects all serve the Cultural Resource Services program’s greater mission of helping the USFS in their critical goal of improving forest resilience in the face of worsening climate conditions and increased wildfire threats. 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 in 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, primary archaeology field duties will include: 

• Complete field surveys to document, assess, and characterize the status of cultural resources;
• Record data and prepare survey records
  • Retrieve, enter, and compile data
• Conduct excavation and testing of archeological sites, including the careful recovery of sample materials.
• Process artifacts and specimens recovered in the field.
• Catalogue artifacts for curation.
• Communicate information and maintain working relationships
• Write or edit documents
• Maintain archeological information databases.
• Produce documents and reports using software applications.
• Query data when writing reports.

Location: 

Plumas National Forest is a national forest located in the northern Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, United States. It covers over 1.2 million acres and encompasses a diverse range of landscapes, including lush forests, rugged peaks, sparkling lakes, and rolling meadows. The forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, bald eagles, and numerous species of fish and reptiles.

The Plumas National Forest offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors, including hiking, camping, fishing, boating, horseback riding, and mountain biking. The forest is also a popular destination for winter sports, with several ski resorts located within its boundaries.

The forest is located near the towns of Quincy and Portola and is easily accessible from nearby major cities such as Reno, Nevada and Sacramento, California. With its breathtaking scenery and abundance of outdoor activities, the Plumas National Forest is a popular destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and families alike

Compensation & Benefits: 

• Wage: $$32.57 hourly with overtime at 1.5x hourly rate. 

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance premiums are covered 100% by GBI. Available on the first day of the month following the start of employment.
• Personal Leave Time (PLT) accrued (beginning on the first day of employment) at a rate of 0.05 hours per hour worked (~4 hours biweekly)
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance covered 100% by GBI
• Paid federal holidays

Contract Timeline: 

• May 19, 2025 - February 23, 2026 (these dates are flexible based on candidate availability);
• Full time, average 40 hours per week.

Necessary supplies and equipment:

• Sturdy footwear, ideally rugged hiking boots with Vibram soles and ankle support
• Long sleeve field/tactical pants and shirts
• Mapping compass
• Field backpack with 11L minimum capacity
• Field lunch and sufficient water to get through a 10hr day

How to Apply:

Using this link (https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=201021&clientkey=A1ADEF5691B02D64E998539442696918), please apply online through this application link by submitting an up-to-date resume, one page cover letter that details your interest in the position, and any qualifications not fully described in your resume, contact information for three professional and/or academic references. Be sure to complete any preliminary questions prompted in the application and sign your application.