Review and Compliance Archeologist

Come and join an exciting and fun team at the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)!Our mission is to identify, protect, and preserve historic and cultural resources in South Dakota. The Historic Preservation Review and Compliance Archaeologist is an integral part of our mission with some key responsibilities in cultural resource management, historic/cultural project reviews, periodic archeological site visits/surveys, and planning/managing important historic preservation activities. The successful candidate will work in a stimulating and varied work environment self- starter, qualified individual will be able to manage their own schedule and prioritize daily tasks, in addition to providing supervision of contracts from time to time. Primary responsibilities will be to review and document federal and state projects under current preservation laws and to assess impacts to historic properties and sites to ensure they are given due consideration during planning and implementation of projects. The position serves as liaison to SDDOT regarding highway projects within the state. There will be ample opportunity to also provide educational outreach about historic preservation laws and archeology and their benefits to the state.

Works in a typical office environment. However, some archeological field survey work is done under varying weather conditions and in different locations throughout the state of South Dakota. Periodic travel is required.

Licenses and Certifications:

Applicants must have a minimum of a Master\'s Degree in archaeology, anthropology, or a closely related field. At least two years 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 a demonstrated ability to carry research to completion.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

An ability to work well with others and quickly assimilate into a supportive environment as part of a cohesive team. A friendly demeanor with a desire to work with a wide variety of federal, state, local, and private organizations as well as individuals in both the public and private sectors. Individual will be able to perform a combination of professional and high-level technical duties in administering statutes of the National Historic Preservation Act and state laws applicable to historic preservation., reviewing projects for technical compliance, and conducting research and database queries to determine areas of potential effect for projects. Many of the duties and responsibilities will require independent judgement, analysis, and an ability for the individual to make their own decisions and solve problems. The ideal candidate will have skills to work in an environment that encompasses both office administrative tasks as well as archaeological field work.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Correspondence – Creates, proofs, and/or edits documents to ensure accuracy and compliance with federal and state statutes.  Examples include composing official technical review and compliance letters for a variety of entities.         
2. Review sometimes complex projects with many facets.  Quickly learn computer software associated with survey database applications.
3. Policies, Procedures, and Processes – Researches and educates others on policies, procedures, and processes as it relates to the National Historic Preservation Act and state statutes regarding historic preservation activities and proper review and compliance processes.
4. Determine the value of cultural resources and archaeological sites.  Periodically conduct archaeological laboratory analysis and field survey/excavation.  Inventory archaeological sites, surveys, maps, and related information. 
5. Communicate information clearly and concisely, both written and verbal. 
6. Interpret legal requirements, analyze information, and deal tactfully and professionally with others in both the public and private sector.
7. Conduct Section 106 and SDCL 1-19A-11.1 Project Reviews - Reviews plans for state permitted and federally assisted projects to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
8. Special Projects Manager – Ability to manage contracts with private vendors for special projects.
9. Public Outreach and Education - Ability to disseminate information and create presentations about historic preservation programs, funding, laws, rules, and regulations.

For additional information and to apply, please see the posting at: https://sodakprod-lm01.cloud.infor.com:1443/lmghr/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=DSE