Become an Archeologist with the USDA Forest Service: A Career in Cultural Stewardship
Are you ready to turn your passion for history and archaeology into a rewarding career on the front lines of public land management? The USDA Forest Service is currently looking for dedicated professionals to fill Archeologist positions (GS-11/12) across various regions in the United States. This role offers the unique chance to influence the preservation of significant historical and archaeological sites while working alongside a diverse team of resource professionals.
Job Responsibilities
As an Archeologist, your daily work will be varied and impactful. You will be responsible for:
- Compliance Management: Administering cultural resources programs, including conducting surveys and ensuring project compliance.
- Scientific Interpretation: Translating technical research into engaging content for the public, including exhibits and publications.
- Stakeholder Coordination: Acting as a liaison between the Forest Service, State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPO), and Native American tribes.
- Strategic Advising: Assisting the Forest Supervisor in identifying cultural resource requirements for environmental and planning documentation.
Requirements
To qualify for these positions, applicants must meet specific educational or experience thresholds defined by the Office of Personnel Management.
| Requirement Type | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Education | Degree with 3+ semester hours in Archeology field school and specific theory/regional coursework |
| Experience | 4 years of professional experience OR a combination of higher-level education and experience |
| Resume Limit | 2 pages maximum |
Salary Overview
The position offers a competitive salary range of $74,678 to $116,362 per year, depending on the specific location and the candidate's experience level. Final salary is determined at the time of the offer, based on the duty station's locality pay scale.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly demonstrates your past work in survey, excavation, and reporting.
- Check Your Formatting: Use standard formats such as PDF or Word. Avoid Adobe Portfolios.
- Stay Within Bounds: Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less to avoid automatic rejection.
A career with the Forest Service is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the nation’s history. If you are an experienced archeologist looking to make an impact, we encourage you to review the official announcement and submit your application.
Why This Archeologist Job Matters
Protect our nation's heritage: Join the Forest Service as an Archeologist and manage the cultural resources that define our public lands.
Archeologist Job Overview
The USDA Forest Service is seeking dedicated Archeologists to join our team in diverse locations across the country. In this role, you will play a vital part in the stewardship of cultural resources, ensuring the preservation of archaeological sites, managing compliance programs, and interpreting history for the public. This position offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between scientific research and public outreach while working in some of the most scenic environments in the United States.
Requirements for Archeologist
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Must be registered for Selective Service (if male born after 12-31-59).
- Must pass a background investigation and fingerprint check.
- Must have federal payments made via direct deposit.
- Must complete a 1-year probationary period.
- Must possess specific archaeological coursework (e.g., theory, field school, regional studies) or a qualifying combination of education and experience.
- Resume must not exceed two pages.
Preferred Qualifications for Archeologist
- Experience equivalent to the GS-11/GS-12 level in the Federal service.
- Proven expertise in cultural resource compliance, site evaluation, and monitoring.
- Strong communication skills for presenting scientific findings to both professional audiences and the general public.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate with State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPO) and tribal representatives.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary and benefits package.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
- ✓Access to daycare facilities at specific locations.
- ✓Potential for government housing.
- ✓Meaningful work managing over 193 million acres of public land.
💡 How to Apply Archeologist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Archeologist Job
- Review the full job announcement carefully.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed the two-page limit.
- Gather college transcripts if using education to meet qualifications.
- Create or update your USAJOBS profile.
- Complete the online Assessment Questionnaire.
- Upload all required documentation (transcripts, DD214 if claiming veteran's preference, etc.).
- Submit your application electronically before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your work experience, including hours worked per week and specific duties that align with the major responsibilities listed.
- Check for document formatting requirements; keep files under 5MB and use standard formats like PDF or Word.
- Start your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
- If you require a reasonable accommodation for the application process, contact the Agency representative well in advance of the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I am not a current federal employee?
Yes, this announcement is open to the public, and any qualified U.S. citizen may apply.
Is the location flexible?
Yes, this position covers multiple duty locations. The final determination of your specific duty station will be made at the time of the job offer.
What is the page limit for the resume?
Your resume must not exceed two pages. Applications with resumes longer than two pages will be disqualified.
How do I know if I am qualified?
Review the OPM General Schedule Qualification Standards for the 0193 series. Ensure your transcripts and work history clearly map to these requirements.
What if I have technical issues?
The Forest Service provides assistance during business hours. Contact the help desk listed on the announcement well before the deadline.
Job from Forest Service
The USDA Forest Service manages over 193 million acres of the nation's most iconic landscapes. From the deserts of Arizona to the forests of Tennessee, our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of these lands for present and future generations. Archeologists within the agency play a critical role in ensuring that development, recreation, and land management practices comply with national historic preservation laws.