UCC Archaeology Crew Member - Utah State University

Overview:

Apply by: April 8, 2024 - Application review begins April 8, 2024. Preference will be given to applicants who submit a complete application packet by April 8.

Employment Period: Late May through September 2024 (exact dates determined at time of employment)

Schedule: The position will work four days a week, 10 hours a day for a 40-hour week. 30-minute lunches do not count toward work-day hours. Occasional OT (Overtime) may be required.

Position Location: Vernal, UT

 

The Utah Conservation Corps (UCC) in partnership with the Ashley National Forest is hiring an UCC Archaeology Crew Member. This is a 3 to 4-month (up to 15 weeks) full-time professional development and work experience opportunity that runs from approximately June 3, 2024 to September 6, 2024.

 

The Ashley National Forest encompasses about a million and a half acres in northeastern Utah and southwestern Wyoming. The Forest lies in three geographical areas: the east-west range of the Uinta Mountains, the Green River Basin, and the Tavaputs Plateau. Elevations range from 6,000 feet to 13,528 feet.

 

The Utah Conservation Corps is Utah's award-winning, and nationally recognized statewide Conservation Corps headquartered in Logan, Utah at Utah State University's main campus. The UCC has been Utah's largest environmental AmeriCorps program since 2001, completing service work on public lands, in communities, and with various organizations throughout the state. Individuals who are selected for these positions will be employed by UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY as non-benefited hourly employees through the Utah Conservation Corps as UCC Wildlife Crew Members. https://www.usu.edu/policies/397/

 

NOTE: Individuals who are selected for these positions will be employed by UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY as non-benefited hourly employees through the Utah Conservation Corps as UCC Archaeology Crew Members. https://www.usu.edu/policies/397/

 

Housing: Seasonal government housing is NOT available. Employees must secure their own accommodations/housing near the duty station.

 

TRAINING / PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

• Archaeological survey techniques.
• Cultural resource management and NHPA Section 106 process training.
• Archaeological and historic artifact and feature identification techniques.
• First Aid training, evaluation, and certification (required).
• FS vehicle operation (truck and ATV, required).
• Networking and collaboration with professionals in the field.
• USU position specific training (pending).

In addition to submitting your online application, please send an email to the contact below to notify them of your intent to apply for the position. Write “UCC Archaeology Crew Member” in the subject line of your email.
Jeffrey Rust, Heritage Program Manager Jeffrey.rust@usda.gov

 

If you have questions about this position, please contact:
Jeffrey Rust
Heritage Program Manager
Jeffrey.rust@usda.gov
435-790-1550.

If you have questions about the application process, please contact:
Greta Schen of the Utah Conservation Corps greta.schen@usu.edu, (435) 220-7222.

Responsibilities:

The UCC Archaeology Crew Member will be working closely with Ashley National Forest Heritage/Archaeological staff in Vernal, Utah. Crew Members perform developmental assignments in support of the Heritage program on the Ashley National Forest and are mentored by the Heritage Program Manager and professional archaeological staff.

Crew Members will gain experience in all facets of cultural resource Section 106 compliance by working on a variety of archaeological survey projects and archaeological pedestrian surveys. A portion of the time will be spent helping to prepare archeological site documentation from field surveys and assisting with the preparation of reports about the nature and extent of known cultural resources.

 

Crew Member duties include the following:

• Time will be spent in a forest setting requiring moderate to strenuous physical exertion, including walking, hiking, bending, or climbing in rugged terrain under adverse conditions for long periods.
• Accessing work sites may include travel by a four-wheel drive truck and backpacking.
• Must be able to hike up to 10 miles per day in rugged terrain carrying a 30 lb. backpack.
• Navigation by a map and gathering and downloading field GIS data on a handheld professional-grade GPS unit are essential.
• Identification of historic and prehistoric artifacts and features.
• Assist in documentation through narrative descriptions, measurements, photographs, and GPS mapping is crucial.
• Write and edit archaeological and historical descriptions effectively and accurately.

