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