Staff Archaeologist

Salary: $86,566.00 - $119,034.00 Annually
Location : 10005 E. Osborn Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Community Development
Opening Date: 10/07/2026
Closing Date: 11/8/2026 11:59 PM Arizona

Definition
Under general supervision of the Environmental Programs Supervisor of the Environmental Protection and Natural Resources (EPNR) Division of the Community Development Department (CDD), ensures Tribal compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and its related regulations. Ensures compliance with federal, state, local and Tribal laws and ordinances designed to identify, protect and manage archaeological, historical and cultural resources. Manages the Community's archaeological collection and preservation activities. This job class is treated as FLSA Exempt. This is a driving position.
Essential Functions: Essential functions may vary among positions and may include the following tasks and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification.

Examples of Tasks

1. Archaeology: Manages all aspects of the Community's archaeological program.

• Conducts and reports Class I, Class II and Class III cultural resource surveys for Community home sites and infrastructure projects.
• Reviews all proposed new development and infrastructure changes for potential impacts to cultural resources and archaeological assets.
• Ensures that archaeological resources are identified and addressed during the planning stages of new projects.
• Monitors and reports ground-disturbing activities in areas of known archaeological sensitivity.
• Develops proactive measures to identify, evaluate and manage cultural resources in advance of project-specific requirements.
• Manages archaeological collections in the Tribal repository.

2. Outreach, Education & Special Projects: Assists the Cultural Resources Department with Section 106 consultations, education, outreach activities and special projects as needed.

• Provides technical support to other Community departments and divisions.
• Assumes responsibility for special projects as assigned by the Environmental Programs Supervisor, CDD/EPNR Manager, CDD Assistant Director and/or the CDD Director
• Develops written material and PowerPoint presentations for educational and training purposes.

3. Policies, Oversight & Compliance: Assists with proposing, writing, implementing and updating relevant Archaeological related Community policies and ordinances.

• Reviews and comments on cultural resource documents prepared by outside agencies and consultants.
• Develops and manages contracts with one or more on-call archaeological consulting firms, including oversight and review of contracted projects.
• Reviews and comments on environmental assessments and environmental impact statements.

4. Miscellaneous: Performs other job-related duties as assigned by the Environmental Programs Supervisor or the CDD/EPNR manager.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:

• Knowledge of the history, culture, laws, rules, customs and traditions of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
• Knowledge of federal, state, local and Tribal laws, regulations, ordinances and "best practices" regarding cultural and archaeological preservation and management.
• Knowledge of archaeological project management procedures and practices.
• Knowledge of Traditional Cultural Places (TCP), NAGPRA (Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act) and the Arizona State Burial Law.
• Knowledge of precontact, historic and contemporary cultural resources of the region now within the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
• Knowledge of the Tribal Antiquities Ordinance.
• Knowledge and understanding of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
• Skill analyzing and evaluating technical archaeological information accurately and expressing ideas clearly when providing verbal and written reports and recommendations.
• Skill researching, organizing and compiling summary research reports.
• Skill establishing and maintaining effective work relationships with a wide range of people including employees including federal, state and local agencies, subject-matter experts in environmental protection disciplines, Community members, Tribal government officials, department employees, and the public.
• Skill with written and verbal communications with others, using both technical and non-technical language to explain complex subjects and processes.
• Skill in developing problem-solving approaches to new challenges.
• Skill with organization, task tracking and multi-tasking.
• Skill with tool use, hand-eye coordination and safety procedures.
• Skill with photography and audio-visual equipment.
• Skill with the use of electronic spatial data collection, mapping, and interpretation (GPS and GIS)
• Skill with the use of a personal computer including MS Office and other associated software.
• Ability to confidently identify artifacts and recognize natural and cultural features/stratigraphy for interpretation. Ability to analyze archaeological technical issues and challenges.
• Ability to collect and organize archaeological field data for analysis.
• Ability to write comprehensive reports and documents to meet reporting requirements.
• Ability to accurately interpret maps and aerial photographs and use them to navigate across rural and undeveloped terrain.
• Ability to drive Tribal vehicles, including 4-wheel drive vehicles, on unpaved and unmaintained roads.
• Ability to work alone in rural landscapes and to exercise self-reliance and good judgment in field situations.
• Ability to perform physical labor, including standing, walking, climbing, pulling, pushing, lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work under adverse environmental conditions including heat, cold, rain, dust, mud, etc.
• Ability to work safely in construction zones.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Experience: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Anthropology or a closely related field AND 3 years work experience in the Archaeological field required.

