Archaeology Technician USFS Custer-Gallatin NF

**Local candidates are encouraged to apply**

Working cooperatively with the United States Forest Service (USFS) Custer Gallatin National Forest (CGNF) the Great Basin Institute is recruiting 2 Archaeology Crew Members to assist CGNF archaeologists with field surveys and site monitoring for various Recreation program projects across the Forest. A major goal of this work is to complete pedestrian survey/inventory of segments of backcountry trails that are targeted for maintenance and improvement work in the AbsarokaBeartooth Zone which includes the Beartooth Gardiner and Yellowstone Ranger Districts in south central Montana. Targeted project areas are generally more remote highaltitude 8000 ft elevation) alpine and subalpine ecosystems located in the AbsarokaBeartooth Wilderness with known sites including lithic scatters precontact hunting and habitation sites historic refuse deposits and precontact travel routes. The Crew Members will work with CGNF Archaeologists to conduct prefieldwork research survey and record previously undocumented sites and complete site records. Other archaeological work includes officebased database work (GIS and archaeological data entry and analysis) and preparing all maps and reporting/documentation following fieldwork. This work supports the CGNF in complying with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and will be focused on cultural resource documentation related to repair and improvement work to recreation infrastructure across the forest. Fieldwork involves pedestrian surveys and implementation of standard protocols for detecting identifying and recording cultural resources.

Successful candidates for the positions will be familiar with standard methods for archaeological fieldwork. Technicians will be trained to identify local archaeological artifact types and features and will learn how to complete archaeological site record forms required by the Montana SHPO. This opportunity provides experience working with federal archaeologists and alongside a variety of Forest Service staff in the Recreation program. Technicians will encounter diverse archaeological resources common to the Northern Plains and Rocky Mountains which will expand their experience in cultural resource management in the intermountain west. In addition the CGNF will provide orientation to the Forest and training in various field safety protocols including working/camping safely in grizzly bear habitat and the proper use of bear deterrent (bear spray).

The fieldwork season varies considerably across the Forest due to the geographical range of the districts. In the eastern districts field season can be from AprilDecember depending on the weather and snow coverage. In the western districts the field season is much shorter due to higher altitude and mountainous terrain with some areas only accessible from late Juneearly September due to snow. Most of the work during the field season is performed in an outdoor environment that ranges from cold and wet to hot and dry. This work may require physical exertion over steep wet muddy slippery rough uneven or rocky surfaces; and may include bending crouching stooping stretching reaching and similar activities. Selfsupported overnight camping (backpacking) for several days at a time in remote areas will be required for some surveys. Fieldwork requiring overnight stays in employee bunkhouses or similar shared accommodation should also be expected.

Location: CusterGallatin Forest Supervisors Office Bozeman MT.

The Custer Gallatin National Forest contains about 3.1 million acres of public land. The 1.8 millionacre Gallatin portion is situated in southcentral Montana hugging the northern and western flanks of Yellowstone National Park. It spans six mountain ranges: the Bridger Madison Absaroka Beartooth Crazy and Gallatin. The Custer portion covers 1.3 million acres in southeast Montana and northwestern South Dakota. It includes part of the Absaroka/Beartooth mountains Pryor mountains low elevation ponderosa pine covered bluffs and ridge tops of the Powder River Basin and isolated pinecovered bluffs rising from the prairie.

Seven ranger districts manage the Forest: Beartooth District in Red Lodge MT; Ashland District in Ashland MT; Sioux District in Camp Crook SD; Bozeman District in Bozeman MT; Yellowstone District in Livingston and Big Timber MT; Gardiner District in Gardiner MT and Hebgen Lake District in West Yellowstone MT. The Supervisors Office is in Bozeman with some additional staff in Billings MT colocated in the BLM State Office.

For more information about the Custer Gallatin National Forest visit our website at http://www.fs.usda/main/custergallatin/home

Bozeman Community Information:
Bozeman Montana is in the Gallatin Valley in southwest Montana about 90 miles north of Yellowstone National Park. It is the fourth largest community in Montana and the fastest growing area in the state. The population in Bozeman is slightly more than 53000 which includes almost 15000 students at Montana State University. The population of Gallatin County including the communities of Belgrade Manhattan Three Forks and West Yellowstone is over 110000.

Climate in the Bozeman area offers a wide variety through the four seasons; temperatures vary from an average high in August of 80 degrees to an average low in January of 10 degrees. Belowzero temperatures in the winter are common. Total yearly precipitation averages about 19 inches with an average annual snowfall of 83 inches.

For more information about Bozeman and the surrounding communities please go to the Chamber of Commerce web site at http://www.bozemanchamber/

Livingston Community Information:
Livingston MT is located to the north of the Paradise Valley where the Yellowstone River takes a sharp right and wanders east to the prairie of the northern great plains. Livingston is 30 minutes from the Supervisors Office in Bozeman. With a population of approximately 7300 Livingston is a closeknit community that is a terrific place to live and work. Livingston is approximately 30 miles east of Bozeman along Interstate 90 and 50 miles north of Gardiner Montana and the northern entrance of Yellowstone National Park.

The climate in the Livingston area offers a wide variety through the four seasons; temperatures vary from an average high in August of 80 degrees to an average low in January of 10 degrees. Belowzero temperatures in the winter are common. Total yearly rainfall averages about 16 inches with an average annual snowfall of 65 inches.

Timeline:

• 12month appointment upon completion of US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Background Investigation;
• Fulltime 40 hours/week.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Pay Rate: $23.50/hour;
• Housing Stipend: $300 biweekly;
  • Onsite housing is NOT available; accommodation will be provided when performing fieldwork away from the Bozeman duty station requiring an overnight stay.
  • Bozeman has a range of housing options but generally has a higher cost of living. Many Forest Service employees who work at the Forest Supervisors Office live in nearby communities including Livingston Belgrade and Three Forks.

In addition to a competitive base salary this fulltime position includes companypaid comprehensive medical dental (with the option to upgrade in coverage) and vision insurance as well as a $25000 Life/AD&D policy. Voluntary shortterm and longterm disability policies and voluntary Life/AD&D policies for family members are available. Mental health support resources are employer provided as is 401(k) retirement savings with up to 4 GBI match competitive PTO accrual paid holidays 10 per year) and family leave. This exciting role contributes to GBIs significant positive impacts within the fields of environmental research education and conservation.