Development Assessment Archaeologist - Klondike Region

Government of Yukon; Whitehorse; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading territorial government in Yukon is seeking a collaborative team member to support archaeological resource management. The role requires conducting fieldwork, reviewing development proposals, and providing heritage management recommendations in alignment with relevant legislation. The ideal candidate should have a Master's degree in archaeology and experience in both office and field settings. This is a two-year term position, based in Whitehorse with potential travel requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience conducting office-based and field-based archaeological assessments.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders.
• Training in using ESRI ArcGIS software.

Responsibilities

• Support archaeological resource management as part of fieldwork.
• Review development proposals and provide resource management recommendations.
• Plan for Yukon government projects across various sectors.

Skills

Strong knowledge of Yukon archaeology

Skilled in archaeological fieldwork

Excellent interpersonal skills

Strong analytical abilities

Education

Master’s degree in archaeology

Tools

ESRI ArcGIS software

Job description

Job Summary And Requirements

This is for a two-year term position, working 75 hours biweekly.

At Tourism and Culture, we are a dynamic team of professionals dedicated to promoting and preserving Yukon’s rich tourism, arts, heritage, and cultural sectors. We take pride in the beauty of our land, the character of our people, and the uniqueness of our history. Together, we work to make Yukon the place the world wants to be.

The Cultural Services Branch (CSB) is seeking a collaborative team member to support archaeological resource management. This role contributes to fulfilling Yukon Government’s obligations under the Historic Resources Act, First Nations Final Agreements, and the Umbrella Final Agreement through field-based research, assessments, and monitoring of archaeological sites.

Under the direction of the Yukon Archaeologist and in collaboration with the Archaeology Program and CSB staff, the incumbent will work in fieldwork alongside a diverse range of stakeholders, including local communities, industry representatives, First Nations, and other government resource managers. The role involves reviewing development proposals submitted to the Yukon government, including YESAA applications, Class 1 mining notifications, and other land-based initiatives, as well as providing heritage resource management recommendations to mitigate impacts on heritage assets in alignment with relevant legislation. Additionally, the incumbent will support planning efforts for Yukon government projects across sectors including infrastructure, forestry, and oil and gas, ensuring that heritage values are managed appropriately. A key focus of this position will be on placer mining activities, primarily in the Klondike region.

For more information about this position, please contact Ty Heffner, Yukon Archaeologist, at [e-mail].

For more information about the recruitment process, please contact Kristen Mintz, Human Resources Consultant, at [e-mail].

Please do not email resumes to the email address above; resumes may only be accepted through the E-Recruitment application system. To create your E-Recruitment account, click here.

Essential Qualifications

• Master’s degree with a specialization in archaeology or an equivalent amount of education and experience as required to be eligible to hold a Class 2 Archaeological Sites Regulation Permit in Yukon (click here for more information);
• Experience conducting both office-based and field-based archaeological assessments in Yukon;
• Experience working in collaboration with multiple stakeholders;
• Training or relevant experience using ESRI ArcGIS software.

Candidates who have education, training, and/or experience equivalent to the essential qualifications listed above will be equally considered.

Before applying, you may want to refer to our sample resume to assist you in submitting your application.

Desired Knowledge, Skills and Suitability

• Strong knowledge of Yukon archaeology, history, and relevant legislation (YESAA, Final Agreements, Historic Resources Act);
• Skilled in archaeological fieldwork (survey, excavation, mapping) and office/lab tasks (assessments, reporting, cataloguing);
• Strategic thinker with ability to align short- and long-term goals;
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills;
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable under pressure;
• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities.

Additional Information

Conditions of Employment:

• Valid Class 5 Yukon Driver’s License.

Job Requirements

• Travel within and outside Yukon by ground and air;
• Hike over rough terrain and carry up to 30 lbs;
• Work in remote field camps for extended periods;
• Participate in ongoing safety training;
• Regular travel to Dawson City with stays of up to 3 weeks in the summer season.
• Relocation expenses will not be provided for this position.

Why Join the Yukon Government?

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Eligibility List: 12 months