Lead Archaeology Technician

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Forest Service, is seeking One Lead Archaeology Technician Member to contribute to the archeological surveys project alongside Forest Service Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: 06/01/2026

Estimated End Date: 08/06/2026

*up to 10-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Georgetown, CA - Eldorado National Forest, Georgetown Ranger District Office.

The Eldorado National Forest is located in the central Sierra Nevada region within California and encompasses a total of 798,279 acres, which includes 193,027 acres of private ownership.

The Eldorado National Forest is bordered on the north by the Tahoe National Forest, on the east by the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and the Humboldt-Toiyabe, and to the south by the Stanislaus National Forest. The Eldorado is within 3 - 4 hours of the San Francisco Bay Area and about 1 - 1 1/2 hours from Sacramento. It ranges in elevation from 1,000 feet in the foothills to more than 10,000 feet above sea level along the Sierra crest. The mountainous topography is broken by the steep canyons of the Mokelumne, Cosumnes, American, and Rubicon rivers. Plateaus of generally moderate relief are located between these steep canyons.

The forest is also home to 297 lakes and reservoirs (including both public and private acreage), which total 11,994 surface acres. 11 large reservoirs account for 9,000 acres. The rest are mostly small, high mountain lakes. Both the rivers and lakes provide excellent fishing opportunities. The Eldorado National Forest provides diverse recreational opportunities to the public. The Forest offers every visitor the chance to enjoy nature and be outdoors. In addition to two popular wilderness areas (Desolation Wilderness and Mokelumne Wilderness), the forest offers more than 70-day use and overnight developed recreation facilities across the forest for the individual, families and groups.

For more information about Eldorado National Forest, please visit the USFS website.

Position Overview:

Field Work (~90%)

• Leads on-the-ground area surveys for surface and subsurface evidence of historic and prehistoric archeological remains. Identifies and records historic and prehistoric cultural resource sites
• Prepare Cultural Resource Inventory reports and site forms. Enter site and inventory information into databases, especially the NRM cultural resource database, and onto GIS maps. Monitor cultural resource sites to ensure approved standard protection measures are implemented and effective
• Ensures that archeology work assignments are carried out in a safe and timely manner according to established standards and procedures
• Collaboratively work in a team setting

Office Work (~10%)

• Attend PCWA project meetings
• Conduct inventories of Forest cultural resources in areas of proposed Forest Service projects. Researchers reference materials such as State and National Register files, historic documents, archeological reports, maps and aerial photos, and interviews source individuals concerning project areas
• Review work in progress to see that standards for pre-field research, survey design, site recording, graphics, and final report are being met
• Advises other members, UMRWA or FS staff on methods of cultural resource inventory

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: Mon-Thurs, 7:00am - 5:30pm

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $1,200/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. The living allowance is a fixed rate determined by the Forest Service and ACE and is not flexible.

Housing: May be available in Forest Service barracks in Georgetown, CA.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. Specific training may include GIS, Forest Service field training,data and information training.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be authorized to work in the United States. ACE does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request). Members must be 21 to drive due to ACE's insurance and liability requirements.

• Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position should hold an associates degree or equivalent in anthropology, or a similar cultural/natural resource field
• Archaeological fieldwork experience
• Knowledge of established methods and techniques for archaeological field survey, recording historic and prehistoric cultural resources, and testing archaeological sites
• Practical knowledge of the local geography, archaeology, ethnography and history of the area within and adjacent to the Forest
• Familiarity with GIS
• Ability to perform library and archival research and oral interviewing to locate and obtain information
• Knowledge of technical report writing to prepare reports
• Skill using compass, aerial photos, topographic maps and GPS units to locate sites and survey areas
• All candidates are encouraged to apply, though local candidates will be strongly considered.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Ability to move up to 30 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. Indoor work, which is limited throughout the season, is in a climate controlled environment.
• Noise Environment: Light noise exposure both in the field and in office environments
• Travel: This position does not require unique travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources. Hazards include bees/stinging insects, beetle-killed and/or fire-killed trees.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the Forest Service or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the Forest Service. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the Forest Service, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to Forest Service and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACE's online application page for this position on our website. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact Project Manager - EPIC BLM/USFS, Anna-Louise Calliham.

If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are enrolled in a program to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO: Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.