Senior Archaeologist

Office of Disaster Recovery; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Virgin Islands State Historic Preservation Office seeks a skilled archaeology professional to administer the Archaeology Program, review surveys and reports, and guide compliance with federal and territorial laws. The role involves field visits, documentation, and coordination with government agencies and stakeholders to protect cultural resources.

Responsibilities include evaluating proposed activities, maintaining inventories, and providing technical guidance on archaeological resources.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in archaeology, anthropology, or closely related field.
• The applicant must meet the Professional Qualification standards per 36 CFR Part 61.
• Good writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate proposed activities for potential effects on archaeological resources.
• Review technical reports, site assessments, and findings.
• Communicate compliance requirements to applicants, consultants, and agencies.
• Maintain records of sites, investigations, permits, and collections.
• Conduct field visits and document conditions of resources.
• Coordinate with federal, territorial, local agencies on archaeological matters.

Skills

Archaeology theory

GIS mapping

Artifact identification

Independent research

Field analysis

Report writing

Communication skills

Coordination

Confidentiality

Field surveys

Education

Graduate degree in archaeology/anthropology

Tools

ArcGIS

Geographic Information Systems

Survey equipment

Job description

Professional position responsible for administering the Virgin Islands State Historic Preservation Office’s Archaeology Program. Coordinates with developers, government agencies, and stakeholders to ensure compliance with federal and territorial cultural resource protection laws. Reviews and documents archaeological surveys, projects, and excavation activities while providing technical guidance on archaeological resources. Conducts archaeological assessments, investigations, and research as needed, including work involving unmarked human burials and government-owned properties. Manages and maintains the Virgin Islands Archaeological Resources Collections and analyzes recovered archaeological materials. Supports public education, outreach, reporting, and preservation initiatives to protect the Virgin Islands’ archaeological and cultural resources.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• To evaluate proposed activities for their potential effects on archaeological resources.
• To review technical reports, site assessments, survey documentation, and archaeological findings submitted by consultants and project proponents.
• To determine whether archaeological investigations meet applicable professional standards and regulatory requirements.
• To communicate compliance requirements, findings, recommendations, and corrective actions to applicants, consultants, agencies, and other stakeholders.
• To review applications and supporting documentation for archaeological and paleontological permits.
• To monitor permitted archaeological activities and verify compliance with approved scopes of work and applicable requirements.
• To maintain accurate records of archaeological sites, investigations, permits, collections, and related correspondence.
• To conduct field visits and onsite inspections to document existing conditions and evaluate archaeological resources.
• To identify, document, photograph, map, and assess archaeological features, artifacts, and sites.
• To examine and classify archaeological artifacts and materials recovered from surveys, excavations, and salvage activities.
• To develop and maintain inventories, databases, maps, photographs, and other records associated with archaeological resources.
• To prepare technical correspondence, findings, recommendations, reports, maps, and other professional documentation.
• To provide technical information and recommendations to the Director, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer, and other appropriate officials.
• To coordinate with federal, territorial, local, nonprofit, and private-sector representatives on archaeological and cultural resource matters.
• To perform site visits, public outreach, meetings, presentations, and other duties necessary to support the preservation and responsible management of archaeological resources.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

A. Education:

• A graduate degree in archaeology, anthropology, or closely related field
• The applicant must meet the Professional Qualification standards as set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations, 36 CFR Part 61.

B. Experience:

• At least one year of full-time professional experience or equivalent specialized training in archaeological research, administration or management;
• At least four months of supervised field and analytic experience in general Caribbean, Central, South and North American archaeology, and
• Demonstrated ability to carry research to completion.
• Any applicant shall also have at least one year of full-time professional experience at a supervisory level in the study of archaeological resources of the prehistoric period or in the study of archaeological resources of the historic period.

In addition, the applicant shall have professional experience in conducting excavations in the Caribbean and the Virgin Islands and in the operations of the State Historic Preservation Office. In addition, the applicant must also have knowledge of principles and practices of cultural resource management; Virgin Islands Prehistory; Virgin Islands History; site preservation techniques; collections management; and managing archaeological records. Good communication skills and writing skills are a must. Applicant must be willing to multitask and coordinate effectively with other Virgin Islands Government and Federal Government agencies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of archaeological theory and techniques
• Knowledge of characteristics of various archaeological artifacts, especially those of the Caribbean, Central and South Americ
• Skill in using archaeological excavation equipment
• Ability to conduct independent research and analyze data
• Ability to identify and classify archaeological artifacts
• Ability to prepare scientific research reports
• Ability to conduct archaeological surveys
• Ability to work with Geographical Information Systems (GIS) programs to map and analyze data related to archaeological surveys and sites
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality as it relates to sensitive archaeological resources and government operations

This position will remain open until filled.