Foresight Conservation
Archeologist (Cultural Resources Specialist)
Foresight Conservation, Boise, Idaho, United States, 83708
Archeologist (Cultural Resources Specialist)
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Direct message the job poster from Foresight Conservation
Title : Cultural Resource Specialist (Partner Archeologist with NRCS)
Location : Boise, Idaho
Status : Full-time, Exempt – currently funded through July 2027 with option to extend through 2028 and beyond
Schedule : Full-time, 40 hours/week
Reports to : NRCS State Resource Conservationist (and Foresight CEO)
Travel : Regular in-state field travel (up to 25%)
Start Date : January 2026
Position Summary
Acting as embedded partner staff, the Cultural Resource Specialist supports the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Idaho in delivering statewide Section 106 compliance and cultural resources consultation across all NRCS conservation programs. Based in Boise (though location within Idaho is negotiable), the position emphasizes report writing, records research and consultation (~80–85%) with targeted fieldwork (~15–20%) and travel expected about 3–4 days per month; government vehicles are provided for official travel. The specialist conducts and documents identification efforts and standard reports, advises on APE, eligibility and effects determinations, and develops avoidance/minimization strategies in coordination with the Idaho SHPO, Tribes, and NRCS teams—building strong relationships and aligning work with Section 106 processes and NRCS procedures. Assignments may involve incomplete records, sensitive negotiations and complex evaluations of cultural resources across Idaho, requiring professional judgment and adaptability.
Candidates must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards for Archaeology (graduate degree and field school or equivalent), hold a valid driver’s license, and be able to obtain ICRIS access.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Section 106 Compliance
– Conduct cultural resource reviews for NRCS undertakings across Idaho, including records research, surveys and site evaluations. Prepare standard reports, determinations of eligibility/effect and recommendations in accordance with regulations and state agreements.
Consultation and Coordination
– Serve as a primary point of contact with the Idaho SHPO, Tribes, and other consulting parties to support NRCS in fulfilling its consultation obligations. Provide technical historic property information to the NRCS staff for Section 106 findings and determinations.
Technical Guidance
– Provide expert advice to NRCS staff on cultural resource issues encountered in conservation planning and practice implementation. Coordinate across NRCS disciplines (engineering, biology, planning) to ensure technical quality of reports and records.
Field Work and Documentation
– Perform field identification, site documentation and limited testing as needed (approx. 15–20% of workload). Apply ArcGIS and GPS-based tools to record, map and analyze findings. Ensure records are entered into ICRIS in compliance with state requirements.
Relationship Building
– Build and maintain cooperative working relationships with SHPO staff, Tribal representatives, and NRCS field offices and leadership to streamline review processes and improve mutual understanding of Idaho’s cultural resources.
Program Support
– Review cultural resource compliance work completed by NRCS field office staff and professional service consultants to ensure accuracy and consistency with state and federal requirements. Collaborate with conservation planners and technical staff to integrate cultural resource considerations into project planning and implementation.
Reporting and Record Keeping
– Develop, maintain and file cultural resource records and reports consistent with NRCS and SHPO standards. Establish and manage a tracking system for cultural resource workload requests, milestones and deliverables to ensure timely progress and transparency. Prepare status updates and progress reports for the State Office, identifying any backlog management strategies and highlighting accomplishments.
Travel and Safety
– Travel statewide (approx. 3–4 days per month) for consultation, site visits and field assessments. Safely operate government vehicles and adhere to NRCS safety protocols in office and field environments.
Other duties as assigned.
Required Experience and Qualifications
Must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for Archaeology, including:
Graduate degree in archaeology, anthropology, or closely related field;
Completion of an archaeological field school;
Demonstrated ability to design and conduct archaeological research, analysis and reporting.
Minimum of one year of full-time professional experience at a supervisory or project lead level in archaeology or cultural resource management.
Demonstrated experience conducting Section 106 compliance reviews, including survey, evaluation, consultation and report preparation.
