ARCHAEOLOGIST Date: Sep 23, 2024 Req ID: 43371 Location: Fort Smith, AR, US, 72901 Category: ARKANSAS AGRICULTURE DEPT Anticipated Starting Salary: $53,248 Position Number: 22183525 County: Sebastian Posting End Date: Open Until Filled Anticipated Starting Salary: $53,248 NRCS Hiring Authority: #1 Natural Resources Drive Little Rock, AR 72205 Phone: 870/866-3534 Email: alex.johnston@agriculture.arkansas.gov As the largest industry in Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. The Department is organized into five Divisions: Forestry Division, Livestock and Poultry Division, Natural Resources Division, Plant Industries Division, and Shared Services Division. Position InformationClass Code: B067CGrade: GS08FLSA Status: EXEMPTSalary Range: $45,010.00 - $71,792.00SummaryThe Archaeologist is responsible for reviewing federal undertakings for compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, providing technical assistance on archaeology and historic preservation laws, and participating in the agency's National Register and public education outreach programs. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.FunctionsSupervises a staff by interviewing, recommending for hire, training or providing training, making work assignments, and evaluating the performance of incumbents Reviews federally funded, licensed, permitted, and assisted undertakings for compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, and evaluates project proposals, permit applications, agency planning documents, and Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements for potential impacts on historic properties. Conducts and requests archaeological surveys be conducted to identify and assess impacts on historic properties, critiques archeological scopes-of-work, data recovery plans, and reports of investigation for adequacy of fieldwork, and prepares archaeological data recovery plans, memoranda of agreement, and programmatic agreements. Consults with Native Americans and other interested parties on the excavation and repatriation of human remains and grave associated objects as per the Arkansas burial law (Act 53 of 1991) and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and develops agency guidelines and permitting procedures for the excavation of human remains in Arkansas. Provides technical assistance to federal and state agencies, city and county governments, planning and development agencies, engineering and consulting firms, Native Americans, historic preservation organizations, archaeological research firms, and state and federal archaeologists. Analyzes and interprets federal regulations and requirements for impact upon the agency's review and compliance program, recommends implementation/application procedures to the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), and serves on the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program planning committee and other environmental review committees, as needed. Develops goals, procedures, and priorities for the archaeology section of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Plan, makes revisions to the Arkansas standards for archaeological fieldwork and report writing, and participates in the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program's public education outreach program. Performs other duties as assigned.DimensionsOccasional in-state travel and exposure to the elements are required.Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesKnowledge of the archaeology of the southeastern United States for both the prehistoric and historic periods. Knowledge of theories, methods, and practices in archaeology. Knowledge and ability to conduct and supervise archaeological surveys and excavations, laboratory analysis, and prepare archaeological reports. Knowledge of federal and state historic preservation laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. Knowledge and ability to assess the significance of archaeological sites, evaluate potential impacts, and provide mitigative options. Ability to deal with constituents, meet deadlines, and communicate orally and in writing. Ability to use computers, surveying instruments, and photography equipment.Minimum QualificationsThe formal education of a bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, or a related field; plus three years of experience in archaeology. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.LicensesNonePreferred Qualifications:
Archeological field school.
Register of Professional Archaeologists (ROPA) Certification and/or National Park Service and Department of the Interior Qualified.
Ability to work autonomously.
Experience as a crew chief.
Job Duties:
This position will be under the supervision of a Natural Resource Conservation Service Archeologist and/or Senior Cultural Resource Specialist but frequently will be working autonomously.
Assist the Cultural Resources Specialist (CRS) with cultural resource inventories, field investigations, and agency planning projects which may impact cultural resources.
Operate a Global Positioning System (GPS) and/or Geographic Information System (GIS) equipment and software for field data collection, as well as general computer hardware, software, and other related information technology in order to prepare reports and make determinations of effect.
Assist with the recordation of cultural resources unidentified through research and field investigations and assists in evaluation of cultural resources for their eligibility or significance relative to the National Register of Historic Places.
Extensive field work including walking in rough and/or wet terrain, exposure to weather extremes, carrying equipment, digging test holes and working around farm equipment.
The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.
Nearest Major Market:Fort Smith
