Job Listing
 🔗Archaeology Crew Lead (NPS, Lava Beds National Monument)

  • Full Time
  • Tulelake, CA
  • $24.20/- USD / Hour
  • April 27, 2026
  • Department: Cultural Resources Program
  • Job Summary: The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the NPS, is recruiting one Archaeology Crew Lead to complete Section 106 Cultural Resource surveys, site recording and monitoring for various projects within Lava Beds National Monument.
  • Job Qualifications:

    Required:

    • Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archaeology or related discipline, including relevant field methods training coursework AND one year of archaeology-related fieldwork;
    • Experience leading crews in the field, including oversight of crew safety, communication, fidelity to methods and data quality;
    • Proficiency in navigation using GPS, topographic maps and a compass;
    • Ability to recognize and record prehistoric and historic artifacts, features, and architecture
    • Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license with the ability to safely operate and maintain a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads;
    • Ability to work effectively in a team setting with USFS staff, GBI staff, interns, volunteers, academic, state, and federal partners;
    • Ability to work safely and productively in remote field settings under adverse conditions. This may include occasional overnight work & camping in remote areas for consecutive nights;
    • Ability to understand, implement and adhere to established data collection, inventory, assessment, and monitoring protocols;
    • Capacity to collect and maintain field data in an organized manner that is easily understood and accessible to other resources staff;
    • Strong communication skills with diverse audiences, both written and oral;
    • Willingness to work a variable schedule in response to project needs, possibly including some weekends, nights, and holidays;
    • Physically fit to work outdoors, carry up to 50 pounds of personal and/or field equipment, and withstand the rigors of a forested and/or high desert environment in all seasons.

    Preferred:

    • Master’s degree in anthropology, archaeology or related discipline and at least one year of field leadership experience;
    • Familiarity with Section 106/110 NHPA and California SHPO compliance procedures;
    • Knowledge of cultural resource management issues in the Western United States;
    • Familiarity with cultural history and forested habitat of the Sierra Nevada region;
    • Advanced skill using specialized software such as Microsoft Office Suite, ArcMap GIS, and Google Earth.
  • How to Apply:

    Please submit an up-to-date resume, a one-page cover letter that details your interest in the position and any qualifications not fully outlined in your resume, and contact information for three professional references to the unique application link.  Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview. For questions regarding this position, please contact isengupta@gbinstitute.org.

    Apply HERE

  • Job benefits: Housing stipend of $81.68/week; Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance premiums are covered 100% by GBI. Available on the first day of the month following the start of employment; Sick Time accrued (beginning on the first day of employment) at a rate of 0.05 hours per hour worked (~4 hours biweekly); $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance covered 100% by GBI; Paid federal holidays.
  • Physical Demands / Work Environment: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands, stand, walk, bend, and have specific vision abilities to include close and distance vision, and ability to adjust focus working with computer business equipment and other job/industry specific equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually low, but may be loud during the operation of small equipment.
  • Contact Name: Isabelle Sengupta
  • Application Email: isengupta@gbinstitute.org
  • Application URL: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/A1ADEF5691B02D64E998539442696918/jobs/374791
  • Application Address: 16750 Mt Rose Hwy Reno, NV 89511

Website The Great Basin Institute

The Great Basin Institute is an interdisciplinary field studies organization that promotes environmental research, education, and service throughout the West. Founded in 1998 at the University of Nevada, GBI advances applied research to support science-based adaptive management of public lands. The Institute is dedicated to the promotion of science through field studies programs, conservation practices, and public outreach.

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the NPS, is recruiting one Archaeology Crew Lead to complete Section 106 Cultural Resource surveys, site recording and monitoring for various projects within Lava Beds National Monument. The work that you will do directly improves the quality of this Monument helping ensure it continues to thrive for generations to come.

This work provides professional development and leadership opportunities in cultural resource management including increased exposure and responsibility enacting NPS processes, procedures and compliance measures; assisting in reporting and data entry/quality assurance and control. Expanded opportunities and exposure to additional disciplines (e.g., forestry, wildlife, hydrology, etc.) and projects may exist.

The Archaeology Crew Lead will perform a variety of activities to support all stages of project work. Leads will be responsible for crew safety and oversight, provide or assist in training, and communicate with agency and GBI staff as needed. Crew size will range between 2-6 people. Primary archaeology field duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Lead archaeology crew to conduct and complete field surveys to document, assess and characterize the status of new cultural resources.
  • Monitor existing sites and complete site updates and condition assessments.
  • Prepare California DPR site records, GIS maps, and photographic records in addition to adding data to the USFS heritage database.
  • Lead and collaborate with agency personnel and all other crew members to support field safety, communication, planning, logistics, quality assurance, field implementation, and reporting efforts.

Location:

Lava Beds is a national monument situated in far northeastern California encompassing about 45,000 acres on the northern flank of the Medicine Lake Shield Volcano. The monument is home to over 800 lava tube caves, in addition to being the site of the 1872-1873 Modoc War. The park ranges from about 4,000ft elevation on the north end to 5,500 in the south, and is located at the nexus of the southern Columbia Plateau, northern Sierra Nevada, and western Great Basin. Native vegetation consists of a mix of sagebrush and bunchgrass steppe, juniper woodlands, and ponderosa forests. Lava Beds experienced 2 wildfires in 2020 and 2021 that burned 97% of the park and consequently the landscape is now dominated by invasive cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and tumble mustard (Sisymbrium altissimum) across much of the park. Winter weather typically sees highs in the 30s and lows in the 10s, while summers are hot with max temps around 90-100 degrees. The park’s desert environment means snow and rain are infrequent, though not uncommon from October-May.

