Career Opportunities

Archeological Technician

Description

Are you passionate about exploring, documenting, and interpreting archeological sites through collaboration with a team of highly skilled cultural resource professionals? The Nebraska State Historical Society (NSHS) is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Archeological Technician to support the State Archeology Office’s Highway Archeology Program and other statewide cultural resource management projects.
The NSHS is a statewide educational institution that inspires curiosity and discovery by welcoming all to explore Nebraska’s past, understand our present, and shape a better future together. We collect, preserve, and open to all, the histories we share through connecting people to the past through our library and research center, conservation facility, interpretive sites, the state archeology and historic preservation offices, and the Nebraska History Museum.

Look at what we have to offer!

  • 13 paid holidays
  • Vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately
  • Military leave
  • 156% (that’s not a typo!) state-matched retirement
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Employee assistance program
  • 79% employer-paid health insurance plans
  • Dental and vision insurance plans
  • Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
  • Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
  • Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
  • Training and Development based on your career aspirations
  • Fun, inviting teammates
  • A safe and secure environment

 

Job Duties
  • Complete surface and subsurface archeological investigations, including pedestrian survey, shovel and auger testing, and artifact and feature documentation.
  • Identify, thoroughly document, and evaluate archeological sites; record cultural materials using handheld GPS equipment, digital photography, and standardized paperwork.
  • Conduct background research using historic documentation, aerial imagery, maps, reports, photos, and other associated records.
  • Clean, analyze, photograph, catalog, and package artifacts in the lab.
  • Prepare project maps, site forms, photographs, and other necessary documentation for technical reports.
  • Use ArcGIS Pro and ESRI GIS products in all aspects of archeological investigations.
  • Properly clean and manage field vehicles, equipment, and supplies.
  • Maintain project deadlines and ensure work meets professional and agency standards.
  • Other duties as assigned within the scope of the classification.
**NSHS collects, preserves, and opens to all, the histories we share. We believe a diverse and inclusive workforce is an essential element in making Nebraska’s rich history available to everyone. The State of Nebraska is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualifications / Requirements

Minimum Qualifications: Post-high school course work in anthropology or history AND one season archeological field school or field experience.

Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archeology, history, or a related field; with 1+ year of cultural resource management-focused field experience; Demonstrated contribution to, or completion of, technical field reports; Knowledge and familiarity of Great Plains or Nebraska archeology, culture, history, and artifact assemblages.

Other: This position requires frequent in-state day trips and overnight travel lasting up to one week to complete fieldwork. As such, the incumbent must be able to present a valid driver’s license or another form of reliable transportation. Fieldwork encompasses approximately 25% of this position’s duties throughout all seasons. This position requires working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, hiking over uneven terrain, excavating by hand, screening sediment, carrying field equipment, and performing other physically demanding field activities. Regular and Reliable attendance is Required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge and experience of archeological field and laboratory best practices and techniques, artifact identification and analysis, and site formation processes.
  • Understanding of and ability to interpret and apply state and federal cultural resource laws, standards, and regulations.
  • Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro and handheld GPS technology.
  • Detail-oriented and able to follow instructions.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Capability to work independently and collaboratively to meet various project, team, and agency goals.
  • Flexibility with and adaptation to ever-changing project needs, conditions, and deadlines.
  • Must be committed to the organization's core values and demonstrate them regularly in their work.

About NSHS

The Nebraska State Historical Society was founded in 1878 by citizens who recognized Nebraska was going through great changes and they sought to record the stories of both indigenous and immigrant peoples. It was designated a state institution and began receiving funds from the legislature in 1883. Legislation in 1994 changed NSHS from a state institution to a state agency. The division is headed by Director Daryl Bohac. They are assisted by an administrative staff responsible for financial and personnel functions, museum store services, security, and facilities maintenance for NSHS.

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