Senior Archaeologist | Virgin Islands State Historic Preservation Office

Job Posting

Salary: $60,000.00 Annually

Location: St. Thomas/ St. John, VI

Job Type: Exempt

Job Number: 201904454

Department: Department of Planning & Natural Resources- STT

Opening Date: 10/15/2024

Closing Date: 11/20/2024 11:59 PM Atlantic (Canada)

Description

This position involves professional work conducting archaeological consultation, analysis, research, and interpretation. The position has territorial responsibility.

An individual in this position will be responsible for administering the Archaeology Program on behalf of the Virgin Islands State Historic Preservation Office, coordinating with developers and government agencies regarding compliance requirements; reviewing cultural resource surveys as required by Federal and Territorial Antiquities legislation; and for working alongside specialists to address archaeological and historic preservation needs in the United States Virgin Islands. The Senior Archaeologist also provides guidance relating to the identification, documentation, and protection of archaeological resources and works with citizens to resolve potentially conflicting concerns between development, scientific research, and respectful treatment of archaeological sites and resources. The Senior Archaeologist will be expected to participate in educational outreach programs and conduct onsite assessments for government sites when necessary.

Duties and Responsibilities

• The Senior Archaeologist's duties and responsibilities include the investigation of impacts to archaeological resources and response to questions for technical and administrative assistance from Federal and Territorial agencies.
• The territorial responsibilities are enumerated in the Virgin Islands Code under Title 29, Chapter 17 Antiquities and Cultural Properties Act and include the issuance of permits for archaeological and paleontological work on nonfederal lands in the territory.
• Also, under territorial law, the Senior Archaeologist responds to the discovery of unmarked human burials.
• The federal responsibilities are enumerated in the Code of Federal Regulations under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) [16 U.S.C. § 470f] and its implementing regulations, "Protection of Historic Properties" [36 CFR part 800].
• Conducts reviews of archaeological projects, salvage and exploration contracts carried out by others.
• Preparation of scientific reports including maps and illustrations describing survey and excavations.
• May be called to conduct some limited archaeological investigations on government owned property.
• Collects, sorts, describes and photographs archaeological materials.
• Analyzes materials recovered from salvaged and excavation projects.
• Analyzes known archaeological sites for geographical, environmental and cultural descriptions of remains.
• Performs other related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

The applicant must meet the Professional Qualification standards as set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations, 36 CFR Part 61.

The applicant should have a graduate degree in archaeology, anthropology, or closely related field, plus:

• At least one year of full-time professional experience or equivalent specialized training in archaeological research, administration or management.
• At least four months of supervised field and analytic experience in general Caribbean, Central, South and North American archaeology.
• Demonstrated ability to carry research to completion.
• At least one year of full-time professional experience at a supervisory level in the study of archaeological resources of the prehistoric period or in the study of archaeological resources of the historic period.
• Professional experience in conducting excavations in the Caribbean and the US Virgin Islands.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of cultural resource management; Virgin Islands Prehistory; Virgin Islands History; site preservation techniques; collections management; and managing archaeological records.
• Good communication skills and writing skills are a must.
• Willingness to multitask and coordinate effectively with other Virgin Islands Government and Federal Government agencies.

Position Factors

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of archaeological theory and techniques.
• Knowledge of characteristics of various archaeological artifacts, especially those of the Caribbean, Central and South America.
• Skill in using archaeological excavation equipment.
• Ability to conduct independent research and analyze data.
• Ability to identify and classify archaeological artifacts.
• Ability to prepare scientific research reports.
• Ability to conduct archaeological surveys.
• Ability to work with Geographical Information Systems (GIS) programs to map and analyze data related to archaeological surveys and sites.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality as it relates to sensitive archaeological resources and government operations.