The Superior National Forest is one of the largest National Forests in the Eastern Region of the United States. It is at the southern-most limit of the northern boreal forest, a landscape of birch and conifers with a lake around every corner. The history and archaeology of the Forest is exceptional and varied spanning nearly 10,000 years and including ancestral Native American sites, the Fur Trade, mineral prospecting, homesteading, logging, resort and tourism, and early Forest Service administration.
The Heritage Resource Program in Kawishiwi and Tofte Ranger Districts on the Superior will each have one archaeological aid position available for the summer field season. The Heritage Resource Program has been conducting archaeological fieldwork in support of Forest projects since 1979. The program is responsible for management of approximately 5,000 cultural resource sites across the 3-million-acre Forest and is locating new sites every year. Candidates will have a chance to assist with site monitoring and recordation of varied cultural resources from 10,000-year-old stone tool quarrying sites in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to expertly crafted log buildings from the Civilian Conservation Corps Program.
Assisting heritage resource staff with pre-field research, archaeology field survey, data management, site recording, and public outreach activities. Current driver's license required. The position requires intermittent weekend work, work in remote areas, and overnight camping. Public interaction is likely, and candidates are expected to be positive representatives of the Forest Service. We are looking for motivated candidates with academic experience in archaeology and history who are comfortable working outdoors as part of a crew. Completion of an accredited archaeological field school is desired, but not mandatory. As an Archaeological Aid, you will gain experience in archaeological field methods, spatial data management (GPS/GIS/Azenza), artifact identification and analysis, and backcountry travel techniques.
The term of employment is approximately from June 1 through August 31, with some degree of flexibility based on school needs.
Training Opportunities:
First Aid/ CPR; Geospatial data management; archaeological field methods; canoe and watercraft safety; “leave no trace” camping techniques; historical research; public engagement
Compensation details:
- $300/week* Living Allowance
- $1,100* To/From Travel Allowance, paid once with first paycheck
- Housing provided on site
- Eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,718.25, received upon successful completion of the position
- Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corp (PLC) hiring authority
*All allowances subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
It is SCA's policy that all AmeriCorps-required background checks must return cleared results prior to the position's start; this includes being fingerprinted for the FBI check. Otherwise, the AmeriCorps award will be removed or the position's start date will be delayed due to non-compliance.
For SCA’s COVID guidance, please refer to www.thesca.org/covid.
Position ID: PO-00734938
Expected Dates: May 15, 2023 - August 6, 2023
Location:
7355 W. Hwy 61
Tofte, MN 55615
US
Training Provided: First Aid/ CPR; Geospatial data management; archaeological field methods; canoe and watercraft safety; “leave no trace” camping techniques; historical research; public engagement
Educational/Recreational Opportunities: The Superior National Forest is located in the northeast tip of Minnesota and is sandwiched between Lake Superior and the Canadian border. One third of its three million acres contains the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).
Handicap Accessible?: No
Main Area of Focus: Cultural/Historical Resource Mgmt
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Recommended
Participants will greatly enhance their experience if they have a personal vehicle. Grocery options and some dining options are available within walking distance of each location but participants who have their own vehicle can experience more recreation
Housing or Stipend Provided?
A. Partner will provide suitable housing for the member
Bunkhouse accommodations each individual will have a single or double room in the bunkhouse. Shared restrooms and kitchen space. Restrooms are shared but designed for one person at a time and have locks. Single gender bunkhouses maybe available. The Tofte bunkhouses are CCC era log cabins that have been outfit with modern amenities such as running water, electricity, full kitchens, washers/ dryers, WiFi.
Indoor/Outdoor: Outside
US Citizenship: Yes