THC - Manager of Archeological Development (Archeologist III)

JOB OBJECTIVE: Under the direction of the Historic Sites Chief Archeologist, this position will perform advanced (senior-level) archeological research, cultural resource management, and development of archeological programs for the Levi Jordan and Varner-Hogg Plantations State Historic Sites (SHS) of the Texas Historical Commission (THC). Work involves overseeing the archeological and preservation planning for the historic Levi Jordan and Varner-Hogg Plantations; development and implementation of a Public Archeology program for the sites where members of the public will be invited to participate in archeological investigations; coordinating and assisting with the processing and analysis of artifact collections; and reporting on the results of investigations at the sites. Position also assists the Chief Archeologist with compliance projects as needed at the other state historic sites managed by the THC. This position supervises the Archeology Laboratory Technician at Levi Jordan. The Manager of Archeological Development works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for use of initiative and independent judgment.

This position will contribute to planning and evaluation related to overall site operations including, but not limited to public programming development and implementation, creation and distribution of online content and social media, retail product development, and budgeting and allocation of resources to accomplish site goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Develop and implement a Public Archeology program for the Levi Jordan and Varner-Hogg Plantations SHS.

2. In coordination with the Chief Archeologist, develop an Archeological Master Plan for both sites.

3. Coordinate all archeological activities and related research associated with the sites to ensure consistency and efficiency in execution.

4. Conduct archeological site evaluations and investigations related to Levi Jordan and Varner-Hogg Plantations SHS.

5. Plan and execute archeological research designs.

6. Plan, develop, recommend, and implement guidelines, policies, and procedures related to the protection of cultural and historic resources at the sites.

7. Review plans for construction projects that require archeological resource protection.

8. Monitor and inspect archeological investigations, testing programs, or preservation and stabilization projects.

9. Work closely with and supervise volunteers to conduct research projects; provide related training to staff, students, and volunteers in excavation methods.

10. Coordinate inter-agency and intra-agency archeological projects.

11. Report on the results of archeological investigations and other agency activities in technical, popular, and web‑based formats.

12. Assist with the planning and execution of public events hosted at the Levi Jordan and Varner-Hogg Plantations SHS, including events that may not have an exclusive archeological focus.

13. Contribute to public program offerings at the SHS through the development and delivery of content.

14. Advise the public about rules/regulations and compliance issues relating to the Antiquities Code of Texas.

15. Provide public outreach activities, including assisting with the management of the Texas Archeology Month program hosted at the sites, coordination with THC archeological stewards, and the promotion of archeological preservation to area landowners and the public.

16. Make public outreach presentations in support of Levi Jordan and Varner-Hogg Plantations SHS.

17. Work with agency staff to develop and distribute web-based information concerning archeological preservation as it relates to Levi Jordan and Varner-Hogg Plantations.

18. Direct the work of volunteers and interns on special projects.

19. Adhere to established work schedule with regular attendance.

20. Follow all THC safety guidelines, procedures, and ethics requirements.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

21. Perform other duties as assigned related to site operations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree or higher in anthropology or archeology;

• Minimum of four years of increasingly responsible experience in archeological field investigations, laboratory analysis, comprehensive technical report writing, and cultural resources management;

• Experience making public presentations;

• Experience using Arc-GIS;

• Meet professional qualifications and be eligible to hold an Antiquities Permit issued by the Texas Historical Commission;

• The position requires travel up to 20% of the work period.

PREFER:

• Work experience in historic archeology;

• Work experience in plantation-era archeology; and/or

• Work experience in African American archeology.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of state laws and rules such as the Antiquities Code of Texas and Chapter 711 of the Health & Safety Code of Texas, pertaining to cemeteries;

• Knowledge of archeological field investigations, laboratory analysis, technical report writing, and Arc-GIS experience;

• Knowledge of prehistoric and historic Texas archeology;

• Skill in providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers;

• Skill in operating a personal computer with word processing, database, and spreadsheet software;

• Ability to interact with the public, avocational archeologists, and owners of archeological sites;

• Ability to analyze problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend effective solutions;

• Ability to process information in a logical manner and to assess validity;

• Ability to develop PowerPoint presentations for a wide variety of programs for internal and external audiences;

• Ability to work in a setting requiring self-motivation/cooperative decision-making and to work effectively with diverse groups of people;

• Ability to prepare clear and concise correspondence and reports;

• Ability to recruit, train and supervise volunteers;

• Ability to analyze and synthesize archeological field results to produce archeological reports and peer-reviewed articles;

• Ability to plan and organize research projects and fieldwork and to oversee and/or supervise the work of others;

• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining attention to detail;

• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment;

• Ability to adapt successfully and quickly to change and deliver quality results in a timely manner;

• Ability to plan, organize and work independently, as well as within a team environment;

• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion; and

• Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, OR LICENSURE:

Must have or obtain a valid Driver’s License and complete a Defensive Driving Course to be able to operate state vehicles.

ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL CONDITIONS: The Levi Jordan and Varner-Hogg Plantations SHS includes approximately 400 acres of land and historic buildings used for program and administrative support. Generally, the Manager of Archeological Development will conduct duties in a normal office work environment within a state-of-the art archeological laboratory facility. Exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact should be expected. Work conditions will often involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping, and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds. Excavation, cultural resource assessment, and related work will frequently take place outdoors in an environment that can be extremely hot and humid and that is subject to the discomforts of the southeast Texas region, including insects. Must be able to work extended periods at a computer and may be required to work extended hours, some evenings, and weekends. May involve occasional overnight travel.

REMARKS (Application procedures, Special requirements): A State of Texas application must be submitted through the CAPPS website. Only applicants interviewed will be notified of their selection or non-selection. Resumes will NOT be accepted in place of a completed application.

The Texas Historical Commission is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, age, or disability in recruitment, selection, appointment, training, promotion, retention, or any other personnel action or deny any benefits or participation in programs or activities which it sponsors.

Section 651.005 of the Government Code requires males, ages 18 through 25, to provide proof of their Selective Service registration or of their exemption from the requirement as a condition of State employment.

As part of the employment process, the Texas Historical Commission will conduct a driving and criminal background check. Unsatisfactory information relevant to the position may disqualify the applicant from employment.

Disability access for testing and interview accommodations can be provided upon reasonable notice by contacting Human Resources at 512-305-6729.

The Texas Historical Commission participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at:

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_LibraryandRecords.pdf

Veterans: Go to www.texasskillstowork.com for assistance with translating your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets.

For New Hires/Rehires: Health insurance is available the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER