Become an Archeologist at Fort Vancouver National Historical Site
Are you looking to make a lasting impact on how we understand and preserve our history? The National Park Service (NPS) is currently hiring an Archeologist to join the team at the Fort Vancouver National Historical Site in Vancouver, Washington. This position is perfect for dedicated professionals who thrive on fieldwork, rigorous academic analysis, and the responsibility of protecting our cultural treasures.
Job Responsibilities
As a GS-11 Archeologist, your daily work will be varied and impactful. Core responsibilities include:
- Fieldwork Direction: Planning and leading archeological surveys and excavations.
- Compliance: Preparing documentation for historic preservation permits, licenses, and compliance requirements.
- Analysis: Identifying and classifying artifacts retrieved from the field.
- Technical Leadership: Providing guidance to staff and assisting in tribal consultation procedures.
Requirements
To qualify for this role, you must meet specific education and experience criteria:
- Education: A four-year degree in archeology or a related field with specific coursework in archeological theory, methods, and field school.
- Experience: At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level (or equivalent) in the public or private sector.
- Additional Requirements: U.S. citizenship, a valid driver's license, and successful completion of a background check.
Comparison: Experience vs. Education Pathways
| Pathway | Key Requirement |
|---|---|
| Education Only | 4-year degree + 3 semester hours in core archeology classes + field school |
| Experience Only | 4 years of professional archeological work including survey and excavation |
| Combination | Calculated total of graduate-level education and relevant field experience |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $80,462 to $104,610 per year, commensurate with qualifications and the grade level assigned.
Benefits
Employees of the National Park Service enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Retirement savings programs (FERS).
- Vacation leave and paid federal holidays.
- Unique uniform allowance for fieldwork.
- Potential for telework opportunities.
Application Tips
- Format Matters: Keep your resume to 2 pages exactly. Exceeding this limit will disqualify your application.
- Be Specific: Clearly state your hours per week for every position listed to ensure your specialized experience is credited correctly.
- Transcripts: Don't forget to upload both undergraduate and graduate transcripts.
- Review Status: Use the USAJOBS portal to track your status, but remember the agency will provide updates directly to your account.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the work schedule like? A: This is a career-seasonal position. You will work at least 6 months per year, with a planned non-pay status, typically occurring in late December.
Q: Can I telework? A: Yes, telework is permitted for certain duties, subject to supervisor approval.
This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the preservation of one of the Pacific Northwest’s most important historical sites. If you are ready to combine your field experience with professional leadership in a stunning national park, submit your application today.
Why This Archeologist Job Matters
Uncover history where it happened: Join the National Park Service as an Archeologist at the prestigious Fort Vancouver National Historical Site.
Archeologist Job Overview
The National Park Service is seeking a dedicated Archeologist to support cultural resource management at the Fort Vancouver National Historical Site in Vancouver, Washington. This career-seasonal position offers the unique opportunity to work at a site renowned for its extensive indigenous, fur trade, and military history. You will play a vital role in preserving our nation's heritage through meticulous fieldwork, compliance documentation, and technical guidance.
Requirements for Archeologist
- U.S. Citizenship
- Valid driver's license
- Must be at least 18 years of age to operate government vehicles
- Ability to pass a background investigation and suitability check
- Compliance with Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/59
- Mandatory completion of a 1-year probationary period
- Must wear required uniform (allowance provided)
- Adherence to E-Verify employment verification
Preferred Qualifications for Archeologist
- Advanced professional archeological experience at the GS-09 equivalent level
- Graduate-level education (up to a PhD) in archeology or anthropology
- Strong technical writing skills for historical preservation reports
- Proven capability in directing field crews for excavation and surveys
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Federal employee health and life insurance options
- âś“Retirement savings plans
- âś“Paid vacation and federal holidays
- âś“Uniform allowance
- âś“Telework eligibility as approved by a supervisor
- âś“Professional development and training opportunities
đź’ˇ How to Apply Archeologist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Archeologist Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
- Prepare a resume (maximum 2 pages) detailing duties, dates, and hours worked per week.
- Gather academic transcripts and any applicable veteran preference documentation.
- Log in to your USAJOBS account to complete the application questionnaire.
- Upload all necessary documentation and submit your application before the closing date.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically lists the number of hours worked per week to verify experience.
- Double-check that your resume is exactly 2 pages or less; longer resumes will not be accepted.
- Preview the questionnaire early to ensure you have all required information on hand.
- Use standard, clear formatting for your resume to ensure it is readable by automated systems.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a career-seasonal appointment mean?
It is a permanent position that does not provide year-round work. You are guaranteed work for at least 6 months per year, typically involving approximately 25 pay periods, with a scheduled non-pay status for the remainder of the year.
Can I use volunteer experience to qualify?
Yes, volunteer work through programs like Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, or other community organizations can be counted toward your experience if it is directly related to the position requirements.
Job from National Park Service
The Department of the Interior and the National Park Service are committed to protecting the nation's natural and cultural heritage. At Fort Vancouver, you will work at a site that has been a center of human history for centuries—from indigenous roots to the fur trade and military eras. It is a fast-paced, urban environment where your expertise will influence long-term preservation.