Realty Specialist Archaeology Technician

Job Summary: Position exists to comply with historic preservation laws and regulations for Realty land management actions by assisting in archaeological field work, analysis of data, and report preparation. The position fulfills the requirements of the TCC Realty Compact to inventory historic properties on Native allotments and restricted townsites, and to conduct data recovery at significant sites, under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Specifically, job incumbent conducts field inventories, and assists in archaeological mitigation projects as required by Bureau of Indian Affairs agreement documents for Realty undertakings administered by TCC. The incumbent also assists in curating collections, performing analysis, and managing field records and lab data. The incumbent coordinates historic preservation work with allottees, TCC archaeologists, Tribal members and other TCC programs. Adhere to the TCC Ch’eghwtsen’ model of service and guiding principle which requires providing timely and effective service along with the ability to interact with others in a way that inspires trust and demonstrates respect, compassion and empathy, Essential Functions: Under the direct supervision of the Senior Archaeologist, job incumbent:

1. Contributes to archaeological and cultural resources inventories and data recovery projects pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

2. Aids in fulfilling information needs, literature review, field survey, excavation, documentation, collection management, archaeological analysis, and report preparation.

3. Participates in archaeological fieldwork at the discretion of the Senior Archaeologist and other permanent archaeological staff. Fieldwork requires logistics planning, organizing camp and archaeological equipment, provisioning, ensuring that adequate supplies are available, and maintaining safety standards.

4. Responds to instructions from the Senior Archaeologist and other permanent archaeological staff for maintaining archaeological methodology, procedures, documentation, and data recording according to Federal standards and guidelines.

5. Coordinates with other Realty staff, TCC programs, Village and Tribal entities, and individual clients as instructed.

Other Responsibilities:

1. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

1. Bachelors Degree in Anthropology with an emphasis in Archeology.

2. Knowledge of archaeological literature and field methods in Interior Alaska, academic training in archaeological survey and excavation methods, previous experience in cultural resources management in Interior Alaska,

3. Ability to: classify and describe artifacts, archaeological features, and other culturally modified items; to understand culture history and current archaeological research; to describe archaeological stratigraphy, including soils and sediments; to describe site contexts including local vegetation and landforms.

4. Ability to: work with USGS topographic maps and aerial photographs; to draw site maps, stratigraphic profiles, features, and artifacts; and to operate field mapping equipment.

5. Computer skills needed to effectively use: create professional grade documents using MS-Word, perform data management using MS-Excel and MS-Access, and to perform archaeological analysis using ARCGIS and Rockware.

6. Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills. Technical writing experience, understanding of Alaska Native cultures, and experience with youth groups preferred.

7. Ability to operate effectively from remote field camps without permanent infrastructure or amenities. Incumbent should have or be able to acquire wilderness living skills, fire-arms training, and mechanical skills to operate field equipment.

Supervision: This position has no supervisory responsibilities., Frequent Village and Bush travel required during summer months via automobiles, river boats, and aircraft. Job incumbent must be able to lift and carry up to thirty pounds of field gear while walking throughout forested terrain. Work involves regular and recurring exposure to adverse field conditions including rain, wind, cold, and biting insects. Bush assignments may expose incumbent to harsh environmental conditions including but not limited to lack of running water and other utilities, limited cooking facilities, and rigorous labor. Survey entails walking through forested and boggy terrain carrying a backpack and archaeological equipment. Excavation requires performing precise manual tasks while standing, stooping and kneeling. The incumbent is expected to improvise to cope with these situations.