Archeologist

Posting closes on 3/11/2026

Under direct supervision, this position conducts studies and prepares documentation in order to identify and evaluate any potential impacts to prehistoric and historic cultural resources in and near Department project sites and monitors compliance with local, state, and federal regulations during all phases of Department work.

Under direct supervision, this position conducts studies and prepares documentation in order to identify and evaluate any potential impacts to prehistoric and historic cultural resources in and near Department project sites and monitors compliance with local, state, and federal regulations during all phases of Department work.

The following examples are intended only as illustrations of various types of work performed. No attempt is made to be exhaustive. Related, similar, or other logical duties are performed as assigned. The Department may require employees to perform functions beyond those contained in job descriptions. The Department may modify job descriptions based on Department needs. The Arkansas Department of Transportation is an “at will” employer.

• Conduct preliminary project and historic structure surveys in order to identify potential constraints to project development through cultural resources fieldwork, Global Positioning System (GPS) data collection, background research, etc.
• Conduct the analysis and curation of archeological and structural resources materials collected during fieldwork.
• Coordinate with designers and project managers to lessen impacts to cultural resources during avoidance or minimization processes.
• Coordinate with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies to secure any necessary concurrence/permits.
• Provide on-site archeological project monitoring as needed.
• Prepare project documents such as constraints statements, consultation letters, etc.
• Assist with the production of Treatment Plans, Memorandums of Agreement, and Special Provisions.
• Assess the eligibility of, and impacts on, archeological and structural resources for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.

The educational equivalent to a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in archaeology, anthropology, or closely related field. Working knowledge of Arkansas archaeology and history, Section 106 law, NAGPRA, the Arkansas burial law, and other pertinent state and federal regulations regarding historic properties. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook desired. Experience using GPS preferred. Ability to adapt to new technology.

Effective oral and written communication skills, including experience in report writing. Valid driver’s license. Physical ability to withstand archaeological fieldwork in year‑around weather conditions. Ability to traverse rugged terrain, including, but not limited to, steep hills, creeks and streams, swamps, brush and timber covered property, fences, etc. Statewide travel including overnight travel as necessary.

The following professional qualifications standards of the Secretary of the Interior as published in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), 36 CFR Part 61, must also be met:

• At least one year of full‑time professional experience or equivalent specialized training in archaeological research, administration or management;
• At least four months of supervised field and analytic experience in general North American archaeology; and
• Demonstrated ability to carry research to completion.

A professional in prehistoric archaeology shall have at least one year of full‑time professional experience at a supervisory level in the study of archaeological resources of the prehistoric period. A professional in historic archaeology shall have at least one year of full‑time professional experience at a supervisory level in the study of archaeological resources of the historic period.

(“Accredited” means the educational institution or program is accredited by an accrediting organization recognized either by the United States Department of Education or by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.)

A criminal background check will be required to determine suitability of employment, and failure to meet these standards may cause the applicant to be rejected or terminated from that position.