What this position is NOT:

• Leadership and project management. This is a crew member position and the selected individual(s) will be assisting the Forest Service, and not expected to lead crews, develop, or manage projects.
• A Forest Service position. This position is a Utah State University Hourly employee with the Utah Conservation Corps.
• An AmeriCorps Position.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• United States citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
• Utah State Univeristy promotes a safe environment for its students and staff. As an employee of Utah State University in a non-security sensitive position, you must submit a Self-Disclosure of Criminal Background. If hired, you agree to conform to University Rules.
• Regular and reliable attendance and dependability.
• Degree in archaeology/anthropology OR be a degree seeking student in archaeology/anthropology.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Applicant must be able to regularly and safely hike in moderate to rugged terrain at a reasonable pace (2 miles per hour).
• Able to work a flexible schedule, including 10 to 11-hour days in the field and 8-hour days in the office.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Preference is given to applicants with archaeological field experience in the Intermountain West (archaeological survey, excavation, field school, etc.)
• Excellent organizational and computer skills. (Experience in data entry, use of GIS ArcMap software, and familiarity with GPS equipment is preferred.)
• An independent, self-motivated, creative, and resourceful individual who can work with diverse groups of people.
• A cooperative manner and the ability to serve as part of a team.
• Ability to commit to a 12-week minimum appointment.
• Experience working outdoors.

Required Documents:

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV"
2. Name and contact information for 3 professional references to be entered into Candidate Profile
3. Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary:$23.49 per hourADA:

This position requires considerable physical activity.  Employees must have sufficient strength to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position including heavy lifting (up to 75 lbs.) and/or pushing and pulling of heavy objects. Employees must be prepared to assume uncomfortable positions, such as crawling, kneeling, and squatting.  Employees work outside and will not be protected from weather conditions, including extreme cold and extreme heat for extended periods.   

College/Department Highlights:

About the Utah Conservation Corps:

The Utah Conservation Corps (UCC) is an AmeriCorps program dedicated to developing the conservation leaders of tomorrow. We're a non-residential AmeriCorps program composed of AmeriCorps members, non-AmeriCorps hourly employees, staff, and partners dedicated to service to our community, the environment, and regions requiring disaster response efforts.

Additionally, as an organization, we seek to provide a more welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds and experience levels to ensure a healthy, vibrant, innovative, and sustainable corps. The UCC is committed to an inclusive culture of community and service and to recognizing and addressing our shortcomings. Our goal is to help our members become the conservation leaders of tomorrow.

 

Utah Conservation Corps is an equal opportunity program. Qualified applications will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran, or disabled status. UCC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for application and service with our programs.

 

The following behaviors will result in immediate termination. At no time may the UCC AmeriCorps member:

• • • Engage in activities that pose a significant safety risk to others or physically or emotionally damage members of the program or community, such as harassment, hostile work environment, or bullying;
    • Possess, consume, or be under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol during the performance of service activities or while living and working at the UCC project site, campsite, or in UCC vehicles (which includes showing up to work hungover); and
    • Fail to notify the UCC of a criminal arrest or conviction during their term of service.

Land Acknowledgement Statement

As part of Utah State University, a land grant-institution, UCC acknowledges Utah State University campuses and centers reside and operate on the territories of the eight tribes of Utah, who have been living, working, and residing on this land from time immemorial. These tribes are the Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Indians, Navajo Nation, Ute Indian Tribe, Northwestern Band of Shoshone, Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, San Juan Southern Paiute, Skull Valley Band of Goshute, and White Mesa Band of the Ute Mountain Ute. Along with USU, we acknowledge these lands carry the stories of these Nations and their struggles for survival and identity. We recognize Elders past and present as peoples who have cared for, and continue to care for, the land. In offering this land acknowledgment, we affirm Indigenous self-governance history, experiences, and resiliency of the Native people who are still here today.
We acknowledge Utah State University Uintah Basin resides on the traditional and ancestral homeland of the Ute Indian Tribe. We recognize the enduring relationship that exists between the three bands of Utes that comprise the Ute Indian Tribe: the Whiteriver, Uncompahgre, and Uintah. We respect the sovereign relationship with and confirm our commitment to a partnership with the Ute Indian Tribe and their community through research, education, and community outreach activities. In offering this land acknowledgment, we affirm Indigenous sovereignty, history, and experiences.

