Archaeology Technician III - Anticipated Vacancy

Maine HIstoric Preservation Commission 

Archaeology Technician III - Anticipated Vacancy 

Opening Date: February 28. 2025

Closing Date:  March 28, 2025

Job Class Code: 3182
Grade: 22
Salary: $47,174.40 – $65,832.00/Annually 
Position Number: 014600044

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is professional services and archaeological work performing and overseeing field and laboratory activities related to archaeological projects.  Responsibilities include prioritizing field work activities, assigning teamwork, determining field techniques and methods to be utilized, evaluating activities to ensure integrity of data collection and analysis outcomes, and drafting complex report findings to support professional publications and reports.  This classification is distinguished from the lower-level Archaeology Technician II by the responsibility to analyze and present data recommending site eligibility for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places and lead site project work.  Work is performed under limited supervision.

•  Leads archaeological projects by planning, assigning, performing and monitoring excavation activities to ensure proper collection and handling of artifacts and archaeological samples.

1. Conduct searches in the archaeological databases to assess the sensitivity of Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) project sites and advise MDOT on the need for field checks or further survey on known sites.
2. Develop scopes of work for MDOT field checks/projects.
3. Perform MDOT field checks.  
4. Completes and reviews analysis of archaeological materials and samples in order to perform preliminary identifications and monitor adherence to protocols.
5. Conducts and oversees the implementation of specialized laboratory procedures in order to process and analyze artifacts.
6. Evaluates soil samples and materials collected in order to determine when external laboratory analysis is needed and which type of analysis is to be performed, in consultation with the Historic Preservation Coordinator and/or Chief Historic Preservationist.  Researches publications for current developments in conservation practices and performs modern artifact conservation methods and techniques in order to ensure items remain intact.
7. Writes detailed reports and assesses report summaries of others in order to document research activities, archaeological artifacts, materials, and support recommendations related to project scope.
8. Generate memos to MDOT relating to the tasks above.
9. Process MDOT generated archaeological collections for curation.  This would include finalizing any documentation, contacting owners, identifying repositories, and completing the transfer paperwork.

• Establish and carry out a program to digitize archaeological site files and reports.
• Ensure that archaeological site photographs, negatives and slides are housed in archival quality storage containers.
• Tracks project costs and orders supplies and equipment.
• Assists the Historic Preservation Coordinator and Chief Historic Preservationist in the analysis and interpretation of data in order to verify compliance with data collection, provenance protocols, and to support successful listing in the National Register (NR).
• Compare findings from one site with archaeological data with other sites in order to  build valid archaeological conclusions.
• Explains and promotes programs and policies to the public, private organizations, and the media as necessary.
• Inputs and retrieves information from the Geographic Information System (GIS) and operates ground surveying equipment in order to collect, store, and retrieve data .
• Update databases as new information is generated. This includes the database showing areas in which archaeological survey has been conducted, as well as the QGIS database showing the location of NR listed properties.
•  Evaluates information from database catalogues and other electronic and manual record systems in order to provide specialized geographic views and predictive models of archaeological site location and ensure record documentation complies with provenance protocols.

     Decision Making Authority

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
• Knowledge of and professional experience with New England prehistoric and historic archaeology, Maine Rules governing professional archaeological work, agency project review process, and archaeological survey guidelines.
• Knowledge of the care, treatment and handling of archaeological artifacts.
• Knowledge of modern procedures for processing, identifying, and analyzing archaeological artifacts and materials.
• Knowledge of sources and methods used in scholarly research and writing
• Knowledge of advanced laboratory analysis methods and use of specialized equipment related to archaeological excavation and research activities.
• Knowledge of agency policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions related to archaeology field and laboratory work.
• Knowledge of soils classifications, soil horizons and sampling methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of design and operation of GIS, electronic data processing, and associated computer software programs.
• Ability to lead projects and instruct staff in assigned duties.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to write clearly and effectively.
• Ability to recognize surficial geology, soil types, and landform characteristics from predictive model of prehistoric site location data.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and oversee all phases of archaeological projects, research, and identify, gather, and assess archaeological artifact data.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A graduate degree in archaeology, anthropology, or a closely related field; and two (2) years of full-time professionally supervised experience or equivalent specialized training in archaeological resource research, administration, or management; supervisory field and analytical experience in general North American archaeology with at least one of those years in northern New England; and demonstrated ability to carry research to a written completion.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. 
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS). 

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. 

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

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