Archaeologist (Natural Resource Specialist 4)
Job Summary
Initial Posting Date:
07/30/2026Application Deadline:
08/13/2026Agency:
Department of State LandsSalary Range:
$6275 - $9644Position Type:
EmployeePosition Title:
Archaeologist (Natural Resource Specialist 4)Job Description:
Are you an experienced Archaeologist looking to serve the public Apply to be our nextArchaeologist(Natural Resource Specialist4)in the Real PropertyProgrambyAugust 13th2026!This is a permanent position that will report to our Bend office. This position is eligible for a hybrid remote schedule expected to work 3-4 days a week in office with frequent travel and field work.
Make a Difference for Oregon.The Department of State Lands (DSL) manages the lands that help fund our public schools and protects the states waterways and wetlands for the many benefits they provide. Our stewardship ensures vital natural and financial resources contribute to a vibrant healthy Oregon now and forever. Real Property staff oversee approximately 681000 acres of surface land and 768000 acres of sub-surface mineral and energy resources. Activities include managing rangelands agricultural landsforestlands and commercial properties to generate revenue for the Common School Fund. The DSL team makes a difference for Oregonians every day. As our Archaeologist you will too!
The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the Departments technical and scientific expert on cultural resource management.Thesuccessful candidate will performarcheological records research field surveys andtesting as neededandsubmittechnicalscientific project reports to the State Historic Preservation Office(SHPO)for concurrence.This position alsoevaluatesapplications for authorizations related to the use of school lands or Oregon-owned Waterways and providesdue diligence cultural resource evaluations for agency land sales or exchanges.
This full-timepermanentposition is represented by the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).
Whatsin it for you
Utilize your field experience andarcheologicalexpertiseall over the state of Oregonto preserve and protect both valuable cultural resources and state-owned lands and waterways.
Join an organization withcollaborative and engaged co-workerswho care about Oregons economy environment and communities and their co-workers.
Receive1-on-1 mentoringand support from natural resource experts.
Accrue8 hours of sick leave and at least 8 hours of vacationleave per month with your vacation leave accruals increasing every 5 years.
Receive11 paid holidays 1 floating holiday 3 personal business daysand other employee benefits such as optional insurances and flexible spending plans.
Automatically enroll into thePublic Employees Retirement System (PERS)after 6 months of full-time service.
Earn theinitialmonthly salary range for this position starting at$6275- $9644for employees new to DSL; current PERS participating members start at$6709-$10315.
Salary offers are made with consideration of the candidates education and experience. Visit ourPay EquityandClassification and Compensationpages for more details.
This position will belocatedat our Bend office. Preference may be given to applicants already located or willing torelocatewithinCentral Oregon.
Working Conditions:
Aportionof the work will be in an office setting fieldwork in remote locations will be and travel is an essential function of the position. Overnight stays and/or extended work hours can be expected along with exposure to inclement weatheranddifficult and uneven terrain. Work is often in remote locations and access to projects often involves unimproved two-track roads and 4-wheel drive.DSL provides agency-maintained vehicles reimbursement for field gear and travel expenses for authorized on-the-job travel and fieldwork.Work hours during field work can be irregular and sometimes long in all weather conditions.
What you will be doing:
As our Archeologist you will have the opportunity to:
Implement andmaintainthecultural resource program for the agency.
Perform background research of SHPO confidential records prior to ground disturbing projects land sales/exchanges or proprietary authorizations.
Perform cultural resource field surveys and testingas neededto ensure agency related ground disturbing projects avoidminimizeor mitigate impacts to all pre-contact cultural resource properties.
Prepare technical and scientific reports with maps photos tables sites and isolate forms that discuss project scope results resource analysis and provide recommendations to SHPO for concurrence.Report requirements may vary between state and federal section 106 requirements based on project funding.
Provide oversight on multiagency cultural resource projects involving DSL lands to ensure projectsare in compliance withcultural resource laws.
Communicate with DSL management and staff on cultural resource issues and provide guidance and recommendations for land salesexchangesand ground disturbing activities.
Represent DSL at interagency cultural resource meetings and committees serving as a technical expert on cultural resources.
Update GIS database with records from surveysconducted on DSL ownership from SHPOs OARRAs database.
Maintain confidential records of all cultural resources and associated documentation for surveys completed on DSL ownership.
