ARCHEOLOGICAL TECHNICIAN Job in Not Specified, Arkansas US
ARCHEOLOGICAL TECHNICIAN
DUTIES: AREA INFORMATION Buffalo National River was established in 1972 as the country's first national river, the park protects 135 miles of river from near its origin in the Boston Mountains to the confluence with the White River in Northwest Arkansas. Nearly 100,000 acres in size, roughly one third of the park's land base is designated wilderness. Heavily wooded and extremely rugged terrains are found throughout the park along with numerous hidden caves and waterfalls. There are over 100 miles of maintained trails for hiking and horseback use. There are two developed campgrounds and eight primitive campgrounds throughout the entire park. Of the two developed campgrounds, only one offers amenities such as water and electricity hook ups for visitors. There is one visitor center in each of the three districts, two of which are staffed and open to the public year round. Harrison is located 20 miles south of the Arkansas-Missouri state line and has a population of approximately 14,000 people. Harrison offers K-12 schools, a community college, restaurants, shopping, groceries, a movie theatre, a performing arts theatre, a hospital, and specialized clinics. There are several rental properties, as well as homes to purchase within Newton and Boone Counties. http://www.harrison-chamber.com / BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MAJOR DUTIES Two archeological technicians are needed at Buffalo National River to participate in archeological fieldwork in the Lower Buffalo Wilderness. Work will include: - Inventory and monitoring the condition of cultural resources in the Lower Buffalo Wilderness. - Participate in archeological surveys, shovel tests, and archaeological excavations, and laboratory processing and analysis of artifacts recovered. - Prepare and keep detailed field notes and records, daily logs and journals, photographs and photo logs, archeological and architectural forms, feature and artifact drawings, etc. - Assist in the preparation of monthly progress reports and a final seasonal report. - Assist in the use GPS, GIS and other computer software in support of data collection and reporting activities. Some of the incumbent's time will spent in the backcountry for periods of up to eight days. The incumbent will be required to live outdoors in a tent, hike in a backcountry setting without trails or modern amenities, and may transport in motorized and non-motorized watercraft or by horseback, as part of park activities. Physical Demands: Field work requires physical exertion for long periods of time. Heavy items (packs and equipment) must be lifted and carried on a routine basis, e.g., overnight backpack trips, 2 - 8 days in duration. Incumbent may be required to carry a 45 lb pack for up to 15 miles per day and to hike in steep, uneven terrain, often in inclement weather. Archaeological survey and investigations requires recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching or similar activities; and recurring lifting and carrying moderately heavy to heavy items. Camping and hiking is often in country with there is the possibility of wildlife encounters including black bear, snakes, and feral pig. Poison ivy and ticks are prevalent in northern Arkansas and may also be encountered.