National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106 Archeologist

Position Overview

The NHPA Section 106 Archeologist ensures agency undertakings comply with the National Historic Preservation Act, particularly Section 106 and associated regulations at 36 CFR Part 800. The position provides professional expertise in cultural resource compliance, supports project managers and leadership, and coordinates consultation and collaboration with State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs), Tribal Nations, federal partners, and other consulting parties.

Major Duties

Section 106 Compliance & Project Review

Manage and coordinate Section 106 reviews for agency undertakings and prepare compliance documentation such as effect determinations, case reports, memoranda of understanding, and programmatic agreements.
Interpret and apply NHPA, 36 CFR 800, and related laws, ensuring agency actions consider impacts to historic properties.
Review project proposals for potential effects on cultural resources and recommend identification, evaluation, or treatment measures.
Coordinate Section 106 compliance with other environmental requirements, including NEPA.
Maintain tracking systems, databases, and documentation to monitor project status and compliance progress.

Tribal & Consulting Party Coordination

Establish and maintain government-to-government relationships with Tribal Nations.
Coordinate consultation consistent with NHPA, NAGPRA, AIRFA, and Executive Order 13175.
Provide internal guidance on tribal consultation requirements and culturally sensitive issues.
Organize consultation meetings and ensure tribal concerns are incorporated into compliance assessments.

Guidance, Technical Assistance, & Policy Support

Advise project teams, leadership, and staff on Section 106 requirements, preservation policies, and best practices.
Provide training to staff on NHPA responsibilities and compliance procedures.
Serve as liaison to subject matter experts to ensure coordinated technical support.
Assist with developing internal compliance procedures, templates, and guidance documents.

Interagency & Public Coordination

Build and maintain working relationships with SHPOs, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, federal agencies, and local partners.
Support public involvement efforts associated with Section 106.
Provide clear, accessible information on compliance findings.

Cultural Resources Program Support

Collaborate with cultural resource specialists to identify, evaluate, and protect historic properties.
Recommend studies or investigations required to meet compliance standards.
Support integrated stewardship of cultural resources.

Qualifications

Education

Master’s degree in Archaeology, or a closely related field required.

Experience

Minimum three years of cultural resource management or historic preservation experience, including Section 106 responsibilities.
Knowledge of NHPA Sections 106 and 110, NEPA, NAGPRA, AIRFA, and related laws.

Skills

Ability to interpret technical and regulatory documents and develop clear recommendations.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects with varying timelines.
Familiarity with GIS and digital data management.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

Work is primarily office-based but may include site visits in varied terrain and weather conditions.
Periodic travel to project sites, stakeholder meetings, or consultations may be required.

General Competencies

Professional judgment in interpreting guidelines and selecting appropriate compliance pathways.
Ability to reconcile diverse viewpoints and build consensus among stakeholders.
Commitment to collaboration, resource stewardship, and respectful engagement with Tribal Nations

Independent Contractor (1099) Engagement Details

This is a part‑time, independent contractor (1099) role. The contractor will provide services under an agreed‑upon scope of work and deliverables, and is not an employee of the organization.

Compensation: $46.88 per hour
Schedule: Part‑time; contractor sets their own hours as long as deliverables are met
Contract Length: Approximately 4 months
Benefits: No company‑provided benefits (health insurance, PTO, retirement, workers’ comp, etc.)
Taxes: Contractor is responsible for all federal, state, and local taxes
Independence: Contractor may perform services for other clients

This role is not subject to California pay‑scale posting requirements, as it is not an employee position.

Pay: $46.88 per hour

Work Location: In person

Joshua Tree National Park Association

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