Archeologist (GS-0193-09) Death Valley National Park

Posted on
September 16, 2024
Company: National Park Service
Type: Full Time
Description:

This TERM position is located in Death Valley National Park, in the Cultural Resources Division.

Open to the first 101 applicants or until 09/27/2024 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.

Government housing MAY be available.

Salary $59,966-77,955

Duties

This is a term position (more than 1 year) with an initial appointment expecting to last at least 13 months but may be extended up to a total of four years. Term positions do not convey permanent status in the Federal service.

This TERM position will focus, primarily, with work related to the Abandoned Mine Land program through the recordation and documentation of historic mining sites and landscapes -- an excellent opportunity for archaeologists with experience or focus in historical or industrial archaeology.

MAJOR DUTIES:

  • Leads archeological field surveys using standard professional methods. Records data and prepares survey records. Leads excavation and testing of archeological sites, including the careful recovery of sample materials.
  • Uses tools and equipment common to archeological functions. Hikes, camps, and works in remote backcountry settings. Communicates information and maintains working relationships with staff and park partners.
  • Writes and edits professional documents. Enters, retrieves, and synthesizes data. Maintains archeological information databases including GIS. Produces documents and reports using software applications. Queries data when writing reports.

  • How You Will Be Evaluated

    You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

    You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the additional assessments required for this position. A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score will be adjusted accordingly. If a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you can lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully; errors or omissions can affect your rating.

    Tribal Preference: "In employing individuals to perform any construction, maintenance, interpretation, or other service in the park, the Secretary (Selecting Official) shall, in so far as practical, give first preference to qualified members of the Tribe": (Timbisha Shoshone Homeland Act, Nov 2000). To receive current preference eligibility, members of the TIMBISHA SHOSHONE TRIBE must submit a copy (not the original) of the letter certifying their tribal membership.

    Candidates will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. These procedures place candidates with veteran's preference above non-preference eligibles within each category. Veterans with a service connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher. Under Category Rating, candidates will be rated and ranked into one of three categories:

    • Best Qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position
    • Well Qualified - applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in most of the requirements of the job
    • Qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in some, but not all of the requirements of the job.
    You will be evaluated on the following competencies:
    • History and Archaeology
    • Leadership
    • Manages and Organizes Information
    • Technical Competence

    • Requirements

      Conditions of Employment

      • U.S. Citizenship required.
      • Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
      • Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
      • Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
      • You may be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties. Prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and again every year thereafter (or more frequently if management determines such need exists), you will be required to sign an affidavit certifying to your possession of a valid State issued driver's license that is current and has not been revoked, suspended, canceled, or otherwise disqualified in any way to prohibit your operation of a motor vehicle. You will also submit a photocopy of your valid State issued driver's license prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and again every year, or more frequently if management determines such need exists. Lastly, you may be required to submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that discloses all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you. Please indicate in your application whether you possess a valid State driver's license.
      • You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
      • You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.
      • You will be required to complete a one-year trial period.
      • You may be required to travel overnight away from home occasionally. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.
      • You may be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority.

       

      Qualifications

      All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-09/27/2024-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

      Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience.

      To qualify for this position, you must possess one of the Basic Experience or Education Requirements for the 0193 series below AND you must possess one of the Minimum Qualifications (specialized experience, education or combination) for the GS-09 grade level below.

      BASIC EXPERIENCE OR EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ARCHEOLOGY GS-0193 SERIES:
      1. Degree: bachelor's or higher degree that included 3 semester hours each in the following course areas: History of archeology; Archeology of a major geographical area such as North America or Africa; Regional archeology, archeological cultures, or sites in a specific part or portion of a major geographical area to acquire or develop a foundation for regional specialization for professional development; Theory and methods of archeology. Methods include, but are not limited to, typology, classification, sampling, cultural evolution, diffusion, dating, and analytical techniques; Archeological field school, to provide a basic understanding of theoretical and practical approaches to research design implementation, field preservation techniques, and report preparation by participation in actual field work AND Six semester hours of related course work in: geography, geology, or cultural geography; history, historiography, or historical archeology; environmental studies; scientific writing (nonfiction English composition); and/or surveying; AND Archeological field school.-OR- Related Curriculum: degree in anthropology (with emphasis on ethnology, physical anthropology, or scientific linguistics), history, American studies, or a related discipline may be accepted, provided the curriculum supplied academic course work sufficiently similar to the requirements above (including archeological field school). You MUST provide transcripts. -OR-
      2. Combination: College-level education or training that provided knowledge equivalent to that described above, plus appropriate technical experience or additional education. You MUST provide transcripts. -OR-
      3. Experience: 4 years of archeological work experience that demonstrated a thorough knowledge of the fundamental principles and theories of professional archeology. The work experience must have included archeology field experience, which may include that gained in an archeological field school. Field experience should have included a combination of professional experience in archeological survey, excavation, laboratory analysis, and preparation of written materials. You should be able to demonstrate the ability to be a crew chief, directing the work of others at a single location as a part of a larger archeological project.
      - AND-

      MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR GS-09 GRADE LEVEL:

      EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience is defined as one or more of the following: Assisted in conducting background studies and document reviews pertaining to archeological project development; Participated in archeological survey and site evaluation work and preparation of technical reports; Received formal and on-the-job instructions and training on the practical application of archeological principles, theories, methods, practices, and techniques; Developed and coordinated networks and contacts beneficial to the successful performance of archeological work assignments, such as interacting technically with colleagues and supervisors, and demonstrating the ability to work cooperatively with other persons; and/or used Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to record archaeological sites and projects. You must include hours per week worked.
      -OR-
      EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent doctoral degree in a related major of study. You must include transcripts.
      -OR-
      Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. Only graduate level education in excess of 18 semester hours may be used to qualify applicants for this grade level. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. You must include transcripts.

