Research Archaeologist - State Program Administrator Senior

Job Overview

Working Title:

Research Archaeologist
Job Class:
State Program Administrator Senior

• Job
• Location:
  
  St. Paul
• Telework Eligible:
  Yes
• Full/Part Time:
  Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary:
  Unlimited
• Who May Apply:
  Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 06/12/2026
• Closing Date: 07/02/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit:
  Administration Dept / Administration-MAPE
• Division/Unit:
  State Archaeologist
• Work Shift/
  
  Work Hours:
  
  Day Shift
• Days of Work:
  Monday - Friday
• Travel Required:
  
  Yes - up to 20%
• Salary Range: $28.26 - $41.43 / hourly; $59,006 - $86,505 / annually
• Classified Status:
  Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status:
  Non-exempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities:
  Yes

At the State of Minnesota, the Office of the State Archaeologist (OSA) serves as the chief public contact for archaeology. The OSA provides archaeological services, oversight to state and local governments, professional archaeologists, and the public with site protection, education, and research. The OSA promotes efficient management of archaeological resources and a better understanding of the State's past.

We are seeking a Research Archaeologist to help the OSA fulfill its statutory responsibilities. In this position, you will provide field, lab, and archival research; documentation and database development and maintenance; supervision of archaeologists licensed under provisions of statutes; and public education components. You will build and maintain collaborative relationships with tribes, governmental agencies, businesses, and individuals.

• Administer the Minnesota Archaeological Site Inventory and the OSA Web Portal by managing data related to archaeological and cemetery/burial site information, including training and troubleshooting for OSA Portal users.
• Manage the licensing process for archaeological licenses issued under the Minnesota Field Archaeology Act by coordinating intake, routing, notification, review, and maintaining the OSA license database, documentation, and expirations.
• Assist with archaeological and burial site investigations and management by conducting field investigations, documenting, and analyzing archaeological site information; and supervise or monitor fieldwork conducted by others.
• Perform outreach and advocacy by working with collaborating organizations to raise awareness and appreciation for Minnesota's archaeological resources; host researchers and visitors to OSA; develop papers and presentations for professional organizations and educational programs for public groups, agencies, and others pertaining to Minnesota's archaeological heritage and the OSA.
• Perform other office administrative duties, including administering accounts receivable and payable.

• Bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, historic preservation, or related field with an emphasis in archaeology, as required by the Secretary of the Interior's qualifications standards.
• At least one (1) year of full‑time professional experience in cultural resource management work in conformance with the Secretary of the Interior's Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation, including relevant experience in background and archival research, fieldwork, analysis, and report preparation.
• Two (2) years of experience in Minnesota archaeology.
• Knowledge of the Field Archaeology Act (MS 138.31‑42);
  Private Cemeteries Act (MS 307.08); and other relevant local, state, and federal legislations, laws, and standards.
• Experience identifying and assessing human remains, burials, mortuary features, funerary materials, prehistoric and historic sites, artifacts, and/or features.
• Expertise in working with computers, software, databases, applications, and a high degree of analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal and human relations skills to maintain healthy, productive relationships with diverse cultures and organizations, including state agencies, the Minnesota Historic Society, the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, Minnesota universities and colleges, local and tribal governments, the general public, and private firms.