Archaeologist (Natural Resource Specialist 4)

Initial posting: 07/30/2026 • Application deadline: 08/13/2026

About the role

This is a permanent, full-time position located in the Bend office of the Department of State Lands (DSL). The role is eligible for a hybrid remote schedule, with 3-4 days per week in the office and frequent travel and fieldwork required. The position reports to the Real Property Program and is represented by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

DSL manages approximately 681,000 acres of surface land and 768,000 acres of sub-surface mineral and energy resources, including rangelands, agricultural lands, forestlands, and commercial properties. Revenue generated supports the Common School Fund. As the department’s technical and scientific expert on cultural resource management, you will help preserve Oregon’s cultural resources while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the department’s technical and scientific expert on cultural resource management.
• Perform archaeological records research, field surveys, and testing as needed for ground-disturbing projects, land sales, or proprietary authorizations.
• Submit technical and scientific project reports to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for concurrence, including maps, photos, tables, site forms, and recommendations.
• Evaluate applications for authorizations related to the use of school lands or Oregon-owned waterways, and conduct due diligence cultural resource evaluations for agency land sales or exchanges.
• Provide oversight on multi-agency cultural resource projects involving DSL lands to ensure compliance with cultural resource laws.
• Communicate with DSL management and staff on cultural resource issues, offering guidance and recommendations for land sales, exchanges, and ground-disturbing activities.
• Represent DSL at interagency cultural resource meetings and committees as a technical expert.
• Update the GIS database with records from surveys conducted on DSL-owned lands using SHPO’s OARRA’s database.
• Maintain confidential records of all cultural resources and associated documentation for surveys completed on DSL ownership.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, you must meet one of the following combinations of education and/or experience:

• A master’s degree in archaeology, anthropology, history, classics, or a closely related discipline with a specialization in archaeology, and:
  • Twelve weeks of supervised experience in basic archaeological field research (survey and excavation), and
  • Four weeks of laboratory analysis or curating, and
  • Successful design and execution of an archaeological study, as evidenced by a Master of Arts or Master of Science thesis or a report equivalent in scope and quality.

See ORS 390.235 for the definition of a qualified archaeologist.

Skills

Desired attributes (highlight these in your application materials):

• Working knowledge of environmental, rangeland, forestland, and natural resource issues and conflicts.
• Demonstrated expertise in state and federal cultural resource laws.
• Skill and experience in reading and interpreting topographic maps and aerial photos.
• Demonstrated experience working with tribal governments.
• Qualifications of an Oregon Qualified Archaeologist in good standing with SHPO to access confidential records and apply for permits upon hire.
• Working knowledge of geology, pedology, and rangeland plant identification.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record to operate state vehicles for site visits (required prior to hire).
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a variety of terrains.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for interacting with government agencies, the public, and diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge or experience using GPS and GIS.
• Experience in identifying and recording pre-contact and historic resources.
• Knowledge of Pacific Northwest archaeology, history, and regional artifact types.

Benefits

• Medical insurance with 95%–99% of premiums paid by the agency (includes mental health and alternative care coverage).
• Accrual of 8 hours of sick leave and at least 8 hours of vacation leave per month (vacation accruals increase every 5 years).
• 11 paid holidays, 1 floating holiday, and 3 personal business days.
• Optional insurances and flexible spending plans.
• Automatic enrollment in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) after 6 months of full-time service.

Pay

Monthly salary range:

• $6,275 – $9,644 for employees new to DSL.
• $6,709 – $10,315 for current PERS-participating members.

Salary offers are based on education and experience. Visit DSL’s Pay Equity and Classification and Compensation pages for more details.

Schedule

• Hybrid remote schedule: 3–4 days per week in the Bend office.
• Frequent travel and fieldwork, including overnight stays, extended hours, and work in inclement weather or difficult terrain.
• Fieldwork may require irregular or long hours, access via unimproved roads, and use of 4-wheel drive vehicles (provided by DSL).
• Reimbursement for field gear and authorized travel expenses.

Working Conditions

• Office work combined with fieldwork in remote locations.
• Exposure to inclement weather, uneven terrain, and physically demanding conditions.
• Essential travel, including overnight stays and extended work hours.