Archeologist (Temporary)

National Park Service; Colorado; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

National Park Service is seeking an Archeologist (Temporary) at Mesa Verde National Park to conduct surveys, fieldwork, and documentation in support of cultural resource management and compliance. The position involves preparing professional reports and monitoring ground-disturbing activities under applicable laws.

Open to the first 100 applicants or until August 28, 2026, with consideration for all applications submitted by 11:59 PM EST on the closing day.

Qualifications

• Experience conducting archeological surveys and investigations.
• Ability to prepare professional-quality archeological documentation and reports.
• Familiarity with GIS/ArcGIS Pro and archival research is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct archeological surveys, testing, and investigations to identify and evaluate cultural resources and support compliance with cultural resource laws.
• Perform field work including collecting geospatial data.
• Prepare professional documentation and technical reports meeting standards of the Department of the Interior and SHPO.
• Document archeological sites using SHPO forms and evaluate eligibility for NRHP listing.
• Monitor construction and other ground-disturbing activities to identify and document resources and recommend mitigation measures.
• Maintain archeological records, GIS databases, and digital records to support management and compliance.
• Review park projects for potential impacts and provide technical recommendations to avoid or mitigate adverse effects.
• Maintain planning records in the PEPC system and support Section 106 and environmental review processes.

Job description

Open: August 21, 2026 — Closes: August 28, 2026

Summary

You will serve as a Archeologist (Temporary) Mesa Verde National Park. This position is located within the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Intermountain Region, Div of Research & Ruins Stab Open to the first 100 applicants or until 08/28/2026 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.

Major Duties

• Conduct archeological surveys, testing, and investigations to identify and evaluate cultural resources and support compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act, Archeological Resources Protection Act, and other applicable cultural resource laws and policies.
• Field work includes collecting geospatial data.
• Prepare professional-quality archeological documentation and technical reports that meet the standards of the Secretary of the Interior, the National Park Service, and the Colorado State Historic Preservation Office.
• Responsibilities include conducting archival and background research, developing historic contexts, documenting archeological sites on the appropriate Colorado SHPO forms, evaluating eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, preparing maps and spatial data using ArcGIS Pro, and producing clear, technically accurate reports.
• Conduct archeological monitoring of construction, maintenance, and other ground-disturbing activities to identify and document cultural resources, evaluate discoveries for NRHP eligibility, recommend measures to avoid or minimize adverse effects, and prepare monitoring reports.
• Maintain archeological records, geospatial data, and cultural resource information systems including site files, GIS databases, digital records, and other documentation to support cultural resource management, planning, research, and compliance activities.
• Assist in reviewing proposed park projects and planning documents for potential impacts to cultural resources and provide technical recommendations to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects.
• Maintain cultural resource compliance documentation using the Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) system, including preparing project records, tracking compliance milestones, maintaining administrative records, and supporting Section 106 consultation and environmental review processes.