Backcountry Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

The Archaeology Aid position supports a team of cultural resource professionals in the inventory of archaeological resources at Canyon de Chelly National Monument. This position aids in the identification, description, documentation, and assessment of Ancestral Puebloan and Navajo archaeological sites along riparian, talus, and slickrock zones of Canyon de Chelly. Over the course of the project, the Archaeology Aid will learn how to recognize artifact classes and material cultures unique to the region, how to properly document archaeological sites through data collection methods, and how to map and photograph them. Additionally, the Archaeology Aid will be introduced to data management.

Location

Chinle, AZ

Schedule

October 25, 2026 - July 3, 2027

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Walking transects across inner-canyon riparian, talus, and slickrock terrain to identify cultural resources
• Documenting archaeological site features, structures, and artifact assemblages found on the ground surface on standardized cultural resource inventory forms and through photography
• Assessing archaeological site conditions, identifying threats and disturbances, and recommending treatments to protect and stabilize sites
• Mapping archaeological resources using geospatial data collectors and tablets
• Entering archaeological site data into the National Park Service's Cultural Resources Inventory System

Marginal Duties

• Assisting with field preparations including charging devices, refilling water containers, inspecting vehicles, and resupplying emergency items in advance of backcountry operations
• Assisting with vehicle and equipment cleaning and organizing supply sheds following backcountry operations

Required Qualifications

• Driver's license to operate a utility terrain vehicle (UTV)
• Individual is required to provide his/her own transportation to and from the park
• Position requires a favorably adjudicated background investigation and PIV card/credential; this requirement is separate from the SCA's background check and is sponsored by the National Park Service

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Southwestern U.S. Native American cultures
• Familiarity with Southwestern U.S. material cultures (i.e., archeological classifications)
• Ability to hike up to 10 miles per day with a 30-lb backpack
• Earned college credits from anthropology and/or archaeology coursework

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

The Archaeology Aid has the option of being placed in shared NPS housing at Canyon de Chelly N.M. free of charge or commuting to the park from a local community. The NPS housing unit may be shared with up to three individuals, with each person being assigned their own bedroom. Shared amenities include kitchen, restroom, laundry room, and living room.

Compensation

• Living allowance - $600/weekly
• Commuting allowance - $112/weekly
• Park housing available
• AmeriCorps Education Award valued at $5,176.60 upon successful completion of program and 1200 service hours *All allowances subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits

• First Aid/CPR
• Off-Road Vehicle Safety
• AmeriCorps: Eligible/Optional

Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.