City Archaeologist

City of Mesa; Chandler (AZ); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a City Archaeologist to lead archaeological reviews and ensure compliance with preservation laws. This role involves generating reports, consulting with community groups, and providing guidance to city staff on development projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in archaeology and historic preservation, with the ability to work independently and resolve complex issues. Join a collaborative environment where your expertise will help protect cultural resources and promote positive relations with local tribes and agencies. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in the field of archaeology and historic preservation.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of professional archaeological experience required.
• Broad knowledge of archaeology and historic preservation principles.

Responsibilities

• Perform archaeological reviews for potential site developments.
• Provide technical guidance to City staff on development projects.

Skills

Archaeological Review

Historic Preservation

Technical Guidance

Community Consultation

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Archaeology

Master's Degree in Archaeology

Job description

First review of applications will be Monday, April 7, 2025.

The City Archaeologist is responsible for performing professional archaeology review, consultation, and analysis work for the City to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations. This position supervises the City’s Historic Preservation Officer (HPO) and coordinates with them on historic preservation for new project developments, which includes but is not limited to:

1. Generating archaeological impact reports for proposed sites;
2. Submitting reports on behalf of the City’s Historic Preservation Office for required reviews in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966;
3. Considering any issues and potential disturbances identified through consultation with community groups.

The City Archaeologist performs archaeological reviews for all potential site developments on City property, which includes reviewing and updating procedures and coordinating with the State Historic Preservation Office to ensure compliance with programmatic agreements with the City and State HPO, state regulations, tribal entities, and other stakeholders. Duties also include:

1. Providing technical and policy guidance to City staff throughout the duration of development projects;
2. Serving as a liaison between neighboring governing agencies and tribes related to archaeological sites and working to promote positive relations and collaboration;
3. Providing general assistance to private developers and the public by handling all inquiries related to archaeological review requests, questions, and concerns.

Along with the City’s HPO, the City Archaeologist is responsible for ensuring that the City remains certified in the Certified Local Government (CLG) program and eligible for grant funding by following all principles of the State of Arizona Historic Preservation Office. This class performs related duties as required.

This class is distinguished from the HPO by its responsibility for the archaeological assessment of cultural resources in the City and the performance of archaeological reviews of both existing buildings and potential development sites to protect these resources, while the latter is responsible for supporting the protection of existing City historical buildings and architecture. The City Archaeologist performs work that requires a broad knowledge of the principles and techniques of archaeology, historic preservation, and professional planning and development fields. Work requires considerable independent judgment and initiative in combining a broad scope of archaeology, historic preservation, and professional planning knowledge and analytical judgments in order to resolve a variety of complex, technical problems. Incumbents are required to carry out assignments without detailed instruction or guidance. This class is supervised by the Planning Director who assigns and reviews work through meetings, conferences, evaluations, reports, and results achieved. This class is FLSA exempt-professional.

Minimum Qualifications Required: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Historic Preservation, Architecture, Urban Planning, or a related field. Considerable (3 - 5 years) professional archaeological experience.

Special Requirement: Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License by hire or promotion date. Must obtain an Arizona Antiquity Act Permit within 6 months of hire or promotion date.

Preferred/Desirable Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's Degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Historic Preservation, Architecture, Urban Planning, or a related field. Membership in the Arizona Archaeological Society.