Lead Archaeology Technician Tahoe National Forest, American River Ranger District

Lead Archaeology Technician - Tahoe National Forest American River Ranger District

Summary

American Conservation Experience a nonprofit Conservation Corps in partnership with the US Forest Service is seeking 1 Lead Archaeology Technician to contribute to the Heritage program alongside Tahoe National Forest Staff.

For more information about ACE please visit our website.

Start Date: May 4th 2026 (05/04/2026)

Estimated End Date: October 1st 2026 (10/01/2026)

*a 16-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: American River Ranger District (Foresthill California)

The Tahoe National Forest is located in the northern Sierra Nevada (east of Sacramento) and extends from the foothills across the Sierra crest to the California state line. It includes over 850000 acres of public land interspersed with 350000 acres of private land in a checkerboard ownership pattern. Rivers snow-capped peaks and dense forests offer outstanding recreation year-round. A complex set of ecosystems are found as the terrain ascends from 1500 feet along the western boundary to over 9000 feet along the crest. The forest provides a variety of resources and opportunities and is managed by the Forest Service.

The American River Ranger District is located in Foresthill California. Foresthill is a beautiful mountain community located 17 miles east of Auburn and Interstate 80. Foresthill is surrounded on the south and west by the Auburn State Recreation Area on the north by BLM lands and on the east by National Forest. The American River Ranger District is distinguished with a portion of Granite Chief Wilderness the North Fork American Wild River and Placer County Big Trees (northernmost grove of Giant Sequoias).

For more information about the American River Ranger District please visit the Tahoe National Forest website.

Position Overview: The Archaeology Lead Technician will support Forest Service initiatives by providing technical support to the heritage resource staff. This position will be responsible for a variety of tasks including conducting cultural resource inventories organizing and editing GIS data analyzing resource and survey data making resource eligibility and implementation protection recommendations adapting survey strategies to varying conditions preparing reports and completing additional tasks as determined by Forest Service staff. Archaeology Lead Technician will lead other crew members on archaeological surveys and ensure the work is accomplished within established rules methods and timelines. The work directly affects the design and execution of large forest priority projects as well as the long range objectives of the Tahoe National Forest heritage program.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

• Will serve as a crew work leader on archaeological surveys and site monitoring
• Analyze archaeological data in preparing reports. Compile and report information about the nature and extent of known cultural resources
• Adapt survey strategies as determined by specific project requirements (terrain vegetation cover and time frames). Applies scientific methods to survey parcels of land to identify and record cultural resource sites features and artifacts.
• Prepare complex Cultural Resource Inventory reports and site forms. Enter site and inventory information into the NRM cultural resource database and onto GIS maps.
• Monitor cultural resource sites to ensure approved standard protection measures are implemented and effective and document changes in site condition over time.
• Conduct inventories of Forest cultural resources in areas of proposed Forest Service projects. Research reference materials such as Forest Service cultural resource files State and National Register files historic documents archeological reports maps and aerial photos
• Ensures that archeology work assignments are carried out in a safe and timely manner according to established standards and procedures
• Review work in progress to see that standards for pre-field research survey design site recording graphics and final report are being met
• Advises other members or the district archaeologist on methods of cultural resource inventory
• Actively communicates with the district archaeologist on project progress and complex issues that arise

Schedule: Work schedule will be Mon-Thur 7:00am -5:30pm Pacific Time reporting to the Tahoe National Forests American River District Office in Foresthill daily. Schedule adjustments will be limited and granted upon approval of the District Archaeologist.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $1015/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses dispersed bi-weekly.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (16 weeks) the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age (You must be between the ages of 16 and 30. Some agencies also interpret these guidelines to include veterans up to age 35) and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility or view general eligibility information on our website.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE. However housing may be available at a daily bunk rate of approximately $7-20 per day by the Forest. Barracks housing provided by the Forest are typically in remote locations with limited connectivity. A Housing Allowance of up to $280/week will be available. Local candidates are encouraged to apply.

Gear Allowance: New ACE members will have up to $500 to spend on eligible gear purchases and returning members or FS employees will have up to $250. Eligible gear for this position may include boots work pants hiking socks and must be approved by ACE and Forest Service staff prior to purchase.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures clear guidance on prohibited activities and networks for support. Specific training may include Wilderness First Aid and various USFS Required AgLearns courses. ACE members will have up to $500 to spend on eligible training/professional development opportunities which must be approved by ACE and Forest Service staff prior to purchase.

Qualifications

ACE values an inclusive workforce - If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications we want to hear from you!

Required:

• Members must be authorized to work in the United States. ACE does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional positive and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone and be a positive contributing member of a group.
• A valid drivers license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request). Members must be 21 to drive due to ACEs insurance and liability requirements.
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets beginning of term feedback forms end of term evaluations and for longer terms a mid-term evaluation.
• Members may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements please visit our website located on our Indeed homepage.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a Masters degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as anthropology archaeology and cultural resource management.
• Archaeological fieldwork experience
• Practical knowledge of basic theories and practices of archaeology in order to compile technical reports and make recommendations to district archaeology staff
• Advanced knowledge of the techniques of archaeological reconnaissance in order to adapt survey strategies to successfully identify a large variety of artifacts and features and relocate previously recorded resources.
• Ability to perform library and archival research to locate and obtain information
• Knowledge of technical report writing to prepare project reports or determinations of eligibility
• Skill using a compass aerial photos topographic maps and GPS units to navigate to sites and survey areas
• Must be able to work alone and lead small groups with minimal supervision adhere to instructions and procedures and use initiative in carrying out recurring assignments independently
• Practical knowledge of the local geography archaeology ethnography and history of the area within and adjacent to the Forest
• Ability to organize manage and edit GIS data using ArcMap AGOL and ArcGIS Pro
• Experience collecting survey and site data using Survey 123 and Field Maps
• Ability and willingness to hike off trail in steep terrain and in changing weather conditions
• Proven leadership experience especially in regards to safety and conflict resolution.

Physical Demands Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting standing walking hiking carrying using hands to handle or feel reaching with hands and arms talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop kneel climb stairs and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain and camp overnight under field conditions.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close distance peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to XX lbs. ability to move up to XX pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. If indoors office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
• Noise Environment: Occasional moderate to high noise such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools. Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: This position may require domestic travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold rocky terrain swamp or wetland conditions biting insects and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self fellow staff/members or resources. Hazards include heat bees/stinging insects beetle-killed and/or fire-killed trees.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties one will be provided by the Forest Service or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the Forest Service. ACE members may if they possess or obtain certification and training required by the State of California and the U.S. Forest service operate a gas or electric powered chainsaw to remove dead and downed trees obstructing work areas as permitted by their qualifications and comfort. Members may be asked to remove dead or downed trees or limbs from work areas using a non-powered saw. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) typically provided by the Forest Service will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to Forest Service and ACE equipment training certification and safety protocols is required.

To Apply: Please submit your resume a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACEs online application page for this position on our website. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact Tahoe Project Director Al .

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO: Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability qualifications attitude and job-related factors. Every qualified employee member or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment hire training transfer promotion compensation demotion termination benefits employee activities and general treatment without regard to race color religion age sex creed national origin pregnancy ancestry citizenship status genetic information veteran or military status physical or mental disability sexual orientation medical condition marital or parental status political affiliation ethnicity hair texture or style arrest record caste hereditary status endogamy or any other classification protected by applicable local state or federal law.

Required Experience:

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