Historical Archaeologist

Historical Archaeologist

The Historical Archaeologist will provide professional and scientific expertise to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) on a full-time basis, and will be responsible for the following duties:  

• Provides professional archaeological analysis and produces proposals for fieldwork utilizing a variety of materials associated with covered conflicts, including the Cold War, Vietnam War, Korean Conflict, and World War II. 
• Serves as an expert in fundamental spatial concepts for assessing, visualizing, and managing data using software, such as ArcGIS, and GoogleEarthPro. 
• Synthesizes various data sources – to include historical documentation, geospatial information, and archaeological reports to comprehensively inform field activities related to recovering the remains of service members from past conflicts. 
• May deploy as directed to both foreign and domestic locations, which may include remote, isolated, and/or austere environments. 

Critical Work Responsibilities: 

• Follow DPAA policies and procedures to serve as a historical archaeologist to conduct research and draft reports to support case progression. 
• Ensure accurate and comprehensive data is recorded in accordance with DPAA policies and procedures, and all reports meet DPAA standards. 
• Provide comprehensive archaeological support for projects that may include a specific geographic or topical focus, such as battlefields, underwater cases, or foundational case research. 
• Provide support for mission planning and future operations scope, to include geospatial and imagery analysis for case development. 
• Comply with all DPAA requirements for reporting and coordinating all plans and results through all appropriate channels. 
• Work directly and independently with clients. 
• Completes recurring duties independently, but refers deviations, problems, or unfamiliar situations to the supervisor for assistance. 
• Protects organization’s value by keeping information confidential. 
• Follows all client policies and procedures. 
• Other duties as assigned consistent with the position for which you were hired. 

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: 

• M.A./M.S. or Ph.D. degree in archaeology, anthropology, or closely related field. 
• Leadership background required with at least one year of full-time professional experience at the supervisory level in the study of archaeological resources. 
• At least one year of full-time professional experience or equivalent specialized training in archaeological research, administration, or management. 
• Comprehensive knowledge in designing, directing and supervising all phases of archaeological projects to include Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III archaeological processes, mapping methods and techniques. 
• Demonstrated experience implementing multi-phase, complex archaeological projects with a geospatial component, such as battlefield archaeology. 
• Ability to design and implement analyses of a variety of materials – to include historic records and past reporting – associated with DPAA’s mandate to identify mission service members from past conflicts, including the Cold War, Vietnam War, Korean Conflict, and World War II. 
• At least four months of supervisory field and analytic experience in general archaeology. 
• Comprehensive knowledge of remote-sensing, mapping, probing, coring, and test excavation methods/techniques. 
• Expert in fundamental spatial concepts for assessing, visualizing, and managing data using software, such as ArcGIS and GoogleEarthPro. 
• Comprehensive knowledge of best practices in forensic and archaeological laboratory analysis procedures. 
• Expert knowledge of artifact and material evidence analysis to include identifying circumstantial and direct evidence supporting casualty identifications. 
• Ability to write, implement, and follow standard operating procedures. 
• Possess strong written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to successfully communicate complex information to a wide variety of audiences. 
• Experience supporting and anticipating client needs and demonstrating problem-solving skills. 
• Experience performing tasks under tight deadlines and managing shifting priorities. 
• Possess strong attention to detail and excellent recordkeeping skills. 
• Possess the ability to prioritize responsibilities, multi-task, and work well under pressure. 
• Proficient in MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat. 
• Demonstrated ability to carry research to completion. 
• A demonstrated history of initiative and achievement. 
• Able to work well independently as well as in a team environment. 

Please submit a cover letter along with your CV. CVs without a cover letter will not be considered.

SNA International is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.