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Seasonal Archeological Technician

Department of the Interior
National Park Service
Isle Royale National Park & Voyageurs National Park

Summary

The purpose of the position is to preform uncomplicated technical and/or complex archeological tasks. Work may involve substantial elements of the work of the professional field, but requires less than full knowledge of the field involved.

Open to the first 50 applicants or until 01/23/2026 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
01/12/2026 to 01/23/2026
This job will close when we have received 50 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Salary
$21.54 to - $31.12 per hour

Pay will vary based on grade level selected.

Pay scale & grade
GS 6 - 7
Locations
Isle Royale National Park
Isle Royale National Park, MI
2 vacancies
Voyageurs National Park
International Falls, MN
2 vacancies
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Temporary - 1039 hours: The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period is April - Oct, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: May 2026
Work schedule
Full-time - You may be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and/or overtime.
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
MW-1543-ISRO-26-12849680-DE
Control number
853850000

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Duties

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  • Conducts archeological activities including record searches, document research, site inventories, test excavations, limited data recovery, laboratory analysis, information synthesis, and technical reporting.
  • Works independently in both field and office with limited supervision.
  • Participates in excavation and testing of sites, including careful recovery of sample materials.
  • Records data and prepares survey records (e.g., site maps, photographs, surface artifact analysis forms, field notes, etc.). Maintains related databases, forms, maps, and files.
  • Process specimens recovered in the field. Prepares specimens to be sent to dating laboratories. Identifies, labels, and packages artifacts for curation.
  • Maintains related databases, forms, maps, and files. Maintains field equipment and supplies.
  • Performs data entry related to archeological artifact and project data (e.g., artifact information, catalog records, field notes, site records, etc.) into automated systems, appropriate forms, and archival records.
At the GS-07: Serves as seasonal archeology crew team leader. Participates in archeological field surveys by walking over the landscape and searching for archeological features and artifacts. Collects, analyzes, and synthesizes scientific information and prepares drafts of professional reports presenting the results of assigned projects in addition to the duties listed above.

Area Information: Isle Royale National Park is a large, remote and isolated island in northwestern Lake Superior, approximately 70 miles north of the park's administrative headquarters in Houghton, Michigan. The island positions are duty stationed on Isle Royale. The incumbent will occupy government housing for which they will pay rent each pay period. Isle Royale is federally designated wilderness with no roads, few telephones, no reliable cell phone coverage, limited amenities, and limited opportunity to return to the mainland. Limited internet access is provided for employees at housing locations. Groceries and other supplies are delivered weekly or biweekly depending on the work site. To protect Isle Royale's fauna from disease, pets are prohibited. Government Housing is available on island.

Voyageurs National Park is located in northern Minnesota, and the park encompasses over 218,000 acres of boreal forest and water along the Canadian border. Lakes include Rainy, Kabetogama, Namakan and Sand Point; along with 26 smaller remote lakes. The area made up a portion of the Voyageurs highway that opened the North American Continent to European settlement. The waterways of the park were integral to the growth and movement of the Ojibwe people of the region. Within the park there are over 200 campsites, 4 visitor centers; and a concession operated hotel, only accessible by boat, snowmobile, or plane; there are 45 miles of trails; 3 boat launches; and about 15 miles of roads. International Falls is the full-service gateway community at the north entrance, offering a hospital, two medical clinics, shopping, schools, community college, movie theater, bowling alley, community center and churches. International Falls also serves as the gateway to Canada, so those who are visiting may also include a day trip to our sister city, Fort Frances, Ontario. Government Housing MAY be available.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
  • Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
  • Direct Deposit: Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
  • Drug Testing: You will be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
  • Motorboat Operation/Instructor Certification Course: Applicant must be able to obtain a Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) or Motorboat Operator Instructor Certification Course (MOICC) or equivalent after entrance on duty date.
  • Incidental Driving: You may be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties. Prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and every year thereafter (or more frequently if need exists), you will be required to submit a photocopy of your valid State issued driver's license AND to sign an affidavit certifying to your possession of a valid State issued driver's license that is current and has not been revoked, suspended, canceled, or otherwise disqualified in any way to prohibit your operation of a motor vehicle. You may be required to submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that discloses all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you. Please indicate in your application whether you possess a valid State driver's license.
  • Uniform: You may be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
  • Minimum Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least (1)18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program.

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-01/23/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience.

