Cultural Resources Specialist - Archaeologist (Historic Preservation Specialist)

THE POSITION

NOTE: This posting will close on September 13, 2026 or after a total of 50 applications are received, whichever occurs first.

Are you enthusiastic about preserving historic resources in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for future generations? If you are interested in assisting the Department of Transportation (DOT) with safeguarding cultural resources across the state, then take advantage of this exciting chance to make a meaningful impact across two districts that serve 10 counties. Apply today for our Cultural Resources Specialist - Archaeologist position and become part of our committed team!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports transportation projects by guiding how archaeological resources are identified, evaluated, and managed. It ensures cultural concerns are addressed with care and in line with federal and state requirements. As a Cultural Resources Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

• Project Consultation: Participate in project reviews and offer archaeological guidance to support compliance with cultural resource laws
• Field Assessment: Attend field meetings and prepare assessments on the presence and impacts of archaeological resources
• Document Review: Examine environmental documents for completeness and accuracy and join related meetings and field views
• Contract Oversight: Review consultant proposals, monitor investigations, and make recommendations on site significance and preservation
• Agency Coordination: Communicate with federal, state, and tribal partners to support consultation and cultural resource decisions
• Training Support: Assist with cultural resource training for staff and help improve processes that guide project development

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch. An alternate work schedule (AWS) is not available.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Hollidaysburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for History, Archeology, Architectural History, Architecture, or Historic Architecture.

Additional Requirements:

• You must have a master's degree (or higher) in archaeology, anthropology, or closed related field. 
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

• Master's degree (or higher) in Pennsylvania or Mid-Atlantic Archaeology
• One or more years of full-time professional experience or equivalent specialized training in archaeological research, administration, or management
• Four months of supervised field and analytical experience in general North American archaeology which includes conducting archaeological surveys, National Register eligibility archaeological site evaluations, and/or conducting data recovery mitigation efforts on National Register eligible archaeological sites
• Completion of individual archaeological research projects
• Professional-level experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) related to archaeological work

This position is subject to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum of understanding. 

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.  
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options. 

Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.* 

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

Supplemental Questions

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Agency Information

EmployerCommonwealth of PennsylvaniaAddress 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120 Website http://www.employment.pa.gov