Job Description

Position Summary:

A Cultural Resources Specialist position is available with the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML), a research, education, and service unit that applies to current science to promote the sustainable management of natural and cultural resources on Department of Defense (DoD) other public lands. To learn more about CEMML, visit https://cemml.colostate.edu/.

The job location is Fort Hunter Liggett, California. The position assists with archaeological studies that will facilitate the continued military use of training lands while documenting and preserving the cultural resources present on Fort Hunter Liggett. The position involves both office and field work to assist federal managers in complying with various DOD, federal and state requirements with respect to prehistoric and historical resources management, documentation, protection and planning. Field work may occupy 50% of the average work week.

This position requires on-site presence and is not eligible for telework. To learn more about Fort Hunter Liggett, please visit https://home.army.mil/liggett/about/.

Essential Job Duties:

• Apply scientific methods; communicate study designs and results through written and oral reports to support the Army in meeting its obligations to federal environmental regulations and laws.
• Assess the need for and implement site protection measures according to the Programmatic Agreement and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Conduct literature reviews, field data collection, analysis, and comprehensive reporting.
• Support ongoing Native American consultation proceedings and other related activities.
• Assist in revising and updating the Integrated Cultural Resource Management Plan.
• Plan and develop projects, evaluate historic properties for National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility, including condition assessments and site documentation.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and professional recommendations based on findings.
• Implement surveys, identify and curate artifacts and documents, apply proper excavation techniques and knowledge of osteology and human remains.
• Collect and manage data using GPS and other tools, maintain databases and metadata standards, and create maps for reporting and analysis.

Supervision:

• Does not supervise.

Conditions of Employment:

• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for all new hires).
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States by proposed start date. CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Required to be in office at Fort Hunter Liggett daily, with occasional options to telework for specific short-term circumstances.
• Candidate must be able to comply with all applicable regulations to obtain a Common Access Card (CAC).
• Required at a minimum to complete a NACI/SF85 and successfully pass a federal background check to remain eligible for employment.
• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by employment start date.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree in anthropology, archaeology, historic preservation or related field.
• At least 3 years of professional experience in the selected field.
• Experience preparing survey and site documentation.
• Advanced knowledge of proper excavation techniques and demonstrate competence in human anatomy, osteology, cataloging and analysis of human remains.
• Experience with preservation of archaeological sites, including site protection measures.
• Experience with MSOffice software including spreadsheets and database management.
• Basic proficiency with ArcGIS/AcrPro software and its application to cultural resources.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in anthropology, archaeology, historic preservation or related field.
• More than 3 years of relevant post-graduate professional archeological work experience
• Knowledge and experience in California Central Coast archeology.
• Knowledge and experience of DoD or US Army environmental policies, regulations, and cultural resources management on military installations.
• Experience managing files and databases that meet federal data management standards.
• Knowledge of and experience implementing section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), including prehistoric site recordation and evaluation, as well as the Archaeological Resource Protection Act, Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, American Indian Religious Freedom Act/Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and tribal consultation program support.
• Experience with national register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility assessments, site testing, and data-recovery mitigation.
• Expertise in an archaeological subspecialty (e.g., GIS, geoarchaeology, site formation processes, osteological analysis, historic archaeology).
• Strong reporting writing skills, including survey and site monitoring results, evaluations, and recommendations.
• Proficiency in ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Field Maps, Survey 123, Trimble Connect, and field data collectors, (e.g., Trimble devices).

Application Instructions:

For full consideration; please upload a cover letter, CV/resume, and unofficial transcripts by 12:01 am on September 28, 2026.

Salary Range

$70,000 - $80,000

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Cover Letter, Resume/CV, Transcripts

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

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Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.