Job Description

Position Summary:

The Archaeological Field Director position is with the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) and works to support a large-scale Air Force survey, infrastructure development, and deployment program. The Field Director provides technical expertise, compliance monitoring of contract archaeologists, and supports tribal cultural specialists conducting fieldwork on behalf of the Air Force in the F. E. Warren (CO, NE, WY), Malmstrom (MT), and Minot (ND) Missile Fields. This position offers the opportunity to work within a dynamic team environment while delivering impactful solutions for a nationally critical infrastructure program.

Archaeological Field Director supports field work surveys by providing on-site technical support and troubleshooting, compliance monitoring and oversight, and coordination on behalf of the Air Force. The Field Director facilitates Tribal Cultural Specialist revisits and recordation; routinely interfaces with CEMML Cultural Resources Specialists, GIS Specialists, Air Force personnel, Tribal representatives, and other cooperators and contractors; and supports field visits with consulting parties, including Tribal government representatives and Tribal elders.

CEMML is a research, education and service unit within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University (CSU). CEMML applies the latest and most appropriate science to promote the sustainable management of natural and cultural resources on Department of Defense (DoD) and other public lands. We provide technical support, conduct applied research, and offer career development and learning opportunities to support resource stewardship. We collaborate with our sponsors and within CSU to resolve complex environmental issues, leaving a legacy of science-based decisions that sustain our resources for future generations. To learn more about CEMML’s contributions to land management, our mission, vision, and values, visit http://www.cemml.colostate.edu/.

Essential Job Duties:

• Conduct compliance monitoring of archaeological fieldwork to ensure adherence to Programmatic Agreements, regulatory requirements, and cultural resource management standards.
• Coordinate and escort Tribal Cultural Specialists to sites of tribal significance while supporting cultural awareness and stakeholder engagement efforts.
• Develop and deliver training materials, provide on-site technical support, and participate in daily safety and cultural awareness briefings as well as Adhere to CEMML and Air Force safety protocols and standards.
• Manage CEMML field equipment inventory and coordinate the weekly distribution of field tablets and other technology resources.
• Provide GIS technical support for Tribal Cultural Specialists, including troubleshooting ArcGIS Online applications, Field Maps, Survey123, Smart Forms, and other mobile data collection tools.
• Support field data collection workflows by maintaining feature services, enforcing file naming conventions, and following data management protocols to ensure regulatory compliance and team efficiency.
• Perform post-processing and quality control of field data to maintain data integrity, system reliability, and accurate reporting.
• Review technical reports, work plans, and management summaries while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to support project objectives and decision-making.

Conditions of Employment:

• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for all new hires).
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and traverse uneven, steep terrain in remote and rugged areas.
• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
• Must be able to comply with all applicable regulations to obtain a Department of Defense Common Access Card (CAC) and public trust clearance.
• The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date; CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• No Foreign nationals shall be employed without prior approval of the Government.
• Duty-stations may include F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Malmstrom Air Force Base, and/or Minot Air Force Base. Field Directors are expected to provide in-person on-site field support for approximately 8-months while field crews are deployed. The Field Director is required to accompany field crews during 2-week field rotations occurring between March and November. Frequent travel of at least 50% is expected March-November to any of the project locations. Remote/Telework continues December-March. The Field Director will also remotely integrate with CEMML’s existing team of GIS, Natural Resources, and Cultural Resources Specialists located at CEMML headquarters in Colorado.

Supervision:

May supervise temporary hourly Cultural Resource/GIS Technicians.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or closely related field.
• Minimum of 10-years professional archeological work experience that demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the fundamental principles and theories of professional archeology.
• Previous experience supervising and/or leading NRHP eligibility assessments and data-recovery mitigation. 
• Demonstrate experience working with a wide range of information, organizing details, and meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrate experience supervising/conducting activities in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).
• Prior experience working with Traditional Cultural Specialists and/or Tribal Monitors.
• At least 1-year of experience with Esri GIS software, including ArcGIS Pro and/or ArcGIS Online (AGOL), for creating and editing geospatial data, mapping, and managing attribute data.
• Experience communicating technical information clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or closely related field.
• Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA).
• The most highly qualified candidates will possess knowledge and experience in Great Plains archaeology.
• Knowledge of U.S. Air Force policies and processes related to cultural resources management is highly desirable.
• Previous participation in complex projects that occur in multiple states and involve private, federal, state, and tribal lands is highly desirable.
• Expert working knowledge of ArcGIS, FieldMaps, Survey123, and other ESRI suite of products.
• Experience implementing Standard Operating Procedures.

Salary Range

$75,000 - $90,000

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Cover Letter, Resume/CV

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

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Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.