January 2024
Staff Cultural Resource Specialist I
Denver, Colorado
Do you have a passion for Archaeology? Being active and outdoors in the beautiful Colorado wilderness? How about backpacking? How does combining these to solve intricate challenges through teamwork and technical expertise sound? Great? If so, ERO is for you. We are seeking a Staff Cultural Resource Specialist I for our Denver, Colorado Office.
ERO is a woman-owned small business with offices in Colorado and Idaho that puts its people first and offers collaboration between diverse environmental professionals, a flexible schedule to maintain work/life balance, and a casual work environment. Our diverse team of scientists, planners, and subject matter experts have been working together to craft innovative solutions within regulatory framework while balancing change in our region with natural and cultural resources protection for more than 40 years. We’re always looking for dynamic and engaged people to join our team! Bring your expertise, your ingenuity, and your vision. Let’s see the impact we can create, together.
Position Overview
Staff Cultural Resource Specialist I are responsible for undertaking multiple project responsibilities, including field direction and project management assistance, by applying the full suite of technical skills in cultural resource management. Staff Cultural Resource Specialist I are expected to have the skills to perform in the role of crew lead for large projects and as a field director for small projects. This position requires equal fieldwork and office responsibilities. General tasks include serving as a crew lead during fieldwork and directing site documentation. Office responsibilities may include directing site form completion, preparing reports, and processing and analyzing artifacts.
The position requires working variable hours, including long days, early mornings, and weekends, fieldwork schedule dependent. Overtime may be accrued and will be compensated at time and a half. Fieldwork may require an 8-day on / 6-day off schedule, and overnight travel will be required. This position is based in an ERO designated office with an option for a hybrid work schedule based on employee performance, business needs, fieldwork and client needs. A typical schedule would be 2 to 3 days in the office and 2 to 3 days remote as arranged with the supervisor.
Minimum Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Anthropology or related subfield; and
- 2 to 3 years’ relevant experience.
Physical Requirements
Projects may require pedestrian survey and extended use of hand tools, including shovels and other archeological excavation equipment. Applicants must be physically capable of performing all aspects of fieldwork, including strenuous hiking with a backpack that could exceed 10 miles a day. Testing and excavation projects often require the excavation of 10 or more shovel tests in a single day using hand tools and shovels; lifting 50-pound buckets; and screening for extended periods. Office-based work involves exposure to computer screens and requires regular use of a computer, keyboard, and mouse.
Performance Expectations and Responsibilities
Staff Cultural Resource Specialist I will conduct assigned tasks safely, independently, and efficiently under the supervision of a project or senior archaeologist. The ideal candidate has written and verbal communication skills, is self-motivated, organized and detail oriented.
Expected Business Development (About 5 Percent of Time)
- Assist with preparing technical and cost proposals
Expected Project Management Duties (About 10 Percent of Time)
- Coordinate closely with supervisor(s) to assist with meeting budget and deliverable schedule;
- Coordinate with peers to effectively complete assigned tasks;
- Coordinate file and archival search;
- Coordinate pre-field tasks, including equipment organization and data compilation; and
- Coordinate post-field tasks, including data transfer and equipment storage and organization.
Expected Fieldwork Responsibilities (About 40 Percent of Time):
- Direct and ensure accurate site documentation, including the completion of site forms, photography, and mapping;
- Delegate and oversee site documentation tasks;
- Oversee a three-person crew;
- Provide assistant field directorship;
- Keep accurate and detailed field notes;
- Accurate resource identification, interpretation, and National Register of Historic Places evaluation;
- Self-perform quality control;
- Ensuring health and safety compliance; and
- Other tasks, as assigned.
Expected Office Responsibilities (About 30 Percent of Time)
- Draft technical memorandums and technical reports;
- Undertake research to support reporting;
- Coordinate or perform artifact washing, flotation, data entry, and artifact analysis;
- Conduct quality control on deliverables; and
- Other tasks, as assigned.
Expected Leadership Responsibilities
Staff Cultural Resource Specialist I are expected to take on a leadership role in the field. This includes:
- Ensuring assigned crew stays on task;
- Ensuring crew-level data quality control;
- Proactive initiatives and a sense of shared responsibility on all assigned tasks;
- Setting an example for staff through professional work; and
- Pursuing professional development.
Required Skills and Abilities
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite products and Adobe Acrobat;
- Proficiency working with digital platforms, including Access, Trimble GPS, Total Station, and tablets;
- Effective communication skills – written and verbal;
- Proficiency in leading field crews; and
- Proficiency identifying, documenting and evaluating cultural resources.
Core Competencies
- Effectively communicate and delegate tasks to junior staff;
- Ability to direct crews during pedestrian survey, evaluative testing, and archaeological excavation;
- Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and to communicate effectively with clients and regulatory agencies;
- Understanding of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and implementing regulations under 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 800;
- Ability to apply National Register Bulletins, Secretary of the Interior guidelines, and criteria outlined under 36 CFR 60.4; and
- Ability to meet deadlines and hours per task targets, as assigned, and effectively communicate roadblocks to these expectations.
ERO offers a very competitive compensation package that includes:
- Hourly position with a pay range of $25.00 to 30.58 per hour, commensurate with experience;
- 10 hours/month paid vacation accrual (separate sick leave bank);
- 11 paid holidays that include office closure between Christmas and New Year’s Day;
- ERO pays on average 80 percent of health, dental, vision, and other insurance packages;
- 401(k) and financial planning assistance;
- Generous cell phone, field / office equipment stipend;
- Annual profit sharing and retirement plan contributions;
- Educational opportunities, including external workshops, classes, and mentorship with ERO principals; and
- Opportunities for advancement, including opportunities for associate and board-level ownership for the right candidate.
Qualified applicants should send an email with a PDF cover letter, resume, and writing sample to opportunities@eroresources.com with Staff Cultural Resource Specialist I in the subject line.
ERO participates in e-verify and pre-employment background screening services.
It is the continuous practice of ERO to encourage inclusion and provide equal opportunities in employment to all employees and applicants. No person shall be discriminated against in any condition of employment because of age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local law. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.
For more information about ERO, visit our website at www.eroresources.com.