Title: Western Regional Preservation Office Archaeologist
State Role Title: Hist/Arch & Preserv III
Hiring Range: Salary negotiable to $75,000
Pay Band: 5
Agency: Dept of Historic Resources
Location: Dept of Historic Resources
Agency Website: dhr.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
The Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) is seeking an experienced archaeologist to serve in a full-time position in the Western Regional Preservation Office (WRPO), based in Salem, Virginia. This position encourages good stewardship of Virginia’s archaeological heritage services to citizens, local governments, tribes, and other agencies by developing, implementing, and monitoring an ongoing comprehensive program for the identification, recordation, evaluation, and conservation of archaeological resources. This is a public-facing position and developing effective relationships with local communities, governments, and property owners is critical to success.
Duties:
• Initiate archaeological survey, field documentation, and limited subsurface testing of historic properties.
• Completes condition assessments of previously recorded significant historical properties.
• Reviews regional PIFs and National Register nominations and participates in evaluation team meetings.
• Provides preservation planning assistance to local and tribal governments and communities.
• Assists state and federal agencies with appropriate stewardship of archaeological properties on public lands.
• Provides technical assistance with investigations of illegal disturbance of archaeological sites.
• Identifies archaeological resources to the Threatened Sites program and serves on the program review committee.
• Supports DHR grant programs with identification and reporting of grant-eligible resources.
• Contributes to NAGPRA compliance through the identification of resources and assisting with documentation.
• Promotes participation in Virginia Archaeology Month.
• Leads public archaeology program for the WRO including volunteer field schools, lectures, workshops, and exhibits.
• Processes and prepares documentation and collections from survey and excavation activities in coordination with the Senior Curator according to State Curation Standards.
• Participates on the Collections Committee.
Minimum Qualifications
Required qualifications:
• Knowledge of and ability to conduct archaeological surveys and excavations, including completion of background archival studies, evaluation of resources, analysis and interpretation of artifacts, and preparation of summary reports.
• Knowledge of the history and archaeology of Virginia and the Middle Atlantic Region.
• Demonstrated ability to apply technical and scientific principles and practices to archaeological and preservation programs; identify and analyze archaeological data and interpret results; design, conduct, and oversee field projects; determine, assess, and document legitimate value and significance of archaeological resources; evaluate the work of others; and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Excellent organizational planning, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
• Excellent time management skills and proven ability to meet deadlines and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and experience and proficiency in creating and giving presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with other organizations and diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with digital/online office environment.
• Proficiency utilizing Microsoft Office Suite, databases and GIS programs.
Additional Considerations
Preferred qualifications:
• Experience with National Register of Historic Places programs, documents and activities and/or successfully applying National Register Criteria for Evaluation.
• Knowledge of applicable archaeological and preservation laws, rules, and guidelines
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Candidates are required to meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for Archaeology which requires graduation with a Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university, with major area of study in archaeology, anthropology, historic preservation or related field; and in some cases, specific professional experience and specialized training.
The selected candidate will be required to complete a criminal background check as a condition of employment. A valid driver license is required.
Cover letter required. If selected for an interview, applicants may be asked to provide a writing sample.
Contact Information
Name: Heather Smolka
Phone: 804-482-6447
Email: Heather.Smolka@dhr.virginia.gov
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.