The Archaeological Conservancy is seeking a full-time Midwestern Field Representative to join our Midwest Regional Office. This position is based in Aitkin, Minnesota, and involves extensive travel throughout the Midwest region.
As the nation’s only nonprofit organization dedicated solely to acquiring, preserving, and managing archaeological sites, The Archaeological Conservancy works to protect irreplaceable places that help tell the story of America’s past. Founded in 1980, the Conservancy has preserved nearly 600 archaeological sites across the country, from some of the earliest habitation sites in North America to a 19th-century frontier army post.
The Midwestern Field Representative will help advance that mission across the region by supporting site acquisition, preservation, stewardship, public outreach, and field investigations. The position serves a broad Midwest territory that includes South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio.
Key responsibilities include:
- Supervise maintenance projects on Conservancy preserves.
- Conduct field visits, review site records, collaborate with archaeologists.
- Initiate contact, build trust, and build relationships with landowners.
- Monitor Conservancy preserves, coordinate maintenance, and document conditions.
- Prepare site reports, maintain regional records, and write grant or funding proposals.
- Work with state agencies, tribal nations, universities, CRM firms, and local historical societies.
- Give presentations, attend conferences, and represent the Conservancy in the region.
- Budget for field activities and travel.
- Complete all phases of land acquisition projects including: Research and evaluate proposed preservation projects; Conduct extended negotiations with landowners to acquire property through gift or purchase; Work with central office on tax, legal and financial matters relating to acquisitions.
- Work with interested persons and groups, including governments, to build support for archaeological site preservation.
- Generate funding for specific acquisition projects.
- Coordinate and track the management and stewardship of existing preserves.
The job also includes work in four broad areas outlined in the position description: status and maintenance, promotion of the organization’s mission, field investigations, and office management.
Status and Maintenance (25 percent*)
- Visit existing TAC properties and easements on a schedule and according to priorities to be determined by the Director;
- Complete descriptive and photo documentation for each property;
- Determine the status of sites, properties, and easements including identification and prioritization of preservation concerns including but not limited to looting, vandalism, fencing and signage, ad hoc trails, animal burrows, weathering and erosion, invasive vegetation and fuel loads, etc.;
- Assist in property maintenance, including corrective measures related to fencing, signage, vegetation, stabilization, and other activities to be determined by the Director;
- Supply written reports on each property status visit, describing observations, conditions, and recommendations for follow-up activities.
Promotion (25 percent*)
- Secure and maintain TAC membership in professional organizations active in the Midwestern Region coverage area.
- Read and monitor regional professional organization newsletters;
- Provide promotional materials to statewide and regional meetings of professional organizations.
- Assist in writing and distribution of reports of TAC activities to statewide and regional professional organizations;
- Supply written reports of promotional activities and opportunities to the Director.
Field Investigations (25 percent*)
- Assist in document review at Midwest State’s Historical Preservation and State Archaeologist Offices, and other offices to be determined by the Director;
- Assist in locating and reconnoitering properties at a scale of effort to be determined by the Director;
- Assist in the identification and definition of archaeological phenomena including anthrosols, artifacts, dietary and technological constituents, and residential, economic, and ideational features;
- Assist in the completion of conventional site records (using appropriate regional field documentation
- Supply written reports of field investigations to the Director.
Office Management (25 percent*)
- Assist the Director in operating a central office;
- Assist the Director in developing and maintaining office communications and case tracking and management procedures;
- Assist the Director in creating and maintaining hardcopy and digital files, including file organization systems used to track status and maintenance of existing properties;
* Approximate. The percentage of labor dedicated to these activities may vary seasonally and at a scale of effort to be determined by the Director. Reports will follow a format to be determined by the Director.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required. Acceptable generalist education with a superior academic record and some archaeological education is desirable.
- Demonstrated preservation/conservation ethic and/or public interest ethic. Highly self-motivated.
- Prior work in land conservation, real estate negotiation, or nonprofit preservation.
- Excellent speaking and writing skills.
- Experience in real estate, law, business, or entrepreneurship.
- Demonstrable ability to stay organized while coordinating multiple tasks.
- Ability to work and effectively communicate with a wide variety of people from all walks of life.
- Ability to work independently and decisively and to successfully complete a wide variety of tasks.
- Ability to travel extensively throughout the Midwest region.
- Valid driver’s license and comfort with rural travel and outdoor conditions.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Academic or work experience background in archaeology, anthropology, historic preservation or a related field.
- Field Work in the above listed states.
- GIS skills, mapping experience, or familiarity with site documentation standards.
- Experience collaborating with tribal nations or descendant communities.
- Experience with archaeological site preservation and/or cultural resource management.
Availability: Immediate
Salary: Depends on experience; excellent benefits
Location: Aitkin, Minnesota, with extensive regional travel
HOW TO APPLY:
Send a resume and letter of interest to:
The Archaeological Conservancy
216 Minnesota Ave N.
Aitkin, MN 56431
Attn: Midwestern Regional Director Lindsay Scott, [email protected]
