Great Basin Institute Seeks Field Director for Sequoia National Forest Cultural Resource Projects

The Great Basin Institute (GBI), in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), is seeking a Field Director to lead cultural resource project planning, surveys, and reporting within Sequoia National Forest. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the preservation of sensitive cultural resources while supporting forest resilience in the face of climate change and increasing wildfire threats.

Project Overview and Responsibilities

The Field Director will oversee all stages of project work, ensuring compliance with USFS processes and procedures. Key responsibilities include:

• Project planning and coordination with subcontractors and Tribal Monitors.
• Leading archaeology crews in field surveys to document and assess cultural resources.
• Monitoring existing sites and completing condition assessments.
• Preparing California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) site records, GIS maps, and photographic documentation.
• Data entry and quality assurance for the USFS heritage database.
• Ensuring crew safety and providing training.
• Communicating with agency partners, subcontractors, and GBI staff.

This role requires a blend of field and office work, with potential for occasional camping near work sites for extended periods.

Position Details

Timeline: 6-8 months, starting March 2026, with potential for extension.

Compensation: $39-$42 per hour, based on experience, with overtime at 1.5x the hourly rate. Full-time, 40 hours per week.

Benefits:

• 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance (available the first of the month following employment).
• Shared housing provided through Airbnb or USFS barracks.
• Camping per diem.
• Uniform stipend of $200.

Location: Sequoia National Forest

Sequoia National Forest, administered by the USFS, encompasses three ranger districts: Hume Lake, Western Divide, and Kern River. Sequoia National Forest is home to over 30 giant sequoia groves and features diverse landscapes ranging from 1,000 to over 12,000 feet in elevation. The forest is part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Qualifications

Required:

• Statement of Qualifications (SOI) qualified and three years of archaeology-related field work experience.
• Experience leading field crews, including safety oversight and data quality control.
• Proficiency in GPS navigation, topographic map reading, and compass use.
• Ability to identify and record prehistoric and historic artifacts.
• Valid state-issued driver’s license and ability to operate a 4WD vehicle.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to work safely in remote field settings under adverse conditions.
• Understanding of data collection and inventory protocols.
• Physical ability to carry up to 50 pounds of equipment and withstand challenging environmental conditions.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in anthropology, archaeology, or a related discipline with at least three years of field leadership experience.
• Familiarity with Section 106/110 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), and California State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) compliance procedures.
• Experience working with Tribal Communities and Tribal Monitors.
• Knowledge of cultural resource management issues in the Western United States.
• Understanding of the cultural history and forested habitats of the Sierra Nevada region.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite, ArcMap GIS, Avenza Pro, Google Suite, and Google Earth.
• Qualification as a Harvest Inspector or willingness to obtain the qualification.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply through the Great Basin Institute website. Further details regarding the application process can be found on the Great Basin Institute website.

Disclaimer: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and GBI reserves the right to modify duties as needed. All offers of employment are contingent upon a successful background check.