      For more information qualifying education or on combining education and experience see OPM Qualification Standards linked below:
      Individual Occupational Requirements for Archeology Series, 0193
      Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Professional and Scientific Positions

      Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

      CTAP/ICTAP Statement: Current surplus and current or former displaced Federal individuals who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. Well qualified means that the applicant meets the following: OPM qualification standards for the position; all selective placement factors, where applicable; special qualifying conditions that OPM has approved for the position, where applicable; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and is rated by the organization at least at the well qualified level on all competencies. Federal employees seeking I/CTAP eligibility must submit proof that they meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.605(2) - CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 - ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of most recent Performance Rating, and a copy of most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level & duty location.

      Education

      To qualify based on education, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.

      If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.

      Additional information

       

      A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected The display of a salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay.

      A Recruitment Incentive May Be Authorized for a newly selected employee when appointed to a permanent, temporary, or term position. A Federal employee who is transferring to the National Park Service from another component, bureau or Federal agency and who does not meet the conditions under 5 CFR 575.102 is not eligible for a recruitment incentive.

      A Relocation Incentive May Be Authorized for a Federal employee when the employee must move, as directed by the National Park Service (NPS) either through a management directed reassignment or selection for employment, to a different location at least 50 miles away from the one where his/her position of record held at time of selection is currently located, due to a need of the NPS. A relocation incentive is not the same as a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move and, as such, may be granted in conjunction with one another.

      This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.

      Physical Demands: The position may require strenuous physical activity including periods of standing, walking, climbing, and lifting and carrying heavy objects. Some activities will occur in physically dangerous areas or settings. Documentary research and report writing work are sedentary, which entails the ability to concentrate and write for long periods of time.

      Working Conditions: Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in all types of weather. Assignments may be performed in potentially hazardous areas including steep slopes, rocky terrain, volcanoes, caves, firelines, arctic environments, swamps, deserts, and forests. Flying in fixed-winged aircraft and helicopters is possible.

      The National Park Service has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework only during an emergency or on a situational basis.
    Help

    Required Documents

    The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/27/2024:

    1. Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, dates specified in month and year format, and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade.
    2. Complete All Required Assessments.
    3. Other Supporting Documents, if applicable, such as:
      • Veterans Preference Documentation:
        • If you are a Discharged, Non-Disabled Veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.
        • If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
        • If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Mother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 to establish proof of disability.
    4. College transcripts, if qualifying based on education.
    5. Documentation for Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan consideration if you are a displaced Federal employee within the local commuting area. You must include: 1) Proof you are a displaced Federal employee, e.g., RIF Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, etc; 2) SF-50s (Notifications of Personnel Action) showing career/conditional tenure competitive status, promotion potential and duty location; and 3) your most recent performance appraisal. To exercise selection priority, displaced or surplus Federal employees must be rated well-qualified or above 85 on the rating criteria for this position.
    Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc.

    Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.

    Tribal Preference: "In employing individuals to perform any construction, maintenance, interpretation, or other service in the park, the Secretary (Selecting Official) shall, in so far as practical, give first preference to qualified members of the Tribe": (Timbisha Shoshone Homeland Act, Nov 2000). To receive current preference eligibility, members of the TIMBISHA SHOSHONE TRIBE must submit a copy (not the original) of the letter certifying their tribal membership.

  • To apply for this position: You must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To receive consideration, the complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/27/2024. You must provide documentation to support your claim for each eligibility selected. Please review the required documentation listed in the eligibilities language to ensure you submit the appropriate information. Note: You will only be marked eligible for those eligibilities that you selected and provided the appropriate supporting documentation.

    WE DO NOT ACCEPT HARD-COPY OR E-MAIL APPLICATION PACKAGES.

    1. Select Apply. If you are not logged in, you will be prompted to login or create an account.
    2. Prompted to Start the Application Process by selecting "Start Application."
    3. Select or add the resume you want to use for this application. Click here on how to build a resume in USAJOBS.
    4. Select documents you want included in this application.
    5. Review package to acknowledge your documents were reviewed.
    6. Select if you want to include your demographic information.
    7. After reading and certifying the application is true and submitted in good faith, select "Continue to Agency Site."
    8. Follow onscreen prompts and instructions to complete your application.
    9. Add the supporting documents by indexing your documents with the dropdown.
      • Upload any missing required documents or optional documents.
    10. Review and Submit Application.
    11. While logged in, you can check the status of your application by selecting "+" next to the job title for this position.
    12. You can review or revise your application at any point during the open period of the announcement.
      • To update an application, you should log into your USAJOBS account and select "+" next to the job title for this position. Select "Update Application" for this job.
      • Note: When you click Update Application, you will be prompted to re-select your documents from USAJOBS. Documents submitted with the first application will no longer be associated with the applicant record. So it is important that you select all documents you want to use in the re-application.

        How to Apply

     

Submit Resume To:

National Park Service
, CALIFORNIA