Embark on a Historic Career: US Forest Service Archeologist Opportunities (GS-09/GS-11)

Our national forests and grasslands hold thousands of years of human history, from ancient Native American settlements to pioneering settlements. Preserving this rich historical tapestry requires dedicated scientific experts who can balance physical resource management with academic discovery. The Department of Agriculture's Forest Service is now seeking passionate, skilled, and professional Archeologists for GS-09 and GS-11 positions across multiple locations nationwide.

This is more than a research job; it is an active stewardship role. As an Archeologist with the Forest Service, you will act as a primary guardian of our public heritage, assessing historical resources and protecting them during critical land management projects. This guide outlines everything you need to know about the position, including qualifications, duty stations, salaries, and tips on securing a federal job.

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About the Agency: The US Forest Service

The United States Forest Service is charged with managing and caring for more than 193 million acres of public lands. From expansive pine forests to arid grasslands, the agency preserves scenic landscapes while maintaining sustainable uses like logging, grazing, recreation, and wildlife conservation.

Federal archeology is essential to this mission. The agency ensures that vital natural resource projects do not harm invaluable cultural and historical resources. Working for the Forest Service means joining a collaborative team of scientists, foresters, and environmental specialists who value public service, scientific integrity, and outdoor preservation.

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Job Responsibilities

As an Archeologist (GS-0193 series), your daily duties will involve a mix of outdoor fieldwork and structured laboratory or office analysis. While tasks will scale with your experience and grade level, primary responsibilities include:

• Planning and Conducting Field Surveys: Designing and executing comprehensive archaeological surveys to locate, map, and document cultural resources and historic sites.
• Mitigation and Protection: Assessing proposed projects—such as road constructions, reservoir developments, or recreational trail installations—to evaluate potential impacts on archaeological sites and recommend protective actions.
• Scientific Reporting: Drafting high-quality archaeological reports, mapping site boundaries, and updating geographic databases with accurate inventory records.
• Project Management: Coordinating cultural and heritage resource project plans, developing contract specifications, and managing project budgets.
• Public Engagement: Translating scientific findings into educational materials, exhibitions, or professional publications, and interacting with the public to convey the value of cultural resource conservation.
• Crew Supervision: Directing the day-to-day fieldwork of survey teams and laboratory technicians (up to 20% of your operational hours).

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Requirements & Qualifications

Applying for professional scientific positions in the federal government requires meeting strict Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidelines. To qualify, you must meet the following basic requirements:

1. Basic Educational Requirement

You must hold a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited institution. Your coursework must include:

• A major in archeology, anthropology, history, or a closely related discipline, with a curriculum containing similar coursework.
• At least 3 semester hours in each of the following fields: History of Archeology, Archeology of a Major Geographical Area (e.g., North America), Regional Archeology, and Theory & Methods of Archeology.
• An approved archeological field school providing hands-on training in excavation, mapping, and laboratory analysis.
• Six semester hours of related coursework in areas such as geography, geology, scientific writing, historic preservation, or surveying.

2. Alternative Qualification Routes

If you do not have a dedicated archaeology or anthropology degree, you may qualify through:

• A Combination of Education and Experience: Academic coursework equivalent to the requirements above, supplemented by appropriate technical field experience or higher education.
• Professional Experience: Four years of professional archaeological work demonstrating standard principles, theories, and field methodologies (including survey, excavation, and report writing), coupled with evidence of crew leadership capabilities.

3. Specialized Experience & Grade Levels

In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess specialized experience or advanced graduate education for specific GS levels:

• GS-09 Level: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level (e.g., assisting with archaeological surveys, compiling historic records, and helping write technical reports). Alternatively, you may qualify with a master's degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education directly related to archaeology.
• GS-11 Level: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level (e.g., conducting standard archaeological project segments independently, managing database tracking, assessing site damage, or leading survey crews). Alternatively, a Ph.D. or 3 years of progressively higher graduate study leading to a Ph.D. is qualifying.

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Duty Stations and Promotion Potential

The Forest Service is filling positions in numerous scenic communities across the country. Promotion potentials differ depending on the location of selection. The following table provides a comprehensive overview of the duty locations and their associated grade-level promotion potentials:

Duty Station	State	Promotion Potential	Regional Contact Email
Watford City, Dickinson	ND	GS-09	[email protected]
Canon City	CO	GS-11	[email protected]
Mena	AR	GS-11	[email protected]
Boise, Burley, Jerome	ID	GS-11	[email protected]
Richfield, Cedar City, Escalante, Panguitch	UT	GS-11	[email protected]
Milam	TX	GS-11	[email protected]
Crescent, Westfir, Baker City	OR	GS-11	[email protected]
Camino, Dunlap, Prather, Gasquet	CA	GS-11	[email protected]
Mio	MI	GS-11	[email protected]
Mountainair, Lytle Creek	NM / CA	GS-11	[email protected]

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Salary & Benefits Overview

The base salary for this position ranges from $61,722 to $97,087 per year. This scale is based on the standard federal "Rest of the U.S." General Schedule. However, your final compensation will be determined based on the local cost-of-living adjustments of your specific geographic duty station.

As a federal employee, you will receive a comprehensive benefits package:

• Retirement Planning: Full enrollment in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension, paired with a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with 5% agency matching.
• Time Off: Accrual of paid annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Healthcare: Excellent selections of federally subsidized medical, vision, dental, and life insurance programs.
• Additional Perks: Select sites may offer access to federal daycare facilities or agency-subsidized employee housing.

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Application Tips

Navigating the federal hiring process requires attention to detail. Keep these critical strategies in mind:

1. The Strict Two-Page Resume Rule: Unlike general federal applications, this Forest Service listing strictly enforces a two-page maximum for resumes. Resumes exceeding this limit will be automatically disqualified. Focus your resume on highly relevant experience, archaeology coursework, and field school details, ensuring it is concise and impact-driven.
2. Be Explicit About Dates and Hours: For each job entry on your resume, clearly list the start and end dates (month and year) and the hours worked per week. This information is mandatory for the HR specialist to calculate your qualifying specialized experience.
3. Include Your Transcripts: Because these positions have strict academic coursework requirements, you must attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts. Ensure your transcript clearly shows the completed courses in history of archeology, regional archeology, and archeological field school.
4. Do Not Inflate Your Assessment Answers: While it is tempting to rate yourself as an expert on the Assessment Questionnaire, your resume must clearly provide evidence for every answer you select. If a rating panel determines that your experience does not match your self-assessment, your score will be lowered or your application will be marked ineligible.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Who is eligible to apply for these positions? A: Under the USDA Demonstration Project authority, these openings are open to all United States citizens and nationals.

Q: What documents are required for my application package to be complete? A: At minimum, you must submit a resume (under two pages) and copies of your college transcripts. If applicable, you must also upload veteran's preference documentation (DD-214, SF-15) or CTAP/ICTAP separation notices.

Q: Is there a travel requirement for these jobs? A: Yes. These positions require travel to remote project areas, forests, and archeological sites. Occasional travel for professional training or regional coordination meetings may also be required.

Q: Can I apply for multiple locations on a single application? A: Yes, you can select multiple desired duty locations when completing the online assessment questionnaire on USA Staffing.

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An Archeologist position with the US Forest Service is a rare and fulfilling path that lets you spend your career actively preserving history in some of the nation's most stunning natural environments. By combining scientific investigation with public service, you can play a definitive role in writing the story of our nation's past. Prepare your transcripts, craft a targeted two-page resume, and submit your application to start your journey in cultural stewardship today!