Historical Archaeologist

The Historical Archaeologist will provide professional and scientific expertise to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) on a full-time basis, and will be responsible for the following duties:

• Provides professional archaeological analysis and produces proposals for fieldwork utilizing a variety of materials associated with covered conflicts, including the Cold War, Vietnam War, Korean Conflict, and World War II.
• Serves as an expert in fundamental spatial concepts for assessing, visualizing, and managing data using software, such as ArcGIS, and GoogleEarthPro.
• Synthesizes various data sources – to include historical documentation, geospatial information, and archaeological reports to comprehensively inform field activities related to recovering the remains of service members from past conflicts.
• May deploy as directed to both foreign and domestic locations, which may include remote, isolated, and/or austere environments.

Critical Work Responsibilities:

• Follow DPAA policies and procedures to serve as a historical archaeologist to conduct research and draft reports to support case progression.
• Ensure accurate and comprehensive data is recorded in accordance with DPAA policies and procedures, and all reports meet DPAA standards.
• Provide comprehensive archaeological support for projects that may include a specific geographic or topical focus, such as battlefields, underwater cases, or foundational case research.
• Provide support for mission planning and future operations scope, to include geospatial and imagery analysis for case development.
• Comply with all DPAA requirements for reporting and coordinating all plans and results through all appropriate channels.
• Work directly and independently with clients.
• Completes recurring duties independently, but refers deviations, problems, or unfamiliar situations to the supervisor for assistance.
• Protects organization’s value by keeping information confidential.
• Follows all client policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned consistent with the position for which you were hired.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• M.A./M.S. or Ph.D. degree in archaeology, anthropology, or closely related field.
• Leadership background required with at least one year of full-time professional experience at the supervisory level in the study of archaeological resources.
• At least one year of full-time professional experience or equivalent specialized training in archaeological research, administration, or management.
• Comprehensive knowledge in designing, directing and supervising all phases of archaeological projects to include Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III archaeological processes, mapping methods and techniques.
• Demonstrated experience implementing multi-phase, complex archaeological projects with a geospatial component, such as battlefield archaeology.
• Ability to design and implement analyses of a variety of materials – to include historic records and past reporting – associated with DPAA’s mandate to identify mission service members from past conflicts, including the Cold War, Vietnam War, Korean Conflict, and World War II.
• At least four months of supervisory field and analytic experience in general archaeology.
• Comprehensive knowledge of remote-sensing, mapping, probing, coring, and test excavation methods/techniques.
• Expert in fundamental spatial concepts for assessing, visualizing, and managing data using software, such as ArcGIS and GoogleEarthPro.
• Comprehensive knowledge of best practices in forensic and archaeological laboratory analysis procedures.
• Expert knowledge of artifact and material evidence analysis to include identifying circumstantial and direct evidence supporting casualty identifications.
• Ability to write, implement, and follow standard operating procedures.
• Possess strong written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to successfully communicate complex information to a wide variety of audiences.
• Experience supporting and anticipating client needs and demonstrating problem-solving skills.
• Experience performing tasks under tight deadlines and managing shifting priorities.
• Possess strong attention to detail and excellent recordkeeping skills.
• Possess the ability to prioritize responsibilities, multi-task, and work well under pressure.
• Proficient in MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Demonstrated ability to carry research to completion.
• A demonstrated history of initiative and achievement.
• Able to work well independently as well as in a team environment.