The Illinois State Archaeological Survey has a job opening for Senior Scientific Specialist, Archaeology.

The Illinois State Archaeological Survey (ISAS) is seeking to hire a Senior Scientific Specialist, Archaeology to conduct and lead field archaeological investigations, analysis, and reporting for Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Forest Preserve of Cook County (FPCC) archaeological projects. This is a full-time academic professional appointment.  ISAS is part of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This position is at the Northern Illinois Field Station in Elgin, Illinois, which is 35 miles west of Chicago.

Job Summary

Conduct and lead field archaeological investigations, analysis, and reporting for Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Forest Preserve of Cook County (FPCC) archaeological projects.

Duties & Responsibilities

Research – Fieldwork/Data Collection

• Conduct and lead fieldwork and excavations in compliance with state and federal laws, in coordination with the NIFS Coordinator and other necessary parties.
• Identify precontact and Historic era cultural materials, delineate the spatial extent of cultural materials, and determine landscape conditions and soil characteristics.
• Locate and document archaeological sites using topographic maps, field sketch maps, and electronic mapping devices such as total stations, GPS, and GIS technology.
• Gather archival, cartographic, geophysical, and geographic information relevant to the site investigations and/or project areas.
• Ensure the safety of staff and equipment.

Research – Data Analysis/Interpretation

• Conduct and/or supervise laboratory processing, identifying, and cataloguing of precontact and historic era artifacts.
• Author and/or coauthor compliance reports and technical scientific reports and chapters in compliance with state and federal law.
• Determine and recommend the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility of identified cultural resources.
• Assist NIFS coordinator in managing IDOT and FPDCC project workflow and administration.
• Coordinate and communicate with teams of researchers and analysts, synthesize field notes, and contribute to larger research projects.
• Prepare digital data and materials for curation and database entry.

Outreach and Other

• Participate in public outreach and other educational events.
• Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
• Perform other related duties as needed in order to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and University.

Additional Physical Demands

Work is conducted in both office and field settings. Fieldwork will require working in adverse conditions (inclement weather, biting insects, remoteness) and occasional travel (including driving to and from research sites) throughout the state of Illinois in both rural and urban settings. Will require overnight travel for up to one work week at a time. Will require operating, lifting, and manipulating field equipment and other items over uneven terrain weighing up to 50 pounds.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in anthropology, archaeology, history, American Indian or Native American Studies, or closely related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

One (1) year of fieldwork experience in Illinois. Experience in analysis of cultural material and archival research. Experience with Phase III data recovery and monitoring projects in the Midwest or southeastern United States. Experience with outreach to the public and stakeholder communities. Meet eligibility requirements for the Register of Professional Archaeologists

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required: Familiarity with Illinois/Midwestern archaeology. Effective communication and strong writing skills, personal relations, collaboration, and teamwork skills. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases. Preferred: Familiarity with federal and state of Illinois historic preservation policies, burial laws, and regulations. Familiarity with Section 106 and 707 compliance review procedures and NRHP eligibility criteria.

Appointment Information

This is a full-time academic professional appointment.  The budgeted amount for this position is $50,000 to $62,000. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.  It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range for a position.

Benefits

The University of Illinois offers a wide variety of benefits https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/benefits, including paid leave https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave and holidays https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave/holidays

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Link to apply:

https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/13155?c=illinois

Applications must be received by 6:00 p.m. (CST) Friday, March 21, 2025.

Applications not submitted through this website will not be considered. Application materials must include a 1) cover letter that clearly outlines your qualifications and experience as it relates to this position, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) names and contact information (including email addresses) for three professional (not personal) references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

For further information about this specific position, please contact Jill Billerman at jrandell@illinois.edu.  For questions regarding the application process, including technical issues, please contact 217-333-2137.