Archeologist (Temporary)

National Park Service; California (MO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing may be available

Job summary

National Park Service in Yosemite National Park is seeking qualified applicants for multiple temporary seasonal positions (GS-07/GS-09) not to exceed one year with possible extension. Open to the first 100 applicants or until 08/31/2026, whichever comes first.

Housing may be available and appointments are in the Resources Management and Science Division, with duties spanning archeology, cultural resources, and related GIS work in backcountry and park settings.

Responsibilities

• Assist with geospatial information to inform cultural resource investigations and park planning.
• Support fieldwork including archeological surveys, site monitoring, and data collection in diverse park terrains.
• Prepare reports, CRIS/database entries, and GIS data for review and archiving.

Job description

Open: August 17, 2026 — Closes: August 31, 2026

Summary

These positions are located in Yosemite National Park, in the Resources Management and Science Division. Positions are Full-time temporary appointments not-to-exceed one year with potential to be extended for an additional one year for a maximum of two years based on agency needs and potential funding. Housing maybe available. Open to the first 100 applicants or until 08/31/2026 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.

Major Duties

Up to three GS-07 and one GS-09 positions are being filled. There is no promotion potential for the GS-07 positions. Yosemite National Park is recruiting for TEMPORARY seasonal positions not to exceed 1 year. Some of the duties you will perform will include, but are not limited to. GS-07 duties include: Use Geospatial Information to inform future scientific investigations and improve the understanding of cultural resources in the park. Collaborate with and support teams focused on major seasonal projects in archeology (eg., construction monitoring, wilderness restoration, Fire, Forestry) in order to strengthen resource stewardship across the park. Support compliance with NHPA, ARPA, NAGPRA, and other cultural resource law and policy; gain experience needed to conduct project reviews, serve on Interdisciplinary Teams, complete backlog project reporting. Conduct field projects, including pedestrian inventory, archeological evaluation, resource advising to other teams, and archeological site monitoring in front and back country locations. Archeological field work often includes walking over uneven terrain, covering up to 10 miles per day; repetitive twisting, bending; lifting up to 40 pounds; physical exertion in extreme weather conditions. GS-09 Duties include. Participates in, and conducts independently, a variety of archeological and cultural resource tasks including pre-fieldwork research, consultation, survey, reconnaissance, monitoring, test excavation, data recovery excavation, analysis and reporting. Provides professional and technical assistance in a variety of areas related to or impacted by the archeology function, including National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106 compliance, clearance and planning, archeological assessments, evaluations, and field inspections. Prepares the following types of documentation including, but not limited to: Archeological Small Project Reports, Cultural Resource inventory Systems (CRIS), and site forms. Drafts correspondence and complete archeological project packages for consultation. Maintains databases, forms, maps and files with project information. Enters archeological artifact and project data including artifact information, catalog records, field notes, site records and GIS information into automated systems. Physical Demands: The work is partially sedentary with prolonged standing, walking and bending often required. Heavy items such as backpacks weighing 40-50lbs must be lifted and carried on a regular basis. Backcountry operations may require hiking with a full pack for 10 or more miles in a day, sometimes across off-trail areas. Archeological survey work may be carried out in steep, isolated terrain. You must be able to hike on rough, obscure trails, and be able to navigate cross-country using a map and compass. Excavations may require strenuous physical exertion and heavy lifting. Working Conditions: Approximately 60-75% of the work is performed in the office. Survey, testing, excavation, and monitoring work is performed in park areas, often these are located in the backcountry. You may be required to work independently to complete fieldwork projects in isolated and rugged areas. You must be familiar with outdoor safety and survival skills and must be able to operate a vehicle on rough roads. Backcountry operations are usually limited to the summer season, although fieldwork may occur year-round and limited backcountry operations may be required at any time of the year. You must be able to operate effectively in the backcountry for extended periods (7-10 days). Project areas vary from heavily forested river valleys to steep subalpine and alpine landscapes; therefore, you need to be knowledgeable about the hazards of working in each setting. The Cascades Mountains are known for their rapidly changing weather conditions. You need to be able to operate effectively in a variety of less than optimum weather conditions. For more information about this park, please visit Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service).