To qualify for this position at the GS-06 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications:

  • EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Examples of qualifying specialized experience include performing archival research; conducting archeological surveys; assisting in excavations; performing laboratory analysis; recovering, identifying, and cataloging artifacts; and querying, inputting and retrieving data from archeological database management. Work is performed under the general direction and guidance of the supervisor but is carried out independently. You must include hours per week worked.-OR-
  • EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least one (1) full year of graduate education directly related to this position. NOTE Graduate education is only creditable if it is directly related to the position. Examples of qualifying education would be subjects such as archeology; historical archeology; archeological cultures; anthropology; or similar coursework in archeology or anthropology. You must include transcripts.-OR-
  • COMBINATION: Possess a combination of specialized experience and graduate education that when combined equal 100%. For example, six (6) months specialized experience 50%, and nine (9) semesters of graduate education directly related or 50% and when combined equal 100%. You must include hours per week worked and include transcripts.

To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications:
  • EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-06 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Examples of qualifying specialized experience include planning and coordinating archeological surveys and site excavations investigations; leading small archeological projects; carrying out excavations; monitoring of ground-disturbing activities; contributing to technical summary reports regarding assigned projects and archeological database management. You must include hours per week worked.-OR-
  • EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least one (1) full year of graduate education directly related to this position. NOTE Graduate education is only creditable if it is directly related to the position. Examples of qualifying education would be subjects such as archeology; historical archeology; archeological cultures; anthropology; or similar coursework in archeology or anthropology. You must include transcripts.-OR-
  • COMBINATION: Possess a combination of specialized experience and graduate education that when combined equal 100%. For example, six (6) months specialized experience 50%, and nine (9) semesters of graduate education directly related or 50% and when combined equal 100%. You must include hours per week worked and include transcripts.

Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

To qualify based on education, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.

If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.

Additional information

A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected The display of a salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay.

This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.

Non-Competitive Rehire Eligibility: Temporary seasonal employees can only maintain their non-competitive rehire eligibility if they work no more than a combined total of Temporary NTE less than 1040 hours anywhere in the National Park Service (NPS) within their established service year. Accordingly, non-competitive rehire eligibility allows for re-appointment to the same position or another position appropriate for temporary appointment with the same qualification requirements (5 CFR 316.402[b][7]), based on series and grade, anywhere in the major subdivision (NPS).

If you have held a temporary seasonal appointment in the past 12 months and have already worked the maximum temporary appointment less than 1040 hours during that period, you are still welcome to apply. However, please be aware that exceeding the limit of 1040 hours in your established service year will result in the loss of your non-competitive rehire eligibility.

The limit can be exceeded by working multiple temporary seasonal positions that result in a combined total greater than 1040 hours. The limit also can be exceeded by working a single temporary seasonal appointment that exceeds 1040 hours, unless granted an exception by OPM.

Employment may be terminated at any time due to fluctuations in funding levels, project needs, employee performance, or other considerations.

Physical Demands: The work is partially sedentary with prolonged standing, walking, and bending often required. Heavy items (e.g., packs up to 50 pounds) must be lifted and carried on a routine basis.

Working Conditions: The work is performed both in an office setting and in the field. Survey and excavation work is typically performed in isolated areas; the incumbent must therefore be familiar with outdoor safety and survival skills and must be able to operate a vehicle on rough· roads. Sustained periods of camping under primitive conditions are routine.

Telework: The National Park Service has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) OR Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): CTAP/ICTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF50 noting position, grade level, duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For Information on CTAP and ICTAP visit: Career Transition (opm.gov)

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the additional assessments required for this position. A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score will be adjusted accordingly. If a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you can lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully; errors or omissions can affect your rating.

Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. You may only submit one resume. Only the document submitted as the "Resume" under the Documents section will be used to determine your qualifications/eligibility and for rating purposes. In the event you submit more than one resume, only the latest submission will be reviewed.

Candidates will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. These procedures place candidates with veteran's preference above non-preference eligibles within each category. Veterans with a service connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher. Under Category Rating, candidates will be rated and ranked into one of three categories:

  • Best Qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position
  • Well Qualified - applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in most of the requirements of the job
  • Qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in some, but not all of the requirements of the job.
You will be evaluated on the following competencies:
  • History and Archaeology
  • Research
  • Teamwork
  • Technical Competence
  • Technology Application


In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process.

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