 

The Ashley National Forest

The Ashley National Forest encompasses about a million and a half acres in northeastern Utah and southwestern Wyoming. The Forest lies in three geographical areas: the east-west range of the Uinta Mountains, the Green River Basin, and the Tavaputs Plateau. Elevations range from 6,000 feet to 13,528 feet.

Steep canyons, high mountain peaks, glaciated basins, large open meadows, and desert badlands produce a rich diversity of vegetation and wildlife. The grasses and shrubs of the high mountain desert are replaced by pinyon and juniper as the elevation rises. In mid-elevation areas, aspen dominates and becomes mixed with conifer. Higher up, the vegetation changes to conifer forest composed of ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, fir, and spruce. Wildlife is abundant. Larger species include black bear, mountain lion, moose, elk, mule deer, pronghorn, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep.

 

Neighboring lands include the Uinta and Ouray Indian Reservation to the south, the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest to the west and north, and a mixture of Bureau of Land Management, State of Utah, and private lands to the east and southeast. Compared with other National Forests, relatively few small tracts of private land lie within the Ashley's boundary.

 

The High Uintas Wilderness, established by Congress in 1984, comprises nearly one-half million acres in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache and Ashley National Forests. Within the wilderness, elevations range from 8,000 feet to 13,582 feet at the top of Kings Peak, the highest mountain in Utah. The Uinta Mountain range runs east to west, from the Wasatch Mountains into Colorado. Pre-Cambrian rock formed from sediments laid down 600 million years ago makes up the core of the range. Glacial activity carved deep canyons and left a spectacular landscape of rolling, treeless peaks and stratified ridges interspersed with broad meadows and numerous lakes.

 

The Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area lies in the northeast part of the Forest. Flaming Gorge Reservoir extends almost 90 miles into Wyoming and offers outstanding fishing and boating opportunities. Record-breaking German brown trout and large lake and rainbow trout have been taken from its waters. The Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area has three marinas and many campgrounds, some of which are open year-round.
The Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam is a world-famous blue-ribbon trout stream. The Little Hole National Recreation Trail parallels the river 7.3 miles from the Dam to the Little Hole Recreation Complex.

Vernal has a population of approximately 8,000 people and the surrounding Uintah Basin population is approximately 20,000 according to 2000 census bureau data. The Uintah Basin is greatly influenced by the oil and gas industry, which is in the middle of a job boom, so the population numbers have noticeably increased over the past 6 years. Vernal is situated in northeast Utah about 35 minutes from the Colorado border (and Dinosaur National Monument) and 1.5 hours south of the Wyoming border. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area on the Ashley National Forest is a neighboring district that is a good reference point for locating the area since it is easily discernable on most maps. Vernal is approximately 2 hours from ski resorts such as Park City, UT, and Steamboat Springs, CO; and approximately 2.5 to 3 hours from cities along the Wasatch front like Salt Lake City and Provo, UT. The Vernal area has year-round recreation throughout the Uintah Mountains and Uintah Basin including fishing, hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, motorized and non-motorized boating, camping, hunting, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and more. Vernal City has recreation leagues for sports such as basketball, softball, volleyball, tennis, soccer, and other activities like yoga and table tennis. For more information go to: http://www.vernalchamber.com/

 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination on all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

University Highlights:

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion, empowering people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. Utah State provides high-quality education to 27,500-plus students locations throughout the state, including at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge through research and scholarly activities, providing a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price.

 

Utah State is committed to cultivating a community of inclusive excellence where all perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Programto support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

 

About the Region

U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah first for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU’s main campus, Logan, is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area claimed the top spot in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation. 

 

*updated 04/2024

Notice of Non-discrimination:

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

 

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov

*updated 09/2023