Working cooperatively with the National Park Service’s Yosemite National Park (YOSE), the Great Basin Institute Research Associate Program is recruiting up to four Archaeological Technicians to support cultural resource inventories. The principal objective of this position is to document or monitor cultural resources in accordance with the park’s compliance needs and conservation efforts.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Perform Section: 106 surveys of established prescribed fire units

• Record previously unrecorded archeological sites using California DPR Site Record forms and enter data into a variety of local and national databases

• Update existing site records and Cultural Resources Inventory System (CRIS) entries as necessary as new information is discovered

• Perform site condition assessments both pre- and post-burn, and enter resulting data into CRIS

In addition to the above, the Archaeological Technician will support ongoing research and fieldwork in collaboration with staff of the Branch of Anthropology and Yosemite Fire and Aviation as needed. This position will provide professional and personal development opportunities and the Archaeological Technician will be encouraged to collaborate and learn from colleagues within the cultural resources program.

Location

Yosemite National Park, an iconic region of the west, is located in central California. “First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.” (https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm). Natural features, cultural resources, and recreation opportunities abound in this region.

Compensation

• Wage:$23-25 hour, commensurate with experience

• Health, Dental, Vision insurance, and $25,000 Life/AD&D policy paid 100% by GBI. Eligible to enroll first day of month following first day of service

• Park housing available to rent

Contract Timeline

Timeframe

• Appointment of flexible duration beginning April 2025, or upon availability and successful completion of a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI)

• Full-time, 40 hours per week

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archaeology, indigenous peoples studies, or closely related field. Applicants with advanced degrees are encouraged to apply;

• An interest in cultural history and/or archeology and the management of resources and information pertaining to these fields.

• Ability to understand, implement and adhere to established data collection, inventory, recording, monitoring, and management protocols;

• Ability to work both independently and as a member of an archaeological field crew

• Capacity to collect and maintain field data in an organized manner that is easily understood and accessible to other resources staff (GBI or NPS);

• Experience completing archaeological site forms (or portions of site forms) and/or entering site form data into database programs;

• Ability to utilize ArcGIS software to build maps, organize and manage data, and manipulate data layers;

• Experience operating hand-held GPS equipment for navigation and electronic field data collection; experience post-processing field data, a plus;

• Ability to read and interpret topographical maps and navigate using a compass;

• Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license with ability to safely operate and maintain a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads;

• Ability to work productively and cooperatively as part of a team focused on accomplishing mutual goals and communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience;

• Possess good organizational skills and be detail oriented; and

• Ability 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 with Resource Advising on wildland fires is desirable but not required. Possibility of red carding staff with prior wildland fire experience as Administratively Determined hires