Historian (NPS Death Valley)

The Great Basin Institute is hiring one (1) Historian towork under the guidance and mentorship of Death Valley National Park (DEVA) Cultural Resources staff to write well-researched historical reports of mining sites in DEVA. Through this immersive experience the Project Historian will assist DEVA in protecting its valuable resources by researching documenting and assessing the integrity of historic mining landscapes throughout the park.

The Project Historian will join a team of archeologists to conduct field surveys of select mining landscapes in the park which will include some opportunities to camp overnight on site. The Project Historian will be expected to assess the resources in the field and conduct archival research to develop a robust history of the mining landscapes. Each mining landscape will be described and evaluated under the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) Criteria for Eligibility. Through this contract the Project Historian will gain experience working on federal heritage documentation and in partnership with the National Park Service will work to protect and preserve cultural resources for present and future generations.

Essential Job Functions may include the following:

• Conducting field surveys of mining landscapes within the boundaries of DEVA some of which may require overnight camping in remote areas of the park.
• Documenting cultural resources in the park through primary and secondary source research. This will include determining the period of significance associated features on the landscape and summarizing the history of the landscapes within their historical contexts.
• Evaluate cultural resources according to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) Criteria of Eligibility and provide thorough justifications for evaluations. This will include evaluating the integrity of the landscape and making professional recommendations on the eligibility of the cultural resources.
• Work collaboratively with park staff to review and edit evaluations. When each evaluation is complete the final version will be submitted in a format ready for review by Park Management and the California State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).

Location:

Death Valley National Park is located in Nevada and California and boasts some of the hottest and driest climates and lowest elevation in North America. The park includes a superlative desert of streaming sand dunes snow-capped mountains multicolored rock layers water-fluted canyons and three million acres of wilderness. Death Valley is home to the Timbisha Shoshone people and to plants and animals unique to the harshest desert environment. The closest cities are Pahrump and Beatty Nevada (both approximately 1 hour away). Las Vegas is a little over 2 hours away.

The Cultural Resource Program works closely with the local tribe and there will be opportunities for the selected candidate to participate in tribal consultation meetings.

Field conditions include hot arid days with high exposure to the sun as well as cold winter weather. Resources of the region include threatened and/or endangered species habitat big game habitats abandoned mine lands and historic and prehistoric cultural sites

Compensation and Benefits:

• Wage: $32.50 per hour (no overtime)
• Premiums 100% GBI-paid: comprehensive medical dental (with an optional coverage upgrade) visual insurance and a $25000 Life/AD&D policy;
  • Enrollment eligibility begins the first day of the month following the first day of service.
• 401(k) retirement savings with up to 4% GBI match;
• Paid Leave Benefit: Paid Time Off accrued at 4.61 hours per 80-hour pay period starting on the first day of employment;
• Paid holidays (12 per year);
• Shared housing may be provided.

Contract Timeline:

• Desired start date in late January of 2026
• Full time average 40 hours per week.
• This project is expected to last for approximately 51 weeks with the potential to extend beginning in early January pending the completion of a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI).

Required:

• Bachelors degree in Public History or a related field (history archeology etc.);
• Solid understanding of National Register guidance and its application in evaluating historic structures;
• Experience obtaining and evaluating historical evidence through primary and secondary sources;
• Experience synthesizing historical evidence to draw logical conclusions especially as it relates to NRHP guidance;
• Ability to camp for multiple days with or without accommodation;
• Ability to communicate effectively both written and orally with a diverse audience; and
• Self-motivated and self-directed individual who is capable of working independently and as part of a team toward mutual goals and objectives.

Preferred:

• A Masters degree in architectural history or a related cultural resources-focused field;
• Experience completing NRHP nominations or similarly evaluating the significance and integrity of historic structures;
• Experience conducting in-depth field assessments with or without assistance;
• Experience with geodatabases and mapping software such as ArcGIS or QGIS.

TO APPLY
Please submit an up-to-date resume a one-page cover letter that details your interest in the position and any qualifications not fully outlined in your resume and contact information for three professional references. Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview. For questions regarding this position please contact

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This physically demanding work often in remote locations will provide crew members with rewarding exposure to some of Americas backcountry landscapes. These positions require extensive hiking in sometimes steep terrain at altitudes ranging from 750 - 10000 ft AMSL. Archaeology crew members will be expected to carry their own personal gear and water on a daily basis possibly during extreme or inclement weather conditions such as heat snow or rain. Work schedules generally four 10-hour days with 3 days off each week are subject to change depending on weather and project needs. Camping near a work site for several days may be required to meet project objectives.

Archaeology crew members must be able to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments camp in the backcountry for consecutive days work in all types of weather conditions traverse uneven terrain carry a heavy pack in excess of 40lbs and be in overall good physical condition. Prior experience working in similar backcountry settings is preferred.

NOTE:This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the organizations ongoing needs.

NOTE: All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Disclaimer: Although the organization has attempted to accurately and thoroughly describe this position GBI reserves the right to change the same including to change add to or subtract from the duties outlined within the sole discretion of the organization at any time with or without advance notice.