Job Description

Archaeologist

Department/Division: Conservation- Great Lakes Atlantic Region (GLAR) 
Reports To: Regional Biologist / Conservation Programs Manager (or designated supervisor)
FLSA Status: Exempt
Employment Status: Full-Time, Term Position

Location

Position Location: USDA NRCS Office, Champaign, Illinois

Work Arrangement: In-office with extensive fieldwork and travel throughout Illinois.

Position Term: December 2026 through 2030 (position anticipated to continue beyond 2030 pending funding availability).

Position Summary

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU), the continent's leader in waterfowl and wetlands conservation, is seeking a full-time Archaeologist to support conservation easement and habitat restoration efforts in partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). This position will assist with completing cultural resources compliance reviews and archaeological investigations associated with NRCS Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) projects throughout Illinois.

Working in a developmental capacity, the Archaeologist will conduct cultural resource reviews in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and other applicable federal and state laws and regulations. Responsibilities include archival research, archaeological field investigations, reporting, consultation support, GIS analysis, and coordination with NRCS personnel, Ducks Unlimited staff, and private landowners. The successful candidate will contribute to the protection of cultural resources while supporting the delivery of conservation programs across the state.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct cultural resources reviews for NRCS Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) projects.
• Research previously documented archaeological and cultural resources using state and federal databases and archival sources.
• Evaluate project areas for archaeological sensitivity utilizing environmental, geospatial, and cultural resource data.
• Determine when archaeological surveys or additional identification efforts are necessary.
• Independently perform archaeological field surveys and document archaeological resources encountered within project areas.
• Prepare archaeological site forms, technical reports, consultation documents, and related compliance materials.
• Provide recommendations regarding National Register of Historic Places eligibility for identified cultural resources.
• Assist in developing cultural resources sections for contracts, environmental compliance documentation, and interagency agreements.
• Collaborate with NRCS personnel, Ducks Unlimited staff, State Historic Preservation Office representatives, Tribal Nations, consultants, and private landowners as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate project records, time distribution logs, and documentation of work accomplishments.
• Attend staff meetings, professional development opportunities, and required trainings.
• Travel extensively throughout Illinois, including overnight travel as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, Cultural Resources Management, or a closely related field.

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of archaeological fieldwork and technical report writing experience.
• Experience managing cultural resources or CRM-related projects.
• Experience conducting archaeological surveys and documenting cultural resources.

Licenses/Certifications

• Valid state motor vehicle operator's license required and must be maintained throughout employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with standard computer applications and GPS technologies.
• Ability to complete assignments efficiently and cost-effectively.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills.
• Demonstrated professional judgment and attention to detail.
• Commitment to maintaining professional, ethical, and company standards.
• Ability to communicate and interact objectively and professionally with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to perform all duties in compliance with applicable equal employment opportunity and civil rights laws and regulations.
• Commitment to supporting a safe and healthy workplace culture.

Preferred Qualifications

• Meets the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualification Standards for Archaeology.
• Master's degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a related field.
• Three (3) or more years of supervisory experience in field, laboratory, or office settings.
• Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA) designation or eligibility for membership.
• Experience working with archaeological resources in the Midcontinent and/or Eastern Woodlands.
• Familiarity with Section 106 compliance processes, reporting requirements, and National Register of Historic Places eligibility criteria.
• Knowledge of federal and state cultural resource protection laws and burial protection regulations.
• Experience communicating archaeological findings and regulatory requirements to non-specialist audiences.
• Experience managing multiple archaeological projects simultaneously.
• Experience working with both pre-contact and post-contact archaeological resources.
• Proficiency using GIS software to manipulate spatial data and develop maps and figures.
• Experience operating a UTV or willingness to become certified.
• Familiarity with field safety procedures and mitigation of hazards related to archaeological work, including insects, wildlife, poisonous plants, extreme weather, hazardous materials, and agricultural chemicals.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather and environmental conditions.
• Ability to walk long distances across uneven terrain while carrying field equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry field gear and equipment.
• Ability to operate motor vehicles on public roads, private roads, and occasionally off-road conditions.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Travel Requirements

Estimated Travel: Approximately 30-50% travel, including extensive in-state travel.

Type of Travel: Day trips and overnight domestic travel.

Valid Driver's License Required: Yes

The selected candidate will routinely travel throughout Illinois to conduct fieldwork, attend meetings, and support project implementation.

Salary

Salary Range: $60,000 - $75,000 annually

Salary will be commensurate with education, qualifications, and relevant experience.

Benefits: Ducks Unlimited offers an exceptional benefits package including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; 401(k) plan with employer match; tuition reimbursement; and additional employee benefit programs.

Application Information

To apply, please complete all application materials and attach:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three Professional References

Applications will be accepted through December 15, 2026, or until a qualified candidate is selected.

DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 
It is the policy of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to afford equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, military status, disability, age, or genetic information, except where age or gender is a bona fide occupational qualification as allowed by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It is the policy of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to afford equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 or over), disability (physical, mental or visual), genetic information, marital status (including registered domestic partnership status), military and veteran status, immigration status, or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.