Discover a Career as an Archeologist with the USDA Forest Service

Do you have a passion for history, landscape preservation, and public service? The USDA Forest Service is currently seeking dedicated individuals to join our team as Archeologists. These roles offer a unique opportunity to work in some of the most beautiful and culturally significant landscapes in the United States, from the forests of California to the plains of Nebraska and the rugged terrain of Utah.

Job Responsibilities

As an Archeologist, you will be on the front lines of heritage conservation. Your primary responsibilities include:

Inventory and Assessment: Performing field reconnaissance to identify and document archeological sites.
Strategic Planning: Designing inventory strategies to ensure that land use projects are compliant with historic preservation laws.
Public Interpretation: Educating the public on cultural heritage through presentations and visitor facility outreach.
Project Management: Developing contract specifications, coordinating work plans, and managing budgets for cultural resource initiatives.
Technical Documentation: Creating detailed maps and reports to support the management of heritage programs.

Comparison: GS-07 vs. GS-09 Roles

Feature	GS-07	GS-09
Typical Experience	1 year at GS-05 level	1 year at GS-07 level
Education Path	Bachelor's + Experience	Master's or 2 years Grad School
Responsibility	Routine field work	Complex site evaluation/coordination

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet specific federal requirements, including:

Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is required.
Legal Standing: Registration for Selective Service (for males born after 1959).
Documentation: A resume (max two pages) and relevant academic transcripts.
Screening: Successful completion of background checks and E-Verify.

Salary and Benefits

Positions range from GS-07 to GS-09, with a starting salary range of $50,460 to $80,243. Beyond the base salary, employees enjoy a robust federal benefits package including comprehensive health insurance, retirement options, paid leave, and potential access to daycare facilities.

Application Tips

Format Matters: Ensure your resume does not exceed the two-page limit.
Clarity: Explicitly state your work schedule, hours per week, and dates of employment for every role.
Transcripts: Even unofficial transcripts must be clear and include your name and course information.

If you are ready to combine your love for archeology with a commitment to public service, this is your chance. We encourage all qualified applicants to review the full details on the USAJobs portal and submit their applications before the closing date. Join us in protecting the story of America.

Why This Archeologist Job Matters

Uncover the past while protecting our future. The USDA Forest Service is seeking passionate Archeologists to manage cultural heritage across some of America's most iconic public lands.

Archeologist Job Overview

The USDA Forest Service is hiring Archeologists to join our team of environmental stewards. These interdisciplinary roles are vital for the protection and interpretation of cultural resources on National Forest lands. You will perform essential field reconnaissance, design inventory strategies for land use planning, and collaborate with diverse teams to ensure historical preservation meets modern project requirements. With multiple duty locations across several states, this is an exceptional opportunity to advance your federal career in a dynamic, outdoors-focused environment.

Requirements for Archeologist

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
Must pass a background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
Must agree to mandatory direct deposit of federal payments.
Must pass an E-Verify employment verification check.
Must serve a 1-year probationary period.
Resume must not exceed two pages.
Must provide transcripts if qualifying based on education.

Preferred Qualifications for Archeologist

Graduate level education in Archeology or directly related fields.
Experience in conducting background studies and document reviews.
Proven success in field survey and technical report preparation.
Ability to communicate complex cultural resource concepts to the general public.
Experience in developing and coordinating professional networking and technical collaboration.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health and life insurance options.
✓Federal retirement pension and thrift savings plan.
✓Paid annual and sick leave.
✓Potential for career development and non-competitive promotions.
✓Availability of on-site daycare at select locations.
✓Government housing assistance potentially available.

💡 How to Apply Archeologist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Archeologist Job

Review the full announcement and ensure you meet all basic requirements.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, detailing your relevant experience and education.
Gather your educational transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable for application).
Visit the online application portal to complete the Assessment Questionnaire.
Upload your resume and any necessary supporting documents.
Submit your application package before 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume concise; the two-page limit is strictly enforced.
Ensure your resume includes clear dates of employment and hours worked per week.
Verify that your uploaded documents are in accepted formats like PDF, JPG, or Word; avoid Adobe Portfolios.
If you are eligible for veterans' preference, include your DD214 to ensure your application is processed correctly.
Turn on email notifications in your USAJOBS profile to receive updates on your application status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply to multiple locations?

Yes, this announcement covers multiple duty locations. Final placement will be determined at the time of the job offer.

What if my education is from a foreign institution?

You must provide evidence of accreditation by a body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, and all transcripts must be provided in English.

Is travel required for this position?

Yes, the position involves field work and may require travel as part of your archeological and cultural resource management duties.

Job from Forest Service

The USDA Forest Service manages 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. Archeologists within our agency play a critical role in this mission by identifying, protecting, and interpreting our nation's rich cultural heritage.