Cultural Resources Specialist/Archaeologist - NRCS ACES Program

Job Description

Job Description

CWI Works is recruiting for a Cultural Resources Specialist / Archaeologist position within the NRCS Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services (ACES) Program which provides support to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Successful candidates must meet the age criteria of being 55 years of age or older and eligible to work in the United States. Selected candidates will also be required to undergo a federal security background check.

Role and Responsibilities:

The Cultural Resources Specialist/Archaeologist will provide support to the NRCS with cultural resources activities, identification, management, and consultation related to compliance with cultural resource protection regulations. The position will perform these activities on an as-needed basis by request from NRCS.

Duties include:

• Archival Research: Conduct archival research in repositories available in Puerto Rico, including the State Historic Preservation Office and the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, to verify previous cultural resources surveys conducted within and adjacent to the Area of Potential Effects (APE), identify reported cultural resources within and adjacent to the APE, and determine the probability of encountering previously unknown cultural resources.
• Cultural Resources Surveys and Fieldwork: Conduct cultural resources surface reconnaissance surveys within the APE to determine the need for systematic or random subsurface testing based on data collected regarding the proposed undertaking, potential cultural resources, interviews, and other relevant data. Implement appropriate subsurface testing strategies on the APE to corroborate the presence or absence of cultural resources.
• Section 106 Consultation and Documentation: Use information gathered through archival research and field activities to prepare Section 106 consultations in accordance with professional standards and/or National Register of Historic Places, when delegated, prepare eligibility determinations.
• Compliance and Technical Guidance: Collaborate with NRCS to support compliance with current local and federal laws, regulations, and policies before NRCS-sponsored undertakings are implemented. Provide guidance to field personnel and farmers regarding the identification and avoidance of cultural resources.

Qualifications and Education Requirements: 

Successful candidates must meet the age criteria of being 55 years of age or older and eligible to work in the United States; able to pass a Federal Background check; MA/MS degree; Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in a related field may be used as the acceptable work experience requirement. Experience in archaeological research, cultural resources surveys, fieldwork, and cultural resources compliance. Knowledge and experience with cultural resources identification, management, and consultation. Must possess a valid Puerto Rico Driver's License. Experience with Microsoft Office, Government applications: WebSoil Survey, Conservation Desktop, PROTRACT, SharePoint and ARCVIEW (GIS) is preferred. Training will be provided as needed/on the job. The position is based primarily with the USDA-NRCS Ecological Sciences Division Office in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, with work also associated with the NRCS State Office in San Juan. This position requires travel throughout Puerto Rico for site visits, fieldwork, and inspections. Overnight travel may be required when conducting field activities.

Hours & Compensation :

Part-Time position working 16 hours per week $40.00 per hour, vacation and sick leave.

Physical Requirements :

The position includes both office and field work. Some work is performed in the office setting where normal safety precautions are exercised. However, the field work involves exposure to moderate risks and discomforts such as high levels of dust, low or high temperatures, animals, poisonous insects, plants, adverse weather conditions, and regular and recurring exposure to operating equipment such as 4x4 vehicles and ATVs. Enrollee is required to wear proper personal protective equipment.

Older Americans Act of 1965 / Title V COMMUNITY SERVICE EMPLOYMENT / Part-time public service and private sector jobs for unemployed, experienced and/or low-income persons age 55 and older are created through Title V of the Older Americans Act.