Curation Jobs in Meridian, ID (NOW HIRING)

Posted a month ago | Apply before August 28, 2026

The Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination is currently recruiting for a Compliance Archaeologist, Senior for the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) located in Boise, ID.

This position is open until filled. Please apply soon in order to be considered for the position.

Summary

The Senior Archaeologist reports to the Compliance Manager and is responsible for reviewing federal undertakings under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The incumbent evaluates historic and pre-contact archaeological properties for eligibility to the National Register of Historic Places and assesses project effects, reviews reports, prepares comment letters and technical documents, and provides technical assistance to agencies, tribes, consulting firms, and the public. The Senior Archaeologist may occasionally conduct fieldwork and deliver public presentations on Idaho archaeology.

The Senior Archaeologist also provides professional management and oversight for the Archaeological Survey of Idaho’s Western Repository, a 36CFR part 79-accredited curation facility and fulfills some of the functions of the State Archaeologist related to administration of the Archaeological Survey of Idaho and the issuance of permits for archaeological work on state managed lands. This position is eligible for flexible work arrangements after 90 days, subject to the supervisor's discretion.

Job Responsibilities

Compliance Review (typical responsibilities)

• Represents the interests of the State of Idaho in Section 106 consultation with federal agencies.
• Interprets and applies federal laws and regulations.
• Reviews archaeological reports, cultural resource studies, environmental documents, and programmatic agreements for technical adequacy, compliance with federal law, and SHPO standards.
• Evaluates archaeological properties for National Register eligibility and assesses project effects under Section 106, including direct, indirect, visual, and auditory effects.
• Coordinates Section 106 consultation among agencies, tribes, consulting parties, and other stakeholders.
• Provides technical assistance and recommendations to federal and state agencies, Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, local governments, consultants, and the public.
• Conducts site visits as needed to evaluate project impacts and support compliance reviews.
• Develops and negotiates Memoranda of Agreement, Programmatic Agreements, and mitigation measures to resolve adverse effects.
• Develops, recommends, and implements policies, procedures, guidance, and process improvements.
• Develops and delivers training and public presentations on Section 106, Idaho archaeology, and cultural resource management.
• Conducts both project-specific and programmatic Section 106 reviews.
• Participates in project siting discussions to avoid or minimize impacts to historic properties.
• Assists federal agencies in defining the scope of undertakings, areas of potential effects, and appropriate survey methodologies.
• Assists and advises internal colleagues with plan and context document review and analysis.
• Implements and tracks performance measures and reporting.
• Advises Compliance Manager and SHPO Administrator on issues of federal project compliance.

Archaeological Survey of Idaho Management (typical responsibilities)

• Fulfill some of the administrative functions of the State Archaeologist under IC 33-39.
• Maintain documentation for the Archaeological Survey of Idaho (ASI), including annual meeting minutes, and schedules meetings of the ASI advisory board.
• Administers the ASI Western Repository (ASI-WR), including providing professional oversight for curation of federal and state archaeological collections.
• Maintain records associated with the ASI-WR, including those associated with accessions, loans, and curation agreements.
• Negotiate and develop curation agreements for incoming collections.
• Prepare proposals for grants and stipulations for purchase requisitions related to archaeological collections.
• Ensures completion of stipulations associated with any agreements, grants, and purchase requisitions related to archaeological collections.
• Trains and supervises SHPO and ASI interns assisting in the collection’s duties described above.
• Ensure the ASI-WR collections are managed in accordance with the federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and the state Protection of Graves Act (IC 27-5), including preparing inventories, summaries, and notices, as well as leading consultation on repatriation of individuals in the control of the ASI-WR.
• Issue and manage permits for archaeological excavations and testing on State of Idaho managed land pursuant to IC 67-4120.

Supervision

• Supervises one to two Compliance Archaeologists responsible for National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106 compliance reviews.
• Participates in the hiring and onboarding of compliance staff.
• Establishes annual performance expectations and conducts performance evaluations.
• Provides staff supervision and technical assistance.
• Monitors work to ensure accuracy and conformance with department and national standards.

Additional Responsibilities

• Seeks, interviews, and supervises interns and volunteers.
• May conduct research and/or perform archaeological fieldwork.
• Some weekend and/or evening hours will be scheduled.
• Some statewide travel will be required.
• Provides support to agency public programs and outreach efforts as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for Archaeology [36CFR61].

Good knowledge of:

• Federal cultural resource and environmental laws- Typically gained through at least 2 years working in a position that applied relevant U.S. cultural resource and environmental laws.
• Archeological survey requirements and techniques- Typically gained through college-level coursework and at least two years’ experience as a professional archaeologist in the U.S.
• Archaeological field and laboratory methods including surveying and excavation procedures-Typically gained through college-level coursework and at least 3-years’ experience as a professional archaeologist.
• Western United States History and prehistory-Typically gained through college-level coursework in Western U.S. History OR at least 3-years’ experience as a professional archaeologist in the American West.

Demonstrated ability to:

• Interpret and apply federal and state cultural resource laws and regulations- Typically gained through at least 2 years working in a position that applied relevant cultural resource and environmental laws.
• Assess the impacts of proposed projects on archaeological sites and historic properties-Typically gained through 3 years working in a position responsible for Section 106 compliance.
• Negotiate and develop mitigation agreements-Typically gained through at least 2 years’ experience working in a position responsible for Section 106 compliance.
• Effectively communicate technical information orally and in writing to a range of audiences, including government agencies, tribal representatives, and the public- Typically gained through at least 3-years’ experience working in a position that periodically required public speaking, and through the preparation of technical reports or other publications.
• Supervise and mentor professional staff-Typically gained through at least 1-year experience supervising, training, or mentoring staff, or through supervisory training.

BEST RETIREMENT AVAILABLE IN THE NATION

We have one of the Nation's best state retirement systems (PERSI) that offers a lifetime benefit.

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including

• medical, vision, and dental insurance
• PERSI retirement benefits
• paid sick, vacation, and parental leave
• 11 paid holidays per year

For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visithttps://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*

*Benefits may not be applicable for temporary or seasonal positions.

EEO/ADA/Veteran's Preference

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or emailada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov .

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.

Thank you for your interest in the Office of Species, Historic Preservation, Minerals, and Energy Coordination!

If you have questions,

please contact us at:

jobs@isda.idaho.govor at (208) 332-8520