Archaeology Osteologist

At WestLand, we are each driven by our own purposes and aspirations. We are encouraged to develop our own unique skills while also growing our business. For some, it’s envisioning the lives of tribal ancestors as told by the artifacts uncovered on their lands. For others, there’s no greater meaning than being in the field collecting data on flora or fauna. For our engineers and architects, it may be the pride in seeing a design come to life or solving a complex problem while navigating the complexities of environmental and permitting requirements. What unites us all, however, is our commitment to our clients and to each other.

WestLand is large enough to provide a wide range of opportunities for career growth yet nimble enough for you to forge your own unique business and professional path. We pride ourselves on an inclusive environment where talented and creative individuals work together on unique and inspiring projects, bringing innovative solutions to our clients. Make a difference with us at WestLand!

WestLand is adding an Osteologist to our Southwest Cultural Resources team! This position may be based out of our Phoenix or Tucson locations and will provide leadership and support to our cultural resources project teams and WestLand clients across the Southwest. Our Southwestern Cultural Resources consulting practice specializes in prehistoric cultures, Arizona historical archaeology and archival research, cultural-landscape studies, artifact analysis, archaeomagnetic dating, and historic preservation. The group is involved in a wide range of projects from small desktop reviews to large multi-site data recovery efforts. Additionally, in 2018 WestLand added a Tribal Monitoring program to the cultural resources department and has established relationships with many of the Tribal Nations across the southwest and acts as a facilitator to get tribal consultation started early in project development.

What will I be doing?

• Recovering and identifying human remains from archaeological sites.
• Escorting human remains from field to WestLand laboratory or tribal repository.
• Documenting human remains in a laboratory setting including completing skeletal and dental inventory and metric and morphological observations to assess age, sex, pathology, trauma, and taphonomy.
• Examining faunal remains collections to ensure they contain no human remains.
• Producing required reports of remains (for ASM or federal agency as applicable) and summary chapters for data recovery reports.
• Assisting with repatriation as needed.

What qualifications are required for this role?

• Graduate degree in Archaeology or Anthropology and specialized training in bio-archaeology and human osteology.
• At least four (4) years’ experience working in a Sector-relevant discipline.
• Experience in the recovery and documentation of human remains from archaeological contexts, both inhumations and cremations.
• Familiarity with Standards for Data collection from Human Skeletal Remains and associated laboratory methods and procedures.
• Familiarity with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).
• Ability to work respectfully with tribal partners and ensure that human remains, and other protected cultural items are treated with respect and dignity from the moment of encounter to repatriation.
• Experience writing osteological chapters in data recovery reports.
• Experience writing Arizona State Museum human remains reports.

The salary range for this position is $105,000 – $158,000 annually depending on education and experience.

What does WestLand offer you?

• A comprehensive benefits package that includes 9 paid holidays, healthcare benefits, PTO, and 401k matching for full time employees. Flexible work schedules and remote/hybrid possibilities are available for most roles.
• A multidisciplinary environment where projects are unique, creative, and challenging! A place where you can develop your own vision of clientele and projects, and where you get to work with our industry leaders daily!
• An environment where you are set up for success! With two-way mentorship, financial incentives to publish your work, and tuition reimbursement for ongoing educational support, we have you covered! In addition, WestLand has developed a career-path structure to assist you in reaching those next steps in your career!
• A collaborative work environment where information and ideas are shared across teams. Communication is clear and comes often. And our diversity of people and cultures means everyone always feels welcome at WestLand!

WestLand is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We maintain a safe and drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse and background testing.

To apply, visit WestLand Resources Job Listings

Resumes submitted by a recruiting/staffing agency without current/valid vendor agreement will become property of WestLand. Any recruiting/staffing agency wishing to do business with WestLand must contact the Human Resources Department through our website. Recruiting/staffing agents may NOT contact hiring managers directly. Firms that do not honor this request will be removed from consideration.

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