Archaeology Technician - Tahoe National Forest

Archaeology Technician - Tahoe National Forest

Role offered by American Conservation Experience
, a nonprofit conservation corps in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service.

American Conservation Experience (ACE) seeks one archaeology technician to contribute to the Heritage program alongside Tahoe National Forest staff.

Start Date:

May 4th, 2026 (05/04/2026)

Estimated End Date:
October 1st, 2026 (10/01/2026)

• 16‑week minimum commitment required.

American River Ranger District (Foresthill, California). The district lies 17 miles east of Auburn and Interstate 80, surrounded by the Auburn State Recreation Area, BLM lands, and National Forest.

The Archaeology Technician will support Forest Service initiatives by providing technical assistance to heritage resource staff. Responsibilities include participating in cultural resource inventory surveys, collecting and editing GIS data, adapting pedestrian survey strategies, preparing data for reports, completing site records, entering data into the NRM heritage database, and completing additional tasks as directed.

• Perform on‑ground pedestrian surveys to locate and document surface historic and prehistoric cultural resources.
• Prepare data for cultural resource inventory reports and site forms; enter information into the NRM database and GIS maps.
• Monitor protected sites to ensure standard protection measures are implemented and document changes over time.
• Conduct inventories of cultural resources in areas of proposed Forest Service projects, referencing State and National Register files, historic documents, archaeological reports, maps, and aerial photos.
• Ensure archaeological work assignments are carried out safely and timely, meeting established standards and procedures.
• Review work in progress to confirm standards for pre‑field research, survey design, site recording, graphics, and final reports are met.
• Assist other crew members or Forest Service staff with cultural resource inventory methods.

Mon‑Thu 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM Pacific Time, reporting daily to the Tahoe National Forest American River District Office in Foresthill. Schedule adjustments are limited and require approval of the District Archaeologist.

• Living allowance: $920 / week to offset food and incidental expenses, paid bi‑weekly.
• Housing allowance: up to $280 / week; housing is the member’s responsibility, but boarding of up to $7–20 / day may be available.
• Gear allowance: up to $500 for eligible gear purchases (new members); returning members or Forest Service employees up to $250.
• Training allowance: up to $500 for eligible training or professional development courses, approved by ACE and Forest Service staff.
• Public Land Corps hiring authority eligibility upon completion of term and 640 hours of service.

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

• Authorized to work in the United States; no visa sponsorship provided.
• Professional, positive, and enthusiastic representation of ACE.
• Self‑directed and able to work independently or in a team.
• Valid driver’s license with insurable record; must be 21 + to drive.
• Willing to undergo and pass criminal history checks.
• Ability to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Completion of bi‑weekly timesheets, term feedback forms, end‑of‑term evaluations, and mid‑term evaluations for longer terms.
• Adherence to the Member Service Agreement, including prohibited activities.

• Current or pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology or a related cultural/natural resource field; relevant archaeological fieldwork experience preferred.
• Knowledge of archaeology theories and practices for compiling technical reports and site records.
• Experience in archaeological reconnaissance and survey strategy adaptation.
• Practical GIS knowledge.
• Library and archival research skills.
• Proficiency with compass, aerial photos, topographic maps, and GPS units.
• Ability to follow instructions, use initiative, and work under an archaeological crew lead.
• Experience recording historic and prehistoric cultural resources.
• Willingness to hike off trail, in…