Research Archaeologist - State Program Administrator Senior

Working Title: Research Archaeologist

Job Class: State Program Administrator Senior

Agency: Administration Dept

• Job ID : 94816

• Location : St. Paul

• Telework Eligible : Yes

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 06/12/2026

• Closing Date : 07/02/2026

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Administration Dept / Administration-MAPE

• Division/Unit : State Archaeologist

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Yes - up to 20%

• Salary Range: $28.26 - $41.43 / hourly; $59,006 - $86,505 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

• FLSA Status : Non-exempt

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities ( : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The Office of the State Archaeologist (OSA) ( is the chief public contact for archaeology in Minnesota. The OSA provides archaeological services and oversight to State and local governments, professional archaeologists, and the public with archaeological site protection, archaeological education, and archaeology research as defined by Minnesota's laws and statutes. The OSA promotes efficient management of archaeological resources in Minnesota and a better understanding of the State's past.

We are seeking a Research Archaeologist to help the OSA fulfill its statutory responsibilities. In this position, you will provide field, lab, and archival research; documentation and database development and maintenance; supervision of archaeologists licensed under provisions of statutes; and public education components. This work requires building and maintaining collaborative and effective relationships with tribes, governmental agencies, businesses, and individuals. In fulfilling duties as specified under Minnesota Statutes 138 ( .31-138.42 and 307.08 ( , responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Administering the Minnesota Archaeological Site Inventory and the OSA Web Portal by managing data related to archaeological and cemetery/burial site information in Minnesota, including providing training and troubleshooting to OSA Portal users.

• Managing the licensing process for archaeological licenses issued under the Minnesota Field Archaeology Act by managing the intake, routing, and notification process of archaeological licenses; managing the license review process coordination; and maintaining OSA license database, documentation, and expirations.

• Assisting with archaeological and burial site investigations and management by conducting field investigations, as necessary, and documenting field investigations and analyzing archaeological site information. This may include supervising and/or monitoring fieldwork conducted by others.

• Performing outreach and advocacy working with collaborating organizations to raise awareness of and appreciation for Minnesota's archaeological resources; hosting researchers and visitors to OSA; and developing papers and presentations for professional organizations and educational programs for public groups, agencies, and others pertaining to Minnesota's archaeological heritage and the OSA.

• Other office administrative duties, including administering accounts receivable and payable.

This position is eligible for up to a 50% hybrid telework arrangement. With a telework arrangement, additional onsite attendance may be required for team meetings or as requested by management to meet business needs. Completion of a telework agreement will be required. Please review the Telework Policy ( for details.

Additionally, this position is required to travel between 5% - 10%, including overnight stays, to meet position responsibilities and business needs. Traveling up to 20% may be required during the peak field season (April through November) with stakeholders, partners, and customers at their preferred location(s) and/or archaeological sites. Actual overnight travel is adjustable based on service needs.

Minimum Qualifications

The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position.

• A Bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, historic preservation, or related field (with an emphasis in archaeology) as required by the Secretary of the Interior's qualifications standards ( .

Along with formal education, the following are also required:

• At least one (1) year of full-time professional experience in cultural resource management work in conformance with the Secretary of the Interior's Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation, including relevant experience in areas of background and archival research, fieldwork, analysis, and report preparation.

• Two (2) years of experience in Minnesota archaeology.

• Knowledge of the Field Archaeology Act (MS 138.31-42); Private Cemeteries Act (MS 307.08); and other relevant local, state, and federal legislations, laws, and standards.

• Experience identifying and assessing human remains, burials, mortuary features, funerary materials, prehistoric and historic sites, artifacts, and/or features.

• Expertise in working with computers, software, databases, applications; and a high degree of analytical skills.

• Strong interpersonal and human relations skills to maintain healthy, productive relationships with people of diverse cultures and various organizations, including state agencies, the Minnesota Historic Society, the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, Minnesota universities and colleges, local and tribal governments, the general public, and private firms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Meet the Department of Interior's Professional Qualification Standards (36CRF61 ( ) for archaeology.

• Experience working with Minnesota's Tribal Historic Preservation Offices and tribal communities.

• Expertise in archaeological literature, research, and resources of the Upper Midwest.

• Familiarity with available archaeological research materials and resources in Minnesota.

• Strong time management and organizational skills to complete projects on time.

• Ability to monitor and lead other program staff, partners, contractors, vendors, etc., to meet established timelines, quality standards, and program objectives.

Physical Requirements

This position may sit or stand for extended periods of time to perform repetitive movements, such as word and data processing; bend, stand, stoop, kneel, or crouch; lift and/or move objects/materials up to 30 pounds with or without assistance; and physically inspect project sites while traversing rough/dug up and potentially uneven terrain and ascend/descend ladders and temporary stairs.

Additional Requirements

Successful applicants must pass a criminal background check through American DataBank and employment reference checks prior to employment. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify an applicant, and each case will be reviewed individually in alignment with fair hiring practices.

Applicants must possess a valid driver's license with acceptable motor vehicle record or have reliable transportation.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io . Please indicate what assistance is needed.