[ShovelBums.Org] Job Posting – Archaeological Field Technicians (Austin, Texas)

Posted March 25, 2017 in Archaeology and CRM Jobs

WANTED: ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELD TECHNICIANS

Job Description
Horizon Environmental Services, Inc., (Horizon) is an ecological and cultural resources management firm based in Austin, Texas, with more than 25 years of experience assisting clients in the private and public sectors with their environmental and heritage management needs. Horizon is a subsidiary of LJA Engineering, Inc. (LJA), a multidisciplinary consulting engineering firm with 20+ offices throughout Texas and the Southeast.

Horizon is currently seeking qualified applicants to fill several temporary Archaeological Field Technician positions for archaeological projects in Texas and surrounding states. This is primarily a fieldwork position but may involve some follow-up office/laboratory work.

Key Responsibilities
* Work with Horizon’s field supervisors to conduct archaeological field projects, including reconnaissance surveys, impact assessments, intensive surveys, construction monitoring, and excavation projects. Applicants should expect to conduct physically demanding fieldwork (e.g., hot and cold weather, rugged terrain, dense vegetation, remote locations), including pedestrian surveys with shovel testing, on a regular basis.

* Travel extensively within Texas and surrounding states (primarily Louisiana, Oklahoma, and New Mexico) to fulfill archaeological fieldwork needs. Smaller projects are typically conducted within the normal work week (Monday to Friday). Larger out-of-town projects may require working occasional weekends (e.g., tendays).

* Recognize and record prehistoric and historic artifacts and cultural features, record characteristics of soils and the natural environment, participate in the recording and mapping of archaeological sites and historic structures, collect GPS data, and navigate accurately and efficiently in the field.

* As needed, assist with processing post-field data, including downloading data from GPS devices; processing data from shovel tests, backhoe trenches, and excavation units; uploading digital photographs; reviewing photographic logs; completing archaeological site forms and historic structure forms; and assisting with development of map figures for technical reports.

Requirements
* B.A./B.S. or similar qualifying degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a closely related field.

* Minimum of 6 months of continuous or equivalent professional field experience in Texas, Great Plains, Southwestern, and/or Southeastern archaeology, including archaeological survey, shovel testing, and/or excavation experience.

* Prior completion of an archaeological field school is mandatory and may be counted toward the required minimum of 6 months of field experience.

* Must be able to recognize prehistoric and historic artifacts and cultural features.

* The ability to respond positively to direction as well as to work unsupervised, functioning as an effective, self-motivated, and highly capable individual and as a productive, responsive, and enthusiastic part of a team.

* Familiarity with GPS devices and digital data collection.

* Attention to detail and strong note-taking and record-keeping skills.

* Possess a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications
* Prior experience with cultural resources management projects conducted for regulatory compliance purposes.

* Familiarity with state and federal regulations governing cultural resources and heritage management.

* Experience recording prehistoric and historic archaeological sites and historic structures and objects.

* Familiarity with ArcGIS software.

* Ability to operate mechanical field equipment, including trucks, 4-wheel drive vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and/or heavy machinery (e.g., augers, corers, backhoes, trackhoes, front-end loaders).

* Familiarity with laboratory methods, procedures, and protocols for processing collections of archaeological materials (e.g., artifacts, bulk collections) and project records (e.g., field paperwork, photographs, artifact catalogs) for permanent curation at approved curation facilities.

* Residents of the Austin, Houston, and San Antonio areas will be strongly preferred for local and regional projects. However, applicants from other areas are encouraged to apply. Resumes will be kept on file in the event that opportunities arise to work on out-of-state projects.

Employment Benefits and Conditions
Hourly pay for candidates meeting the minimum requirements begins at $13.00 per hour, with higher pay rates possible commensurate with qualifications and experience. Lodging and per diem will be provided for out-of-town projects but will not be available for local projects.

Currently, all positions being filled are temporary. Based on performance and continuing work load, qualified candidates may be offered full-time positions with benefits, including group insurance (health, dental, vision, life, and disability), paid time off (PTO), 401(k), and an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).

All applicants are subject to a pre-hire drug screening and ongoing random testing under US Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) drug and alcohol regulations (49 CFR Part 199).

Horizon participates in E-Verify, a service of the US Department of Homeland Security and US Social Security Administration (www.dhs.gov/e-verify).

Please send a letter of interest, resume, and 3 references to careers@horizon-esi.com. We thank everyone for their interest in applying for a position with Horizon; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

For additional information about Horizon and LJA, please visit our web sites at www.horizon-esi.com and www.lja.com.