Cultural Resource Intern at Big Bend NP

Opportunity summary

Term length

11/4/2024 - 5/5/2025

Application window

8/13/2024 - 10/14/2024

Location

Big Bend National Park, Texas

Hourly pay equivalent

$15.00

Project summary

The main project will be performing archaeological site condition assessments throughout the park on sites that span a history of over 13,000 years, including significant indigenous cultural sites as well as later period sites associated with nineteenth and twentieth century ranching, farming, and mining prospects.

Opportunity description

The intern, supervised by the park Archaeologist/Cultural Resources Program Manager, will receive training in recording archaeological sites and historic structures. Responsibilities include revisiting sites for condition assessments, updating data using a digital tablet, and integrating it with NPS databases. Basic ESRI and ArcGIS skills are needed. Duties also involve assisting with historic preservation, structural assessments, and, if time permits, working with the Museum Specialist.

Benefits

Housing
Relocation expenses
Commuter allowance

Requirements and qualifications

Requirements

Successful applicants should have some prior field experience and college or graduate level coursework in archaeology, historic preservation, or a related field. General knowledge and the ability to navigate and perform basic database entry and map making using ArcGISPro is required. The park also works with Survey123 and/or Field Maps applications as well as Avenza Maps. Knowledge of these programs is a plus. Experience and willingness to hike, camp and navigate in backcountry settings.

Preferred qualifications

Applicants should have a degree or coursework in anthropology, archaeology, historic preservation, or a related field, plus prior fieldwork experience. They need basic skills in identifying lithic artifacts, fire-cracked rock, and cultural features like earth ovens and hearths, as well as material culture from the 19th and 20th centuries. GPS navigation experience is required. Ideal candidates will also have training in ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online for data uploading and map creation.