For a full description of the duties and working conditions please emailtorequest the position description.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS-to be considered for this position please ensure you have one of the following combinations of education and/or experience:
Amasters degree in archaeology anthropologyhistoryclassicsor a closely relateddiscipline with a specialization in archaeology
AND
twelve weeks of supervised experience in basic archaeological field research including both survey and excavation and four weeks of laboratory analysis or curating;
AND
successfuldesign and execution ofan archaeological study asevidencedby a Master of Arts or Master of Science thesis or report equivalent in scope and quality dealing with archaeological field research.
DESIRED ATTRIBUTES-tell us which of the following skills experiences and related talents you have by highlighting them in your application materials:
Working knowledge ofenvironmental rangeland forestland and natural resource issuesand conflicts
Demonstratedexpertisein state and federalcultural resource laws
Skill and experience in reading and interpreting topographic maps and aerial photos
Demonstrated experience working with tribal governments
Havethe qualificationsofan Oregon Qualified Archeologist andbe ingood standing with SHPO to access confidential records and apply for permitsupon hire
Working knowledge of geology pedology and rangeland plant identification
Have or obtain a valid drivers license and acceptable driving record tooperatestate vehicles for site visits prior to hire.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a teamin a variety of terrains
Excellent written and oral communication skillsto communicate with a variety of interested parties governmentagenciesand the public
Knowledge or experience usingGPS andGIS
Experience inidentifyingand recording pre-contact & historic resources
Knowledge of Pacific Northwest archaeology history and regional artifact types
The Oregon Department of State Lands is committed toseekingand sustaining a culturally racially ethnically and linguistically diverse working environment. The Department hires staff interested in supporting environmental justice by including communities traditionally underrepresented in public processes.We encourage members of these communities to apply even if they do not meet 100% of the desired attributes.The Oregon Department of State Lands understands that an authentic focus on equity diversity and inclusion in the workplace will in turn create a workforce aligned to meet the challenge of serving all Oregonians.
Please be sure to attach a resume and a cover letter of two (2) pages or less describing the above desired attributes you bring to this position your relevant lived experience and why you want to work for DSL.
How to apply:
Complete the following required steps:
Fill out the application or attach a resume.Please contact therecruiterif you have any questions about how to fill out the experience fields or to attach a document. Your submitted experience fields or attached resume must include dates (MM/YYYY) for each employer and any relevant volunteer and/or internship experience.
Attach a cover letter.Your cover letter should clearlydemonstratehow your experience and training relates to the qualities that you have under the Desired Attributes section above.
Your cover letter must be limited to no more than two (2) pages.
Please address your cover letter toAmber McKernan Real PropertyProgramManager.
Generic cover letters that do not address the qualities that you have under the Desired Attributes section may receive lower scores than those that addressed the desired qualities.
You must upload your cover letter in the Resume/Cover Letter section of the application.
Please answer the following questionsin your cover letter:
What unique lived experience do you have that relates to the desired attributes that you would like to share
Why do you want to work for DSL
Respond to requests.After yousubmityour application please respond to the public records request authorization and gender identity questionnaire. This screen will come after yousubmitand will complete the process. If you are a current State of Oregon employee the tasks will come to your Workday inbox.
To learn more about our work connect with us on Instagram:@oregonstatelandsandLinkedIn.
Additional Information:
This recruitment may be used to fill future positions.
The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments examinations and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwisestatedby the hiring agency.
If you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) toparticipatein the application or selection process please contactand please be sure to include the job requisition number.
For more information about applying for positions with the State of Oregon via Workday you may visit theOregon job opportunities website
The state of Oregon does not request or require your age date of birthattendanceor graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.
Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference.For more information please visitVeterans Resources.
After you apply you may be asked to provideadditionaloptional information. Please be sure to check your Workday account for pending tasks or actions under your MyApplications section.Be sure to check both your email and Workday account for updatesregardingthis recruitment.
As an employer DSLcomplies withOregons pay equity law. Salary offers are made with consideration of the candidates education and experience. For more information on pay equity please visit theEqual Paypage from BOLI.
Agency does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire applicants willbe requiredto complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States.
Required Experience:
IC
About Company
The Department of Administrative Services is the central administrative agency of Oregon’s Executive Branch. Our mission is to support state government to serve the people of Oregon. By providing reliable service, accurate information and creative solutions, we strive to set the ...