Archaeologist I (SS-49168)

Confederated Tribes Of The Colville Reservation; Nespelem (WA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Life insurance

401k with employer contributions

Short/Long-term disability

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Annual leave

Job summary

Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in Nespelem, WA seeks an Archaeologist I to support CRM tasks. The role covers field surveys, evaluations, and mitigation activities across projects, with documentation from fieldwork to reporting.

The position requires GPS/GIS data handling, site documentation, and potential supervision of staff. Occasional travel and outdoor work are expected; a valid driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• BA in Anthropology, Archaeology, American History, or Native American Studies with focus in archaeology.
• 24 months of archaeological field work with 6 months as crew chief.
• Valid state driver’s license and eligibility for Tribes vehicle insurance.
• Knowledge of GIS/GPS and Microsoft Office; experience with ArcGIS/ArcView preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct archaeological fieldwork (survey/inventory, evaluative testing, mitigation) on CRM projects.
• Document sites from fieldwork through report preparation.
• Lead or assist in training staff on field procedures and methodologies.
• Prepare graphics and support reports; assist with database maintenance.

Education

BA in Anthropology/Archaeology/History with archaeology focus

24 months field work with 6 months as crew chief

Valid State Driver’s license

GIS/GPS and Microsoft Office proficiency

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Nespelem - Nespelem, WA, Salary Range: $25.27 - $29.29Hourly, CLOSING DATE:November 20th, 2026

Position

Archaeologist I

Basic Functions

This is a Non-Exempt position. Archaeologist I is a professional level position in the History/Archaeology Program. This position is complex and deals with a variety of Cultural Resource Management (CRM) tasks. The incumbent participates on crews conducting archaeological fieldwork (i.e., survey/inventory, evaluative testing, and mitigation/treatment activities) on a project-by-project basis conducting all aspects of cultural resource investigations. The Incumbent will assist with or conduct the documentation of archaeological sites from beginning through report preparation following field work. The Archaeologist I may serve as Crew Chief on specified projects and be required to supervise or assist in the training of less experienced staff in field procedures and methodologies. The incumbent reviews and conducts standard archaeological Global Position System (GPS) duties and Geographic Information System (GIS) manipulation. The Archaeologist I may assist with gathering, compiling, evaluating and analyzing relevant feature attribute data and provides graphic support for reports for various projects and assists with data base maintenance. [All work dependent on federally funded contracts with no guarantees of continuous employment].

Benefits

• We have excellent benefits including full Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, 401k with employer contributions, Short-and Long- Term disability for Full-Time employees.
• Generous leave package includes paid holidays, sick leave, and annual leave for Full-Time and Part-Time employees.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Training

• Requires a BA in Anthropology, or Archaeology, or American History, or Native American Studies with a focus in archaeology, AND, 24 months of experience in archaeological field work w/ 6 months as a crew chief. Exceptional work experience can substitute for some education.
• Required to have a valid State Driver’s license and be eligible for the Tribes vehicle insurance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Requires to be willing to become a certified boat operator for reservoir fieldwork.
• Requires to have an active understanding of anthropological ethics, including an ability to respect and support the sovereignty of the Colville Confederated Tribes.
• Requires to be comfortable in the presence of human remains.
• Requires to be able to give professional and public presentations in support of project work.
• Requires to have a history of good work attendance, punctuality and have reliable transportation.
• Requires to be willing to work non-standard work schedules (e.g., 10 days on, 4 days off).
• Requires to be able to perform a variety of outdoor work in inclement weather and rugged field situations.
• Requires to be able to lift at least 40 pounds.
• Requires to be able to travel out-of-the area for overnight stays as dictated by the fieldwork and/or meetings.
• Requires to have demonstrated organizational skills.
• Requires to be able to demonstrate knowledge in the geography of the Upper Columbia River Plateau.
• Requires to have experience using hand tools (shovels, trowels, hatchet, and clippers).
• Requires to have knowledge and ability to utilize Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and Access and computer graphics.
• Requires to have the experience conducting background research.
• Requires to be familiar with the process of implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act as described in 36CFR800.
• Requires to adhere to strict Confidentiality.
• Requires knowledge in Metadata development and maintenance.
• Requires knowledge of ArcView or ArcGIS command language and system architecture.
• Requires knowledge and demonstrated skill in cartographic production.
• Requires knowledge of history and language of the CCT, including an understanding of the twelve Tribes comprising the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.
• Requires knowledge of other cultural resources laws and regulations, i.e., NEPA, ARPA, NAGPRA and AIRFA.
• Requires knowledge and familiarity of CRM contracting, i.e., writing, implementing contract SOWs, budgets, and maintaining project administrative paperwork preferred.
• Requires working experience with native cultures, tribal sovereignty, and tribal government structure and protocol.
• Requires the ability to understand and be able to represent the cultural resource interests of the CCT when needed or when interacting with other professionals and researchers.
• Requires the ability to camp out as necessary.
• Requires the ability to work independently.
• Requires the ability to multi-task and perform tasks in a timely manner and meet deadlines.
• Requires the ability to acquire appropriate fieldwork attire (hat, gloves, works boots, etc.).
• Requires the ability to get along with co-workers, elders, and take direction from supervisors.
• Requires the ability to apply professional work standards at all times.
• Requires the ability to take clear and concise notes.
• Requires the ability to maintain good judgement and common sense.
• Requires the ability to write and produce technical reports to professional standards, including knowledge of appropriate writing style, layout, citation procedures, map preparation, and preparation of final and published documents.
• Requires the ability to read and interpret aerial photographs, maps, and charts of different scales and projections.

Notes

Note: Pursuant to Tribal Policy, if this position is safety sensitive it is subject to pre-employment drug testing. In addition, this position is subject to reasonable suspicion and post-accident drug testing.

TRIBAL MEMBER AND INDIAN PREFERENCE WILL APPLY; PREFERENCE WILL ALSO BE GIVEN TO HONORABLY DISCHARGED VETERANS WHO ARE MINIMALLY QUALIFIED.

If required of this position, you must possess and maintain avalid Washington State driver’s license and be eligible for the Tribes’ Vehicle Insurance. In addition, this position may be subject to pre-employment background clearances. If applicable, these clearances must be maintained throughout employment.

Contact Information

Information: Shayla Schilling, Human Resources Technician Senior, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Human Resources Office, P.O. Box 150, Nespelem, WA 99155, [phone]. [e-mail]