Individual Placement - Archaeology Crew Lead

Position Summary 

This position is located on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland (ARP), a unit of the U.S. Forest Service. The successful candidate will perform cultural resources-related work under the supervision of the ARP Heritage Program Zone Archaeologists. The position requires experience conducting archaeological fieldwork, including field survey and site recording, and proficiency using a compass and GPS. GIS experience is desired but not required.

 

Location 

Idaho Springs, CO

 

Schedule 

May 18, 2026 - October 31, 2026

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) requires federal agencies to take into account the effects of their projects on historic properties either listed in or eligible to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The goal of the Section 106 review process is to seek ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effects to historic properties.

 

The Selected Candidate will lead an archaeological field crew for cultural resource inventories on projects ranging from small-to-large acreage. The Candidate will lead cultural resource inventories across a variety of terrain, identifying and recording historic and prehistoric archaeological sites and should have previous field experience, including a knowledge of archaeological site types, site recordation, experience identifying artifacts, and proficiency with mapping and orienteering. In addition, the Candidate will assist with historic research and the preparation of site forms and reports to document findings. Above all, a willingness to learn and adapt to a variety of projects and terrain types is necessary. A familiarity with ESRI ArcGIS Software (ArcPro and AGOL) is preferred but not required.

 

Marginal Duties 

May engage in interpretation and historic preservation projects for historic properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places, assist with outreach groups, and occasionally assist with other program areas on the Forest.

 

Required Qualifications 

• Completed field school and holds a Bachelor’s degree in anthropology/archaeology (or related field); OR One year of technical archaeological work experience equivalent to the GS-6 level; OR A combination of technical archaeological work experience and education that provided equivalent knowledge or training as above.
• Must be able to complete strenuous field work, carry heavy loads over rugged terrain, and work in hot, dry conditions or inclement weather.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to drive 4x4 trucks on forest roads.
• Must be able to work with other people on a crew and under the direction of USFS staff.

 

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Section 106 Compliance work (Cultural Resource Management) experience
• GIS experience
• Both desired but not required. On-the-job training will be provided.

 

Hours 

40 per week

 

Living Accommodations 

Government housing may be available. The position is located in Idaho Springs, Colorado, where there are additional housing options. Rates vary across Districts, and a $400 monthly housing allowance is provided to offset a portion of this cost.

 

Compensation  

• Living Allowance – $750/week
• One-time Travel Allowance – $1,500
• Housing Allowance - $400/month
• Federal Holidays Off

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

 

Personal Vehicle Information

Not needed

 

Additional Benefits 

• Defensive Driving Training