Working cooperatively with the National Park Service’s Joshua Tree National Park (JOTR), the Great Basin Institute is recruiting to hire one (1) Historic Structure Technician/Exhibit Specialist. The principal objective of this position is to implement activities focused on promoting cultural scientific research related to JOTR in the area of historic preservation of structures and cultural landscapes. Examples of needed assistance include: assisting with timber and masonry stabilization efforts; repairing dry laid masonry; treating a variety of historic timber mining and homesteading related structures including preventative treatments and replacement of deteriorated elements; writing sections of draft reports; database entry; file management; preparation of National Register Nominations and Determinations of Eligibility; and other routine tasks associated with resource division functions. Completing historic preservation projects in the desert southwest requires the physical endurance to walk over a variety of terrains and in a variety of weather conditions, including extreme heat, and carry a heavy pack. Overnight camping for several days at a time in remote areas requiring packing in all supplies and materials may be required.
Compensation & Timeline:
o Rate of Pay: $20.00/hour
o Health, dental and vision benefits provided at no cost
o $20 field per diem while camping
o Paid holidays and personal leave
o 38-week appointment beginning March 6, 2017 (or upon on availability and completion of DOI Background Investigation)
o Full time, 40 hours/week (some weekend work may be required); potential for extension pending funding and favorable performance review
Location:
Joshua Tree National Park is located in southern California, just off I-10, and is a 2- to 3-hour drive from Los Angeles, Phoenix and Las Vegas. Aside from the outdoor recreation opportunities and natural wonders within the park, Death Valley and Grand Canyon National Parks, the Mojave Preserve, as well as Lake Mead and Spring Mountains National Recreation Areas are nearby and afford a diversity of outdoor activities ranging from hiking, mountain biking and rock hounding to fishing, boating and skiing/snowboarding.
Qualifications:
o Bachelor’s degree in architecture, history, landscape architecture, or closely related field and/or historic preservation coursework and field experience; applicants with advanced degrees are encouraged to apply;
o Knowledge of historic structures, standard treatments for historic properties, and historic artifacts of the Mojave desert regions of the southwest;
o Ability to understand, implement and adhere to established data collection, inventory, recording, and treatment protocols;
o Capacity to collect and maintain field data in an organized manner that is easily understood and accessible to other resources staff (GBI or NPS);
o Experience completing historic archeological site forms (or portions of site forms), treatment documentation records, and entering form data in to database programs;
o Ability to utilize ArcGIS and/or AutoCAD software to build maps, organize and manage data, and manipulate data layers;
o Experience operating hand-held GPS equipment for navigation and electronic field data collection; experience post-processing field data, a plus;
o Read and interpret topographical maps and navigate using a compass;
o Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license with ability to safely operate and maintain a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads;
o Ability to work productively and cooperatively as part of a team focused on accomplishing mutual goals and communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience;
o Possess good organizational skills and be detail oriented; and
o Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, camp in the backcountry for consecutive days, work in all types of weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, carry a heavy pack in excess of 35-45 lbs, and be in overall good physical condition; prior experience working in the desert southwest, or similar desert climates, desirable.
o Successful applicant must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to NPS human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position. If you already have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your application.
How to Apply:
We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint