Scientific Specialist, Archaeology - Illinois State Archaeological Survey
University of Illinois

Job Info

Scientific Specialist, Archaeology
Illinois State Archaeological Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The Illinois State Archaeological Survey (ISAS) is part of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. For 80 years, the University of Illinois has studied the state's archaeological heritage. ISAS incorporates that knowledge in its programs to protect, preserve, and interpret these irreplaceable and non-renewable resources within the context of Illinois' need to encourage and promote sustainable development. Learn more at https://prairie.illinois.edu/about/jobs/

The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status. For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO

ISAS is seeking to hire a Scientific Specialist, Archaeology. The archaeologist will work in the statewide program office of the Illinois State Archaeological Survey's Transportation and Architecture Sections to coordinate environmental survey information from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) or other state or federal agencies with ISAS archaeological and architectural projects for the purposes of (1) characterizing the research potential of said projects, (2) ensuring accurate and timely performance of archaeological and architectural projects, (3) completing archaeological and architectural compliance reports, and (4) assisting the IDOT Cultural Resources Unit in implementing a construction monitoring policy. Position is based in Champaign, Illinois.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Process environmental survey requests (ESR) and borrow site requests from IDOT staff, ensure their completeness and readiness for review by the IDOT Cultural Resources Unit Head, and evaluate these requests for their potential impacts on cultural resources and for their research potential, as requested.
Communicate directly with ISAS and agency staff as needed.
At IDOT's direction, notify ISAS's Transportation and Architectural Sections of need for architectural review and/or archaeological survey.
Track ISAS and IDOT Cultural Resource and Architectural Compliance undertakings in ISAS databases and the IDOT project monitoring application, ESR tracking form, and maintain project files on ISAS's and IDOT's file server.
Coordinate with IDOT, IDOT contractors, ISAS field station coordinators, and ISAS administration to implement IDOT's construction monitoring policy.
Ensure that the terms of the policy are met by ISAS, assist in the development of project-specific monitoring plans, track all activities surrounding project-specific monitors and ISAS staff monitors.
Facilitate processing of ISAS central office subcontracts and on-site and remote meetings.
Process IDOT cultural clearance memos and provide same to IDOT districts and ISAS Transportation Section.
Assist with archaeological survey short report review, compilation, and submittal to IDOT.
Monitor and track comments received via the project notification system or received by e-mail for IDOT.
Provide updates regarding cultural resource studies to ISAS and agency staff upon request.
Represent the Survey and PRI at meetings and other venues in area of expertise.
Keep abreast of developments in the discipline.
Conduct research and perform other duties as needed in order to further the mission and goals of the Survey and PRI.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, or closely related discipline. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Familiarity and/or experience with precontact-era or historic-period sites in the Midwest. Familiarity and/or experience with federal and state of Illinois historic preservation, burial laws, and regulations. Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree in anthropology, archaeology, or closely related discipline. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Methodological specialization, skills, and research interests relating to the recovery or analysis of archaeological sites, materials, or data (e.g., geophysics, remote sensing, GIS, materials analysis).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Effective communication, interpersonal, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment characterized by multiple and changing priorities, stringent deadlines, and minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and conflict resolution skills. Research interests in archaeology or an affinity for cooperative or interdisciplinary research with scientists at the Survey, professionals at other Surveys or other academic units, and governmental and other academic institutions. Proficiency with word processing, database, and graphic software.

This is a full-time regular academic professional appointment renewable annually based on satisfactory progress in the position and continued funding. The starting date is negotiable and the salary is commensurate with experience.

Applications must be received by September 30, 2022. Applicants may be interviewed before the closing date; however, no hiring decision will be made until after this date. To apply, please use the Apply Now button. Applications not submitted through this website will not be considered. Application materials must include a 1) a cover letter that clearly articulates how your qualifications and experience make you a viable candidate for this position and should address the qualifications listed above, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) the names and contact information including e-mail addresses of three professional (not personal) references. All requested information and documentation must be submitted for applications to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

For further information please contact Lori Walston-Vonderharr, Human Resources, Prairie Research Institute, at lwalston@illinois.edu or 217-244-2401.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .

Requisition ID: 1011578
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu