Position Classification Description

Position Class Code / Title: L6010 / Archaeologist
Recruitment Tier: Tier 1
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Grade: 12

This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to UNMJobs and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.

The following statements are intended to describe, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibility levels characteristic of positions assigned to this classification. They should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of the specific duties and prerequisites applicable to individual positions that have been so classified.

Summary

Under indirect supervision, oversees and coordinates the day-to-day activities of various archaeological contract projects. Provides technical leadership and guidance to other contract archaeologists and support staff. Performs independent research and supervises multidisciplinary archaeological field and laboratory research.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Plans and coordinates project logistics; oversees procurement of field equipment and supplies; assists in management of the cost-effective use of departmental resources.
  2. Oversees and coordinates one or more archaeological field crews in survey and excavation activities; plans and organizes daily project work and personnel assignments for fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and report production.
  3. Provides functional guidance and supervision in areas of specialty, such as faunal, lithic, or ceramic analysis, as required; coordinates the processing of artifacts and samples with laboratory personnel.
  4. Conducts original archaeological research in areas of specialty; synthesizes previous and on-going research, and analyzes and interprets archaeological data; may assist in preparation of research designs and project proposals.
  5. Writes and co-authors archaeological reports of publication; delivers speeches, presentations, and/or articles in professional publications, as appropriate, on archaeology and research activities on a local, regional, and/or national level; participates in outreach programs, and trains volunteers.
  6. Participates in the recruitment of archaeological field staff, to include review of employment applications and final hiring recommendations.
  7. Serves as liaison with clients, contractors, landowners, and local/state/federal agency representatives, as appropriate, to ensure smooth project operation; makes recommendations as to site significance.
  8. Ensures timely completion of fieldwork and project reports.
  9. May contribute input to budgets and research design development.
  10. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

  • Master's degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or other relevant field; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified
  • Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

  • Ability to develop and deliver presentations.
  • Knowledge of archaeological research issues, principles and procedures.
  • Project planning skills.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
  • Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
  • Knowledge of archaeological field facilities, equipment and operational requirements.
  • Ability to develop scientific reports and manuscripts based on original research.
  • Knowledge of human resources concepts, practices, policies, and procedures.
  • Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
  • Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments.
  • Knowledge of archaeological field and/or laboratory procedures and techniques.
  • Knowledge and expertise in one or more fields of archaeological specialty.
  • Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
  • Skill in collecting, analyzing, verifying, and manipulating research data.
  • Skill in the use of computers for writing, analysis, and report production.
  • Skill in backpacking and primitive camping.

Distinguishing Characteristics

    Position requires: a) use of complex archaeological field, laboratory, and literature research methods and advanced knowledge/expertise in a specified area of archaeological research to independently collect, process, analyze, integrate, and interpret data; b) use of archaeological project management principles and methods; c) interaction with landowners, government agencies, and other external parties in the planning and organization of field activities; d) recruitment, training, and supervision of archaeological field staff and volunteers; e) co-authoring published archaeological reports, and delivery of speeches, presentations, and articles in field of expertise.

Conditions of Employment

  • Possession of a valid United States driver's license is a requirement for this job.
  • Successful candidate must be able to meet minimum requirements for Local/State/Federal Archaeological permits.
  • Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

  • Considerable physical activity. Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds. Physical work is a primary part (more than 70%) of job.
  • Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
  • Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
  • Work requires hiking in rugged terrain with elevation changes of more than 1000 feet.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 08/16/2018