Tribal Archaeologist

Job Description:

SUMMARY

The Tribal Archaeologist assists the Director of Natural Resources and Culture and the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) in protecting and stewarding the cultural resources of the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians (CTCLUSI). The position emphasizes responsibilities under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), cultural site monitoring, and intergovernmental consultation.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducts cultural resource surveys, site monitoring, subsurface testing, excavation, and reporting.
• Reviews permits, environmental documents, and technical reports, evaluates potential impacts to archaeological and cultural resources, and recommends mitigation measures in accordance with CTCLUSI Tribal Code, Oregon statutes, NHPA Section 106, ARPA, and NAGPRA.
• Assists the THPO in consultation with agencies, Tribes, and partners on cultural resource projects, plans, and compliance activities.
• Supports development and implementation of the Tribe’s Curations Management Plan.
• Maintains and safeguards confidential cultural resource files, records, maps, and databases.
• Drafts, implements, and updates a CTCLUSI-specific NAGPRA policy and related protocols.
• Serves as the point of contact for NAGPRA-related issues, collaborating closely with the Tribal Council Culture Committee, and Tribal community.
• Performs archaeological excavations related to site development, natural site disturbance, or erosion.
• Provides cultural resources education and outreach for the community through newsletters, workshops, presentations, and cultural exhibits.
• Assists in drafting and presenting resolutions to Tribal Council.
• Researches and pursues funding sources to expand the Cultural Resources Protection Program.
• Maintain professional standards of appearance, conduct, and communication consistent with CTCLUSI policies.
• Collaborates efficiently and effectively while consistently demonstrating professionalism and maintaining positive, respectful relationships with internal teams, external partners, and Tribal members.
• Other duties as directed by management.

LEVEL OF AUTHORITY & RESTRICTIONS

• This position requires working independently without overseeing others, with minimal authority in decision-making.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS

• Ability to manage stress associated with project deadlines, diverse stakeholders, and compliance challenges.
• Must be able to walk, talk, hear, use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 40 pounds.
• Must be able to stand, walk, reach, and climb or balance as needed for fieldwork.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ENVIRONMENT

• Work will occur in both office and field settings, including rugged terrain and inclement weather.
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
• Travel within the CTCLUSI service area and to off-site meetings, conferences, or fieldwork is required.
• Occasional exposure to variable weather conditions.

Experience and Skills:

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Must be 25 years of age or older per vehicle use policy.
• Master’s degree in archaeology, anthropology, history, Native American studies, or closely related field.
• Meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for Archaeology or Architectural History.
• Meets definitions of "Qualified Archaeologist" under ORS 390.235(6)(b) and 43 CFR 7.8. Must meet the definition of a Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA).
• Three (3) years of professional experience, including demonstrated knowledge of NAGPRA, NHPA, ARPA, and cultural resources protection laws.
• Valid Driver’s license, adequate transportation, and eligibility to operate GSA vehicles.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical and regulatory writing.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, verbally, in writing or by other acceptable means. This is a safety-sensitive position and will be subject to pre-employment drug testing and a criminal history background check, which will include fingerprinting.
• Must have employment eligibility in the U.S.
• Indian preference will be observed in the hiring process.