Archaeological Field Technician

DHS / CBP Border Infrastructure Project Southern New Mexico





Southern Research and Compliance LLC (SRC) is seeking entry-level / early-career Archeological Field Technicians to support a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) / U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) border infrastructure construction project in southern New Mexico.





The project is anticipated to continue for approximately 18 months and involves archaeological monitoring and field support associated with active construction.





Position Overview





Archeological Field Technicians will support cultural-resource activities throughout the project area. Work will vary based on construction schedules and project needs and may include archaeological monitoring, pedestrian survey, site identification and documentation, avoidance measures, field verification, and preparation of project documentation.





This project operates under a DHS / CBP project-specific statutory waiver framework that may differ from the regulatory framework used on conventional Section 106 projects. Additional information regarding the project framework and applicable waiver will be discussed during the interview process.





Responsibilities





Responsibilities may include:


- Archaeological monitoring during active construction and ground-disturbing activities

- Pedestrian archaeological surveys
- Identification of archaeological artifacts, features, and cultural resources
- Site identification, verification, and documentation
- Site revisits and condition assessments
- Establishing or documenting avoidance areas and buffers as directed
- Collecting GPS locations and field data
- Photographing and documenting observations
- Maintaining accurate field notes and project records
- Preparing daily monitoring reports
- Providing information and documentation for project reporting
- Assisting with archaeological site records and related documentation
- Assisting with NRHP eligibility-related evaluations and recommendations, as assigned

- Reviewing available background information associated with assigned fieldwork

- Responding to unanticipated cultural-resource discoveries in accordance with project procedures

- Communicating field observations and significant findings
- Organizing photographs, GPS data, notes, and other project documentation
- Supporting other archaeological field activities as required by project needs






Assignments and work locations may vary throughout the project as construction progresses.





Schedule and Work Environment





This position generally follows a two-weeks-on / two-weeks-off rotation.

During field rotations, employees should be prepared for:


- Approximately 10–13 hour workdays
- Work schedules of up to 7 days per week
- Outdoor work in remote desert environments
- Significant walking and pedestrian survey
- Uneven, rocky, steep, or rugged terrain
- Hot and variable weather conditions
- Travel between project locations
- Changing assignments based on construction activity






Remote/off-site periods may include project documentation, reporting, training, meetings, data organization, or other assigned work as needed.





Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must have:


- B.A. or B.S. in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a closely related field
- Minimum two years of archaeology and/or cultural-resources project experience

- Ability to identify common archaeological artifacts and features
- Experience or familiarity with pedestrian archaeological survey
- Ability to accurately document field observations
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a field team
- Ability to work safely in remote and rugged environments
- Valid driver's license
- Ability to pass required federal background/security screening for project access






Preferred Qualifications

Preferred experience includes:


- Archaeological fieldwork in New Mexico or the Southwest
- Construction monitoring
- Pedestrian archaeological survey
- GPS/GIS field-data collection
- Archaeological site documentation or site forms
- Familiarity with New Mexico archaeological materials
- Familiarity with NRHP eligibility criteria and archaeological site evaluation

- Federal or large infrastructure project experience






Compensation and Travel

Hourly compensation is based on education and relevant experience.





SRC provides project-related travel support during field deployments, including:


- Lodging
- Rental vehicle or approved project transportation
- Airfare, when needed
- Rental vehicle gas
- Applicable project travel expenses
- Per diem for travel and field days