What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Archaeologist position at Kent Conservation District?
SENIOR ARCHAEOLOGIST
NEW CASTLE CONSERVATION DISTRICT – DOVER, DE
*This is not a merit position. This is a contractual position with the opportunity to work long term.
SUMMARY STATEMENT
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), in cooperation with the New Castle Conservation District (NCCD), seeks to fill a Senior Archaeologist position. Candidates must be familiar with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), have experience with Section 106 compliance work, and general archaeological practices. Although the position is assigned to the State of Delaware’s Cultural Resources Unit in the Division of Parks & Recreation, the qualified candidate will also serve as a consultant on Section 106 projects for other Divisions within DNREC. The selected candidate will consult with the Delaware State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in all matters concerning Section 106 reviews for DNREC projects. The position will entail the completion of Phase I Archaeology Reports and assistance in planning and reviewing Phase II/III archaeology surveys and reports prepared by contractors. This position will also schedule, manage, and conduct fieldwork associated with Phase I archaeological projects on state property.
The selected candidate must be detail oriented and have excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong organizational skills, and must be proficient with databases. Candidates must provide documented work showing effective communication and collaboration with various and concurrent project teams and a variety of clients in the public and private sectors. Since this position will work out of the Delaware State Parks central office in Dover, it will involve travel throughout the State of Delaware.
JOB DUTIES AND QUALIFICATIONS
• Must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Standards for Archaeology to perform duties for NHPA Section 106 and NEPA compliance, pertaining especially to undertakings by natural resource-based state government agencies.
• Review, respond and consult on Section 106 requests from within DNREC. This includes providing scope of work, evaluating reports from contractors and fielding questions from vested parties.
• Assist with the maintenance and implementation of Section 106 and other cultural resource management reports & databases.
• Travel to field sites as needed to meet with DNREC staff, contractors, and other interested parties.
• Work with DNREC and SHPO GIS specialists to update and maintain archaeological site documentation electronically.
• When necessary, schedule, manage, and conduct fieldwork associated with Phase I archaeological projects.
• Assist the Chief of Cultural Resources as a technical resource/consultant regarding historic preservation practices.
• Supervise and manage any volunteer, intern, or temporary seasonal staff in accomplishing field, lab, or office work as appropriate.
REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
The ideal candidate will have at least the following education and experience:
• MA/MS in Archaeology, anthropology, or closely related field and, also meet, or exceed, the requirements the Archaeology under the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. (see https://www.nps.gov/history/local-law/arch_stnds_9.htm)
• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience with federal historic preservation laws, regulations, and policies.
• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience with Section 106 review.
• Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience with scheduling, managing, and conducting fieldwork associated with Phase I archaeological projects.
• Expert with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
• Working knowledge of GIS software (ArcMap 10.x or ArcGIS Pro) and other geospatial techniques as applied to cultural resource management.
• Ability to climb ladders, stoop, bend, lift; also, ability to walk on uneven, sandy, or muddy terrain is essential in all seasons.
• Possession of a valid Driver’s License (not suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The New Castle Conservation District does not provide sponsorship for holders of H-1B Visas.