Experience managing multiple cultural resource requests or projects simultaneously, including tracking workload, milestones and reporting progress.
Experience working with State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs), Tribes, and other federal/state partners, including sensitive negotiations and consultations.
Ability to evaluate the significance of archaeological, historical and traditional cultural properties and provide defensible recommendations.
Knowledge of archaeological theory and methods (survey, excavation, documentation, mapping, data collection, research design and preservation).
Knowledge of Idaho archaeology, history, ethnography and ethnohistory of Native American groups, or ability to quickly develop local expertise.
Knowledge of NRCS conservation practices and programs to effectively integrate cultural resource considerations into natural resource management systems.
Knowledge of federal and state statutes and policies governing cultural resource management, including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
Proficiency with ArcGIS and GPS-based tools for cultural resource documentation and analysis.
Ability to access and use the Idaho Cultural Resource Information System (ICRIS).
Proficiency with computer systems and office software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook) to effectively perform assigned duties.
Strong technical writing skills for producing clear, defensible cultural resource reports and consultation documents.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build effective working relationships with NRCS staff, Tribes, SHPO, landowners, and other stakeholders.
Other Requirements
Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Valid driver's license and insurable driving record; ability to complete government vehicle operation training and comfortable driving rental and/or government vehicles as needed.
Ability to pass a federal criminal background check.
Willing to abide by Foresight Policy and Federal Drug Free workplace policies and laws. Foresight reserves the right to drug test at any time.
Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions
Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain.
Weight/Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 20 lbs., ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
Travel: This position requires travel throughout the state to NRCS offices and project sites. Approximately 4 days a month.
Compensation
Starting salary range: $100,000-$120,000
To Apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter describing why you are a good fit for this position, as well as contact information for three professional references. Qualified applicants will be contacted by email to arrange an interview.
Deadline to apply:
November 7, 2025. Anticipating interviews week of December 1, 2025. Expected start date January 2026.
Individuals who identify with groups typically under-represented in the conservation industry, including women, non-binary individuals, LGBTQ individuals, and people of color are particularly encouraged to apply.
Foresight provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Foresight complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
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Direct message the job poster from Foresight Conservation
Title : Cultural Resource Specialist (Partner Archeologist with NRCS)
Location : Boise, Idaho
Status : Full-time, Exempt – currently funded through July 2027 with option to extend through 2028 and beyond
Schedule : Full-time, 40 hours/week
Reports to : NRCS State Resource Conservationist (and Foresight CEO)
Travel : Regular in-state field travel (up to 25%)
Start Date : January 2026
Position Summary
Acting as embedded partner staff, the Cultural Resource Specialist supports the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Idaho in delivering statewide Section 106 compliance and cultural resources consultation across all NRCS conservation programs. Based in Boise (though location within Idaho is negotiable), the position emphasizes report writing, records research and consultation (~80–85%) with targeted fieldwork (~15–20%) and travel expected about 3–4 days per month; government vehicles are provided for official travel. The specialist conducts and documents identification efforts and standard reports, advises on APE, eligibility and effects determinations, and develops avoidance/minimization strategies in coordination with the Idaho SHPO, Tribes, and NRCS teams—building strong relationships and aligning work with Section 106 processes and NRCS procedures. Assignments may involve incomplete records, sensitive negotiations and complex evaluations of cultural resources across Idaho, requiring professional judgment and adaptability.
Candidates must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards for Archaeology (graduate degree and field school or equivalent), hold a valid driver’s license, and be able to obtain ICRIS access.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Section 106 Compliance
– Conduct cultural resource reviews for NRCS undertakings across Idaho, including records research, surveys and site evaluations. Prepare standard reports, determinations of eligibility/effect and recommendations in accordance with regulations and state agreements.
Consultation and Coordination
– Serve as a primary point of contact with the Idaho SHPO, Tribes, and other consulting parties to support NRCS in fulfilling its consultation obligations. Provide technical historic property information to the NRCS staff for Section 106 findings and determinations.
