Scientific Specialist, Archaeology - Illinois State Archaeological Survey
University of Illinois

Job Info

Scientific Specialist, Archaeology
Illinois State Archaeological Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The Illinois State Archaeological Survey (ISAS) is part of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. For 80 years, the University of Illinois has studied the state's archaeological heritage. ISAS incorporates that knowledge in its programs to protect, preserve, and interpret these irreplaceable and non-renewable resources within the context of Illinois' need to encourage and promote sustainable development. Learn more at https://prairie.illinois.edu/about/jobs/

ISAS is seeking to hire a Scientific Specialist, Archaeology to assist with all levels of research projects including background research, fieldwork, artifact analysis, and report writing as well as post contact material recovery, analysis, and report writing. Position is based in Champaign, Illinois.

Duties & Responsibilities:
Conduct and lead fieldwork in compliance with state and federal laws.
Identify, document, and catalog precontact and post contact era cultural materials.
Locate and document archaeological sites using topographic maps, field sketch maps, and electronic mapping devices such as total stations, GPS, and GIS technology.
Author, coauthor, or edit technical scientific reports and correspondence in compliance with state and federal law.
Ensure the safety of staff and equipment.
Coordinate and communicate with state and federal agencies and teams of researchers.
Assist with post contact material recovery, analysis, and report writing.
Assist with the implementation of guidelines for recovery and analysis of post contact period materials.
Participate in public outreach and other educational events.
Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
Perform other related duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and University.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, historic archaeology, history, or closely related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Archaeological fieldwork experience in the United States. Demonstrated experience assisting Section 106 compliance projects. Demonstrated experience in processing, identifying, and cataloging artifacts. Valid driver's license. Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree in anthropology, archaeology, historic archaeology, history, or closely related field with an emphasis on post contact period archaeology. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Fieldwork experience in Illinois, Midwest, or southeastern United States. Experience conducting archaeological and historic research, analysis, and report preparation meeting state and federal historic preservation compliance standards. Experience with all phases of survey, testing, and data recovery projects in the Midwest or southeastern United States. Experience with outreach to the public and stakeholder communities. Meet the Professional Qualification Standards of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation (https://www.nps.gov/articles/sec-standards-prof-quals.htm). Meet eligibility requirements as a Registered Professional Archaeologist (https://rpanet.org/how-to-apply), background in North American historic archaeology.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Required: Basic knowledge of U.S. history and historic period archaeology. Working knowledge of documentary and archival research methods, familiarity with both print and electronic media sources, and ability to report findings in standard academic formats. Demonstrated ability to produce well organized tabular data in a timely manner. Demonstrated ability to work within a team and communicate effectively. Strong organizational, writing, and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines under minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases, including Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Creative Cloud, ArcGIS, and FileMaker. Preferred: Familiarity with Illinois archaeology. Familiarity with federal and state of Illinois historic preservation policies, burial laws, and regulations. Familiarity with federal Section 106 and state 707 compliance review procedures and NRHP eligibility criteria.

Work Environment: Work is conducted primarily in an office setting with intermittent fieldwork requiring work in adverse conditions (inclement weather, biting insects, remoteness) and occasional travel (including driving to and from research sites) throughout the state of Illinois in both rural and urban settings. Will require overnight travel for up to one work week at a time. Will require operating, lifting, and manipulating field equipment and other items over uneven terrain weighing up to 50 pounds.

Appointment Information: This is a full-time academic professional appointment. The starting date is negotiable and the salary is commensurate with experience. The minimum starting salary is $40,000.

Benefits: The University of Illinois offers a wide variety of benefits https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/benefits, including paid leave https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave and holidays https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave/holidays

Application Procedure and Deadline Information: Applications must be received by 6:00 p.m. Central Time on April 26, 2024. Interviews and hiring may be conducted before the closing date due to this being a multi-hire search. To apply, please use the Apply Now button. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. Application materials must include a 1) a cover letter that clearly articulates how your qualifications and experience make you a viable candidate for this position and should address the qualifications listed above, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) the names and contact information including e-mail addresses of three academic or professional (not personal) references. All requested information and documentation must be submitted for applications to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

For further information please contact Lori Walston-Vonderharr, Human Resources, Prairie Research Institute, at lwalston@illinois.edu or 217-244-2401. For questions regarding the application process, including technical system related issues, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .

Requisition ID: 1023754
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu