ARCHAEOLOGIST 32064

7/1/88 B

This is the second and journey level class in the archaeological series concentrating on the identification, research, acquisition, evaluation, preservation and conservation of the state's cultural and historical resources. Positions in this class typically work within a central office at a field site or in a laboratory. They specialize in identification, research, acquisition, analysis, evaluation and conservation of historical sites, artifacts and data. This class is distinguished from the Archaeologist Supervisor by its involvement in day-to-day operations of survey work and management of projects and not the actual supervision of others. This class is distinguished from the Archaeologist Assistant by the latter's restricted scope of responsibility, routine nature of assignments, and by the close supervision received.

Complexity of the Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty in designing, conducting, and monitoring archaeological and historic standing structure surveys; obtaining, analyzing, coordinating and evaluating data for historical research, publication and dissemination of information to the public and the professional community; preparing and maintaining records, reports and documentation; planning, in accordance with established guidelines, involving excavation and recording at a specific field location; conducting, coordinating the acquisition and assessment of artifacts; researching, interpreting, analyzing, evaluating and monitoring collections. Administers environmental review and compliance programs, and evaluates impacts on archaeological and historic structure clearances for projects. Provides technical guidance to persons involved in identification and preservation of cultural and historical resources. Identifies and nominates sites for listing in state and national historic registers. Trains and supervises volunteers. Presents lectures to interested groups. Resolves issues involving conflicting needs which threaten the conservation of historical resources. Negotiates and drafts documents that relate to mitigating the impact of projects on cultural resources. Provides input on cultural resources to program staff.

Supervision Given: Positions in this case typically do not supervise full-time classified employees. They may assign and monitor tasks, provide technical leadership and oversee the work of volunteers and/or hourly employees in management of a project.

Supervision Received: Receives directions from a higher level archaeologist.

Scope: Positions in this class manage specific projects or historical laboratories; identify, acquire, analyze, evaluate and conserve data and artifacts throughout the Commonwealth for the preservation of historical resources.

Impact of Actions: Errors and delays in the identification, negotiation, and clearance for historic registration, as well as technical errors in excavation, maintenance of artifacts, documentation and record keeping could violate laws and result in sanctions and loss of historic resources or affect the timeliness of construction projects.

Personal Contacts: Communicates frequently with individuals inside and outside the agency on technical issues as related to state archaeological programs and projects. Contacts include the general public, archaeologists, the preservation community, professional organizations, highway construction personnel, museums, educational institutions, other state and federal agencies, vendors, volunteers, and laboratories.

Knowledge: Working knowledge of culture and history related to artifacts architectural features, and types of structure; of technical and cultural resource management practices and principles, applied to archaeology; of applicable state and federal requirements; and of data processing methods and techniques. May require specialized knowledge of a particular period of major civilization.

Skills: Underwater and/or land excavation techniques; preservation techniques.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to apply technical cultural resource management and principles and practices to the conduct of preservation programs; to identify and analyze archaeological data and interpret results; to design, conduct and oversee field projects or artifact collections; to determine, assess and document impact to and significance and value of sites and artifacts; to oversee the work of others; and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE *

Licenses or Certifications: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from and accredited college or university with major course work in, archaeology, anthropology history, preservation, or a related field.

Level and Type of Training: Significant experience in archaeology or conservation/preservation.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was established in November, 1990, as a result of a classification and compensation review of the Archaeologist series.