Technical Guidance
– Provide expert advice to NRCS staff on cultural resource issues encountered in conservation planning and practice implementation. Coordinate across NRCS disciplines (engineering, biology, planning) to ensure technical quality of reports and records.
Field Work and Documentation
– Perform field identification, site documentation and limited testing as needed (approx. 15–20% of workload). Apply ArcGIS and GPS-based tools to record, map and analyze findings. Ensure records are entered into ICRIS in compliance with state requirements.
Relationship Building
– Build and maintain cooperative working relationships with SHPO staff, Tribal representatives, and NRCS field offices and leadership to streamline review processes and improve mutual understanding of Idaho’s cultural resources.
Program Support
– Review cultural resource compliance work completed by NRCS field office staff and professional service consultants to ensure accuracy and consistency with state and federal requirements. Collaborate with conservation planners and technical staff to integrate cultural resource considerations into project planning and implementation.
Reporting and Record Keeping
– Develop, maintain and file cultural resource records and reports consistent with NRCS and SHPO standards. Establish and manage a tracking system for cultural resource workload requests, milestones and deliverables to ensure timely progress and transparency. Prepare status updates and progress reports for the State Office, identifying any backlog management strategies and highlighting accomplishments.
Travel and Safety
– Travel statewide (approx. 3–4 days per month) for consultation, site visits and field assessments. Safely operate government vehicles and adhere to NRCS safety protocols in office and field environments.
Other duties as assigned.
Required Experience and Qualifications
Must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for Archaeology, including:
Graduate degree in archaeology, anthropology, or closely related field;
Completion of an archaeological field school;
Demonstrated ability to design and conduct archaeological research, analysis and reporting.
Minimum of one year of full-time professional experience at a supervisory or project lead level in archaeology or cultural resource management.
Demonstrated experience conducting Section 106 compliance reviews, including survey, evaluation, consultation and report preparation.
Experience managing multiple cultural resource requests or projects simultaneously, including tracking workload, milestones and reporting progress.
Experience working with State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs), Tribes, and other federal/state partners, including sensitive negotiations and consultations.
Ability to evaluate the significance of archaeological, historical and traditional cultural properties and provide defensible recommendations.
Knowledge of archaeological theory and methods (survey, excavation, documentation, mapping, data collection, research design and preservation).
Knowledge of Idaho archaeology, history, ethnography and ethnohistory of Native American groups, or ability to quickly develop local expertise.
Knowledge of NRCS conservation practices and programs to effectively integrate cultural resource considerations into natural resource management systems.
Knowledge of federal and state statutes and policies governing cultural resource management, including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
Proficiency with ArcGIS and GPS-based tools for cultural resource documentation and analysis.
Ability to access and use the Idaho Cultural Resource Information System (ICRIS).
Proficiency with computer systems and office software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook) to effectively perform assigned duties.
Strong technical writing skills for producing clear, defensible cultural resource reports and consultation documents.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build effective working relationships with NRCS staff, Tribes, SHPO, landowners, and other stakeholders.
Other Requirements
Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Valid driver's license and insurable driving record; ability to complete government vehicle operation training and comfortable driving rental and/or government vehicles as needed.
Ability to pass a federal criminal background check.
Willing to abide by Foresight Policy and Federal Drug Free workplace policies and laws. Foresight reserves the right to drug test at any time.
Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions
Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain.
Weight/Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 20 lbs., ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
Travel: This position requires travel throughout the state to NRCS offices and project sites. Approximately 4 days a month.
Compensation
Starting salary range: $100,000-$120,000
To Apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter describing why you are a good fit for this position, as well as contact information for three professional references. Qualified applicants will be contacted by email to arrange an interview.
Deadline to apply:
November 7, 2025. Anticipating interviews week of December 1, 2025. Expected start date January 2026.
Individuals who identify with groups typically under-represented in the conservation industry, including women, non-binary individuals, LGBTQ individuals, and people of color are particularly encouraged to apply.
Foresight provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Foresight complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
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