Fieldwork conditions to be expected from this position include high temperatures with no available water sources and little to no shade during 8–9-hour workdays. The terrain consists entirely of unforgiving lava “bedrock” that absorbs and reflects heat while creating a diverse surface that can become difficult or dangerous to navigate, especially while carrying heavy work gear. Other risks include rattlesnakes, bees/wasps, thorny vegetation, and high levels of smoke from surrounding wildfires. As such, crew health and safety are prioritized as the first concern and continual monitoring of one’s self and team members will be required. As with any fieldwork, tasks can become tedious at times. Surveys and associated data collection are conducted in accordance with a strict protocol, which can get a bit repetitive.

The nearest established community is Klamath Falls, OR, which is a 1 hour drive each way from park headquarters. Klamath Falls has a population of 45,000 and is home to grocery stores, restaurants, medical facilities, etc. There are also 2 small towns of about 1,000 (Merrill, OR and Tulelake, CA) within a 30-minute drive of park headquarters, each of which has a small grocery store and gas station. Recreation opportunities within 2 hours of the park include hiking, kayaking, winter sports, and more.

Compensation & Benefits:

Wage: $24.20/hour (no overtime);

Benefits:

Housing stipend of $81.68/week;
Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance premiums are covered 100% by GBI. Available on the first day of the month following the start of employment;
Sick Time accrued (beginning on the first day of employment) at a rate of 0.05 hours per hour worked (~4 hours biweekly);
$25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance covered 100% by GBI;
Paid federal holidays.

Timeline:

Tentatively April-October of 2026, with the potential of extension based on performance and agency needs;
Full time, average 40 hours per week;

Benefits

All NCPE interns received an hourly stipend, the rate is listed at each position description. Additionally, interns receive paid time off (PTO), paid Federal holidays if working full-time, and access to NCPE's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for career and personal counseling, coaching, and referrals. Project sites may also offer a housing allowance and/or commuting stipend; this information is also listed in the description or offered during the interview.

Eligible NCPE interns who successfully complete their internships may count their position towards earning a Public Land Corps (PLC) Non-Competitive Hiring Authority certificate. To be eligible to earn a PLC certificate, an intern must be 30 years old or younger (or 35 if a veteran). Once earned, the PLC hiring authority certificate may be used to apply for eligible Federal temporary, term, or permanent positions. Successful completion of a NCPE internship does not guarantee Federal employment. Contact manager@preservenet.org for more details.

Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must be
*at least 18 years old;
*no older than 30 years of age (or 35 years if a Veteran) when beginning the internship; applicants who are 31 or older (or 36 or older if a Veteran) are not eligible;
*currently enrolled in a degree-seeking academic program at the college level (or recently graduated within the past 12 months)
*be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident.

Interns are not allowed to work more than 1200 hours total in the program; previous interns must stay within this overall limit. The length of an internship can vary from 10 to 30 weeks if full-time (40 hours per week) or longer if on a part-time schedule. If selected, the exact starting date will be determined by you and the NPS supervisor. The stipend rate is $17.00 per hour unless otherwise listed.

The successful candidate is responsible for finding and paying for travel to and housing at the internship location; some exceptions apply. The supervising office may be able to assist in locating housing but it is ultimately up to the individual accepting the internship to find accommodation.

The National Council requires all interns working in-person at Federal facilities and/or with Federal employees receive the Covid-19 vaccination. Please be advised that you may also be required to wear a mask, depending on the protocols adopted by your work site. Also be aware that, due to Government-wide security requirements, a background check will be required if you are selected for a position. This will include providing information about recent housing and employment history. The position supervisor will have more information about these requirements and procedures at the time of hiring. You may direct any questions to NCPE's Internship Program Director, Julee Johnson, at manager@preservenet.org.

Please note that interns are not NCPE or NPS employees. Stipends are academic awards and taxes are not withheld, nor are social security contributions made on your behalf. These funds may be taxable, however, so consult a tax preparation professional if you have questions.

How to Apply

You may review NCPE's internship opportunities anytime without registering. Use the search function to find listings by location, keyword, or area of interest/category. Once you identify one or more positions of interest, there is a 3-step application process.

Step 1: Click on the Apply for Job button, then select Universal Application. Click on Register to create a User Account, which requires a username and email. A link will be sent to you from manager@preservenet.org to create a password. We suggest that you add this email to your safe senders list so you don't miss receiving this important link. You will be instructed to Log In to Preservenet using your username or email and password, which will take you back to the Universal Application.

Step 2: The Universal Application is required to apply for all NCPE internships. You fill out this form only once. In addition to contact information, educational status, work history, and experience, it requires two attachments: (1) the 2 most recent years of academic transcripts. These may be unofficial transcripts if official versions are unavailable. A PDF is preferred, labeled Your Your Last Name_Your First Name_Transcript. (2) a resume or CV (curriculum vitae). Please limit to a maximum of 4 pages; 2 pages are preferred. A PDF is preferred but jpg, png, doc, or docx file types are accepted. Label Your Last Name_Your First Name_Resume. This form may be saved as a draft and completed later. Use the link provided to return to the form.

Step 3: Once you submit the Universal Application, you may browse and apply for NCPE internships using the link provided. Complete the application process by clicking on the Apply for job button found at each internship listing and upload the required Essay. Use the essay to explain why you are applying for an internship, including how your interest areas will benefit the National Park Service (NPS) and how the internship will further your studies and career goals. Be as specific as possible; there is a 400-word maximum length. Submit the essay to finish the application for that position. You may apply for a maximum of 6 internships during an application round; there is no limit at other times of the year. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP!



Logging in with a Registered User Account and completing the Universal Application is required to apply for NCPE Internships. Please visit the Universal Application page to register for an account and complete the form. After logging in and completing the form, refreshing this listing will display the Job Application to apply online.