Summary: American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) is seeking a Cultural Resource Assistant interested in dedicating 11 weeks to support Kenai Fjords National Park in multiple park cultural resource projects, but focusing on conducting fieldwork and background research for a Section 110 archaeological inventory planned to occur in remote areas of the park.

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Start Date: May 23, 2022 (flexible)

End Date: August 5, 2022

Location: The story of the Kenai Fjords is not just one of geology and landforms, but also of people. Archeological evidence indicates the region has been home to Alaska Natives for thousands of years. In more recent times, hunters, fishermen, fox farmers, miners, and more have made use of the fjords. Nearly 40 glaciers flow from the Harding Icefield, Kenai Fjords' crowning feature. Wildlife thrives in icy waters and lush forests around this vast expanse of ice.

For more information regarding Kenai Fjords National Park please visit the NPS website: https://www.nps.gov/kefj/index.htm

Living Allowance: ACE Member will receive a living allowance of $480/week to offset the costs of housing, food, and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Schedule: Variable schedule, typical workweeks consist of five 8-hour days, but schedules of four 10-hour days or eight 10-hour days (followed by six days off) will also occur. Schedule will never total more than 80 hours per two week pay period.

Relocation: An amount not to exceed $500 will be offered to help offset the cost of relocation.

Housing: Shared park housing will be provided at no cost.

AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 300-hour AmeriCorps Education Award ($1,342.86) upon successful completion of service hours.

Position Description: ​​This position will perform a critical role in multiple park cultural resource projects with a primary focus on conducting fieldwork and background research for a Section 110 archaeological inventory planned to occur in multiple remote areas of Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward, Alaska. Extensive backcountry fieldwork will consist of archaeological survey along the Resurrection River corridor (known for prehistoric use as well as historic mining, hunting, and trapping) and the Nuka River corridor (noted as a prehistoric and Russian colonial era portage from Nuka Bay to Kachemak Bay). Fieldwork will be completed both during 8-10 hour workdays and during multi-day backcountry trips. Some fieldwork may also be completed during multi-day trips on the park boat, the M/V Serac.

The ACE member is also expected to contribute in the office setting by processing field data, compiling archaeological site forms, processing photos, and preparing collected artifacts for curation. Background research will be conducted, and the individual will be expected to write a section of the final report summarizing the history of the survey area. There will also be opportunities to get a wide array of experience in park projects and activities by participating in endeavors such as Section 106 compliance, Alaska Native consultation, marine debris cleanup, abandoned mine cleanups, community weed pull, bird surveys, management team meetings, and more.

Qualifications:

Required

• Coursework in Anthropology, Archeology, History, Environmental Science, or a related field
• Multi-day backcountry fieldwork skills in remote settings
• Must be comfortable working in inclement weather and in close proximity to wildlife including bears
• Computer and writing skills
• Ability to swim
• Able and willing to fly in a floatplane
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group
• US Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Willing to undergo and must pass required criminal history checks
• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request)
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation
• ACE Members must verify that they are fully vaccinated for Covid-19 by the time they start their term or request a medical or religious exemption

Preferred

• Completion of archeology field school
• First Aid and Wilderness First Aid/Wilderness First Responder certifications
• GIS skills

To apply: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/727335.html