12037 - Archaeologist

Archaeologist / Cultural Resource Specialist (Contract)

This full-time contract Archaeologist role functions as a Cultural Resource Specialist, providing professional support to a historic preservation organization within a major regional power system. The position supports a Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS) Cultural Resource Program, coordinating closely with partner agencies to ensure compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). You will apply professional expertise in the inventory, evaluation, protection, and management of prehistoric and historic resources while balancing multiple projects and working with a wide range of internal staff, federal and state agencies, tribes, and other consulting parties.

Responsibilities include drafting and recommending plans for cultural resource fieldwork, reviewing background research and technical reports, tracking and monitoring numerous projects, evaluating cultural resources for National Register of Historic Places eligibility, facilitating and attending off-site meetings, participating in preparing National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and NHPA documents, drafting contract statements of work, communicating project status, maintaining records, preparing and reviewing cultural resource management plans, providing expert guidance on compliance with federal cultural resources laws, attending cultural resource-related meetings, and applying project management skills.

Essential skills include a Bachelor of Arts or Science in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a directly related field, at least 5 years of professional work experience or equivalent specialized training in archaeological research, administration, or management, working knowledge of the National Historic Preservation Act, extensive experience conducting archaeological field inventories, strong written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, proficiency in project management, and ability to work independently with limited supervision while collaborating effectively in a team environment.

Additional skills and qualifications include archaeological experience within the Columbia River and Snake River Basin, knowledge of the National Environmental Policy Act, understanding of Geographic Information Systems, knowledge of reservoir impacts to historic properties, experience working with state and tribal historic preservation offices, experience drafting and reviewing contract statements of work, familiarity with federal records management requirements, strong organizational skills, and ability to facilitate hybrid meetings.

The role supports an environmental and historic preservation organization that obtains information on cultural, historic, and archaeological resources potentially affected by ongoing operations of a major regional power system, transmission line maintenance, and fish and wildlife habitat restoration programs. The organization uses a variety of systems to record, maintain, and track information for analyses, consultations, and reporting in accordance with federal and state laws.

The position is semi-active, combining travel to meetings and site visits with a collaborative office environment. The office is generally slower-paced, with a somewhat flexible schedule depending on department needs, and business casual attire is typical. Work often involves waiting on approvals, signatures, and paperwork from multiple parties, and requires an independent work style with limited direct supervision. The culture values problem solvers who can work autonomously yet feel comfortable collaborating as part of a team, and emphasizes work-life balance within a deadline-driven setting.

Job Type &

Location:

This is a Contract position based out of Portland, OR.

Pay and Benefits:

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $42.00/hr eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision;
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital; 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available;
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents);
Short and long-term disability;
Health Spending Account (HSA);
Transportation benefits;
Employee Assistance Program;
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave).

Workplace Type:
This is a hybrid position in Portland, OR.

Final date to receive applications:
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 12, 2026.