HELIX is seeking As-Needed Archaeology Field Technicians for an extended archaeological survey in Stanislaus National Forest for Spring and Summer 2024. The project involves resource flagging and documentation to facilitate site avoidance during fuels-reduction activities. This is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your skills, abilities, and suitability for potential longer-term opportunities with an established, well-regarded, and employee-owned environmental consulting firm.

Work Location: Work will be in the Stanislaus National Forest, often well removed from traveled USFS roads, in rugged terrain.

The ideal candidate must be familiar with the principles of archaeological field survey, be competent in the collection of archaeological field data, and should possess good written and verbal communication skills.

Applicants must have a strong work ethic, positive attitude, experience working in a team-oriented environment, and the ability to complete assigned tasks independently.

Familiarity with the range of archaeological site types and cultural resources/material culture commonly found on cultural resource sites within the central Sierra Nevada (e.g., mining, timber operations, homesteading) is a plus.

Anticipated Tasks

• Archaeological Survey in mountainous and forested terrain
• Relocation and boundary flagging of previously recorded cultural resources to USFS standards
• Collection of GPS data for site management
• Completion of USFS Cultural Resource Site Monitoring Forms (using android tablet software)
• Other duties as assigned by the HELIX Field Director

Anticipated Work Schedule: Field assignment is expected to last between 6 and 8 straight weeks. Survey work is anticipated to run between Monday and Friday each week, with up to 10 hours a day of effort anticipated (roughly 40-50 hours a week). Any hours worked in excess of 8 each day will be paid at an overtime rate (1.5x regular pay). Weekend lodging will be provided, but per diem expenses and employee transportation will not be provided for Saturdays and Sundays.

The start date will be dependent on field conditions and access, which will be determined by the status of the snowpack. The window for fieldwork is from late April to mid-May.

Accommodations: Local lodging accommodations will be provided in the form of either shared Airbnb or motel rooms. While project work is only anticipated on weekdays (Monday through Friday), lodging will be provided Friday night through Sunday night for each field team member. Airbnb accommodation will consist of private bedrooms for each Field Technician and shared common areas.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a closely related field.
• Familiarity with the principles of archaeological field survey.
• Competent in the collection of archaeological field data.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability and willingness to work in challenging terrain and remote locations that often require strenuous hiking in adverse weather.
• Possession of a valid California driver’s license, or capacity to arrange for travel to and from the project provided lodging at the start and end of the project (HELIX staff may be able to assist with this transportation).

Additional skills considered a plus

• Demonstrated completion of an archaeological field school.
• Master’s degrees in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a closely related field.
• Familiarity with the range of archaeological site types and cultural resources/material culture commonly found on cultural resource sites within the central Sierra Nevada (e.g., mining, timber operations, homesteading).

Compensation

Hourly wages will be based on qualifications and/or experience. Expected starting pay ranges between $25 to $30 per hour and will be commensurate with the candidate’s relevant experience.

• A per diem of $45 per day (Monday through Friday) will be provided and will be added to crew pay checks for the duration of the project.
• Mobilization at the start of the project, including milage (at a rate of $.67 per mile in personal vehicles) and drive time to the project area from the Field Technician’s place of residence will be compensated for by HELIX. Demobilization at the conclusion of the project from the project area to the Field Technician’s place of residence will be compensated in an identical fashion. Requests for additional compensated demobilizations/re-mobilizations to and from the project vicinity outside of the initial project mobilization and final project demobilization will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Federally Observed Holidays (i.e., Memorial Day, and the Fourth of July) will be observed (unpaid) by the project. Lodging accommodation during non-working holidays will be covered by HELIX.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates must apply online through Paylocity with a resume and cover letter. Begin by clicking “Apply Now” below.

Interested applicants should provide a detailed resume or curriculum vitae, a cover letter demonstrating your archaeological experience and how you meet this position’s requirements and be prepared to provide a list of no fewer than three references who can speak to your ability to perform the tasks mentioned above. Please also list/describe any additional skills.