Archeologist

Ducks Unlimited; Jackson (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Three weeks paid vacation

Paid sick leave

Ten paid holidays

401(k) plan with match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Ducks Unlimited is seeking a skilled archaeologist for a development role with the Great Lakes Atlantic Region NRCS Wetland Emphasis Team in Jackson, MO. The incumbent will support research, site identification, and contract documentation while traveling for multi-day field investigations.

Minimum qualifications include a Master’s in Archaeology/Anthropology and 3+ years of field and report writing experience, with strong communication and compliance capabilities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Archaeology or Anthropology plus relevant PI experience.
• 3+ years of field and report writing experience.
• Strong written and oral communication to coordinate inputs from clients, agencies, staff and subcontractors.
• Ability to support projects in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Able to pass all pre-hire screenings.
• Valid state vehicle operator’s license for field duties.

Responsibilities

• Research archaeological databases and records to identify potential sites.
• Assist in determining locations of major cultural resources across environments.
• Help assess proposed projects on state, tribal, and private lands for NRCS policy compliance.
• Develop technical cultural resource sections of contracts and related documents.
• Prepare findings reports and recommendations for NRCS and other agencies.
• Travel extensively for multi-day field investigations and overnight trips.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Organizational & records management

Legal/compliance knowledge

Client coordination

Education

Master’s degree in Archaeology or Anthropology

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

Great Lakes Atlantic Region: USDA NRCS Wetland Emphasis Team Office, Jackson, MO

Full-Time, Term Ducks Unlimited Position, September 2026 - 2027

(Position expected to be extended beyond 2027, funding dependent)

Application Deadline:

September 30th, 2026 (or until filled)

Position Overview:

In a developmental capacity, the incumbent assists in researching archaeological databases and other records systems to identify potential sites; assists in determining locations of major cultural resources in different environments and in adapting methodologies to address each. Assists in investigating proposed projects on State, tribal, and private lands to meet NRCS policy in compliance with State and Federal laws and assists in developing technical cultural resource sections of contracts, environmental and agreement documents, and other instruments of agency intent in the State. Incumbent prepares reports of findings and recommendations for NRCS and other agencies as requested. Attends regular staff meetings. Maintains accurate daily records of time distribution and work accomplishments and summarizes this information each pay period. Performs other related duties as assigned. The incumbent will be expected to travel extensively to conduct multi-day field investigations. Will usually be in overnight traveling status over 11 days a month. Significant time will be dedicated to working with field office staff to develop conservation plans.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A master’s degree in Archaeology or Anthropology and possess relevant experience as a principal investigator.
• 3 plus years of relevant field and report writing experience.
• Quality communication skills, both written and oral, are required as this position coordinates project input from clients, agencies, staff and subcontractors.
• Demonstrated ability to support projects in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Must be able to pass all pre-hire screenings.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator’s license for the type of vehicle(s) operated to perform the duties of this position. This will require the operation of a motor vehicle on both public and private roads during daylight hours and occasionally after dark.

• A master’s degree in Archaeology or Anthropology and possess relevant experience as a principal investigator.
• CRM project management experience.
• 3 plus years of relevant field and report writing experience.
• Quality communication skills, both written and oral, are required as this position coordinates project input from clients, agencies, staff and subcontractors.
• Demonstrated ability to support projects in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Must be able to pass all pre-hire screenings.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator’s license for the type of vehicle(s) operated to perform the duties of this position. This will require the operation of a motor vehicle on both public and private roads during daylight hours and occasionally after dark.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 3+ years of supervisory experience encompassing time in field, laboratory, and office.
• Expertise in state and federal laws and guidelines governing cultural resources management.
• The incumbent is responsible for knowing and supporting equal opportunity and civil rights policies, performing assigned duties in full compliance with the letter and spirit of equal opportunity and civil rights laws and regulations.
• Exceptional organizational and record keeping skills are imperative to successfully manage multiple archaeological projects concurrently.
• Satisfying client requirements and maintaining professional and company standards and ethics is critical to this position.
• Assuring bias free written and oral communications.
• Respecting and valuing differences of other employees and clients.
• Experience with a broad range of cultural resource projects.
• Meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s professional qualifications standards for archaeology and be an RPA or be eligible to become an RPA is highly desired.
• Performs duties in a supportive manner of a safe and healthy work environment.
• The incumbent exercises caution and maintains all safety requirements when exposed to dangerous objects, chemicals, and extreme temperatures.
• As appropriate, preparing for career advancement opportunities.

Benefits/Pay:

Starting salary ranges from $65,000 - $95,000 per year, and will be based on experience and education. DU offers an exceptional benefit package, including comprehensive group medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance, including spouse and dependent coverage; three weeks paid vacation, paid sick leave, and ten paid holidays; 401(k) plan (including partial employer match); and tuition reimbursement.

DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERIt is the policy of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to afford equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, military status, disability, age, or genetic information, except where age or gender is a bona fide occupational qualification as allowed by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It is the policy of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to afford equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 or over), disability (physical, mental or visual), genetic information, marital status (including registered domestic partnership status), military and veteran status, immigration status, or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.