• Work experience with surveys and archaeological data analysis and reporting to State Historic Preservation Office Standards required.
• Coursework in Southwestern U.S. and prehistoric archaeological studies preferred.

Equivalency: Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that would allow the candidate to satisfactorily perform the duties of this position, will be considered.

Underfill Eligibility: An enrolled Community Member whom closely qualifies for the minimum qualifications for a position may be considered for employment under SRPMIC Policy 2-19, Underfill.
Special Requirements

• May be required to travel and use own transportation.
• May be exposed to extreme weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, dust, mud, etc.
• May be required to work alone in rural areas and undeveloped backcountry.
• May be required to stand, walk and hike for extended periods in difficult topography including deserts, mountains, canyons and riverine environments.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona Driver's License.

Prior to hire as an employee, applicants will be subject to drug and alcohol testing. Will be required to pass a pre-employment background/fingerprint check.

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Employee Benefits Overview

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) is committed to supporting the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package to employees, designed to enhance your quality of life both at work and at home. Below is a summary of the benefits available to SRPMIC employees. Plan details and eligibility requirements are provided upon hire and are subject to change.

Health Care Benefits

SRPMIC provides medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage for all regular full-time employees enrolled in standard plans. These benefits represent a significant part of your total compensation.

Medical: Choose from three plan options to fit your needs-the Low Deductible Plan, the Mid-Deductible Plan, and the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA). As a self-funded plan, SRPMIC directly covers the cost of medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision services for all participants.

Dental: Enjoy nationwide access to the Humana Dental PPO/Traditional Preferred network, offering flexibility and choice in selecting dental care providers.

Vision: Coverage is provided through Davis Vision, including eye exams, lenses, frames, and contact lenses. Members also benefit from discounted rates on additional eyewear and services.

Life Insurance: All eligible employees are automatically enrolled in a fully paid basic term life insurance policy with a matching accidental death benefit.

Retirement Plans

SRPMIC supports your long-term financial goals through multiple retirement plan options:

401(k) and Roth Plans: Eligible employees can participate in both pre-tax and post-tax retirement savings plans. SRPMIC contributes 5% of your compensation to the pre-tax 401(k) and matches up to 3% of your salary deferral contributions.

Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS): Available to eligible certified police officers and firefighters.

Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS): Available to Salt River School educators.

Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA): A retiree HRA with Health Equity, which is a tax-advantaged employer-funded account that retired employees (Age 55+) can use for qualified medical expenses, including some premiums, and out-of-pocket expenses such as copays and deductibles.

Paid Leave & Holidays

Annual & Sick Leave: Employees accrue separate balances for sick and annual leave each pay period. Sick leave may be used for personal or family illness and medical appointments, while annual leave covers vacation or personal time.

Holidays: SRPMIC observes 15 paid holidays each year, including two discretionary holidays and one day of birthday leave.

Other SRPMIC Paid Benefits

Short-Term Disability

Long-Term Disability

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

SRPMIC offers a confidential Employee Assistance Program through SupportLinc, available at no cost to employees, their dependents, and household members.

Additional Voluntary Benefits

WellPath Wellness Program: A voluntary wellness initiative that encourages healthy living and rewards participation with incentives. Available to all employees and their dependents.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Administered by HealthEquity, FSAs allow you to pay for eligible health and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

Health Savings Account (HSA): Available to employees enrolled in the HDHP.

Supplemental Life & AD&D Insurance: Employees may purchase additional life and accidental death coverage for themselves and their dependents.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): SRPMIC is a qualified employer under the PSLF program. Employees may be eligible for federal student loan forgiveness.

At SRPMIC, we value our employees and are proud to offer benefits that support your health, well-being, and future.