Archeologists

Archaeology

GS-0193

Position Overview

The lands managed and protected by DOI include archaeological sites that contain material data about the past and represent places where important people and events took place.  Archeologists study the tangible remains of these people and events, including architectural remains, features, and artifacts found in surveys, during excavation, or underwater.

This position is represented at the following bureaus

Bureau of Indian Affairs
Bureau of Land Management
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Bureau of Reclamation
Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement
National Park Service
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Candidate Description

The ideal candidate is a decisive, resourceful critical thinker. She or he can leverage a deep understanding of historical events and human society and apply preservation and archival techniques to manage, preserve and protect important artifacts and sites.  The ability to communicate with many different stakeholders and gain trust in sometimes contentious situations is a must.

Specialty Areas

Precontact, Maritime, Historical, Indigenous, Conservation

Work Environment

Archeologists perform their work in offices but are also often in the field, often working in remote areas.

Minimum Education Requirements

Please see the Individual Occupation Requirements and the Professional and Scientific Positions Group Qualification Standard on the OPM websites.

Career Level Requirements

Responsibilities by Level

  • Entry:

    • Assisting in surveying, testing, and excavation at identified sites
    • Assisting in surveying for new sites using global positioning system (GPS) or geospatial information systems (GIS)
    • Providing information on cultural resources to state, local or tribal government representatives and the public
    • Conducting educational sessions on heritage resources at school or community events
    • Maintaining archeological inventories which aid in monitoring the impact of development on cultural resources

  • Mid:

    • Curating artifacts from public lands and drafting supporting documentation; Interpreting marine geophysical survey data
    • Writing research proposals or scopes of work for contractors
    • Designing mitigation strategies
    • Reviewing eligibility of heritage resources for potential inclusion in the national register; Determining if heritage resources meet the definition of an archaeological resource.
    • Developing archaeological resource input for environmental assessments and reports

  • Journey:

    • Developing heritage resources portions of major planning documents such as environmental impact statements
    • Advising on complex collections management or repatriation issues within a specific state or region
    • Leading interdisciplinary project teams working to address complex problems related to historic preservation
    • Developing and delivering training on heritage resources management; Publishing reports and present at professional conferences
    • Serving as the expert for cultural resource management, historic preservation, archaeological resource protection, heritage assets, and Indian sacred sites, tribal consultation; Serving as the Chief Scientist or technical representative for major studies projects involving archaeology

  • Senior:

    • Advising on policy and program development and ensuring that long-range planning addresses archaeological issues and concerns
    • Serving as a branch chief, Federal Preservation Officer, or other position requiring similar level of leadership responsibility in resource management
    • Providing technical leadership and guidance to internal or Inter-agency teams of senior scientists
    • Publishing notices in the Federal Register
    • Providing agency wide training in applied cultural resource management law

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Strengths by Level

Entry 5-7
Mid 9-11
Journey 12-13
Senior 14-15
  • Accountability
    Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Complies with established control systems and rules.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
    Senior 14-15
  • Attention to Detail
    Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
    Senior 14-15
  • Compliance
    Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
    Senior 14-15
  • Customer Service
    Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
    Senior 14-15
  • Decision Making
    Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
    Senior 14-15
  • Interpersonal Skills
    Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
    Senior 14-15
  • Oral Communication
    Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
    Senior 14-15
  • Organizational Awareness
    Knows the organization's mission and functions, and how its social, political, and technological systems work and operates effectively within them; this includes the programs, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of the organization.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
    Senior 14-15
  • Problem Solving
    Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
    Senior 14-15
  • Project Management
    Knowledge of the principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources, including monitoring and inspecting costs, work, and contractor performance.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
    Senior 14-15
  • Reasoning
    Identifies rules, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information; analyzes information and makes correct inferences or draws accurate conclusions.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
    Senior 14-15
  • Teaching Others
    Helps others learn through formal or informal methods; identifies training needs; provides constructive feedback; coaches others on how to perform tasks; acts as a mentor.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
    Senior 14-15
  • Teamwork
    Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
    Senior 14-15
  • Technical Competence
    Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
    Senior 14-15
  • Writing
    Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.
    Show Tool Tip
    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
    Senior 14-15

Common Pathways

Candidates who made this career change most commonly held these occupations...

37.1%

Social Science Aid And Technician

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8.6%

Exhibits Specialist

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8.6%

Miscellaneous Administration and Program

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