Visiting Senior Scientific Specialist, Archaeology
Illinois State Archaeological Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The Illinois State Archaeological Survey (ISAS) is part of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. For 80 years, the University of Illinois has studied the state’s archaeological heritage. ISAS incorporates that knowledge in its programs to protect, preserve, and interpret these irreplaceable and non-renewable resources within the context of Illinois’ need to encourage and promote sustainable development. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.
ISAS is seeking to hire a Visiting Senior Scientific Specialist, Archaeology to conduct background research, post-contact feature and artifact analysis, and report writing for archaeological field projects in accordance with Illinois state and federal historic preservation regulations.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Research – Documentation/Reporting
- Primary author/editor for research reports of excavations conducted at post-contact archaeological sites.
- Author, coauthor, or editor for technical scientific reports in compliance with state and federal law.
- Research the contextual background for post-contact archaeological projects in Illinois.
- Coordinate and communicate with other chapter authors involved with specific projects.
Research – Data Collection and Processing
- Identify, document, and catalog post-contact era cultural features and materials on archaeological field projects.
- Prepare documentation and materials for curation.
- Contribute to historical contexts documentation of the post-contact resources of Illinois.
- Assist with the implementation of guidelines for recovery and analysis of post-contact period materials with ISAS field stations.
Other
- Participate in public outreach and other educational events.
- Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
- Perform other related duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and University.
Minimum Qualifications:
Required:
Bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, historic archaeology, history, or closely related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. At least 2 years’ experience conducting archaeological fieldwork and writing archaeological reports of the post-contact era. Valid driver’s license.
Preferred:
Master's degree in anthropology, archaeology, historic archaeology, history, or closely related field with an emphasis on post contact period archaeology. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Demonstrated ability to produce deliverables that meet state and federal historic preservation compliance standards. Archaeological fieldwork experience in Illinois, Midwest, or Eastern United States. Meet the Professional Qualification Standards of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Required: Basic knowledge of U.S. history and historic period archaeology. Working knowledge of documentary and archival research methods, familiarity with both print and electronic media sources, and ability to report findings in standard academic formats. Demonstrated ability to produce well-organized tabular data in a timely manner and work within a team in a diverse and fast-paced work environment of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines under minimal supervision. Strong organizational, writing, and interpersonal skills. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Proficiency in commonly employed software including Microsoft Office.
Preferred: Familiarity with federal Section 106 historic preservation procedures, reporting requirements, and NRHP eligibility criteria. Familiarity with Illinois archaeology; state of Illinois historic preservation policies, burial laws, and regulations; state and federal compliance review procedures. Working knowledge of software including ArcGIS Pro, FileMaker, and Adobe Suite.
Working Conditions:
Work is conducted primarily in an office setting with occasional fieldwork or site visits that may require working in adverse conditions (inclement weather, biting insects, remote and rough terrain) and occasional travel throughout the state of Illinois in both rural and urban settings. May require lifting objects of up to 30 pounds.
Appointment Information:
This is a full-time visiting academic professional appointment. Position may become a regular position at a later date depending on funding and a programmatic need. The budgeted amount for this position is $50,000 to $65,000. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range for a position.
Benefits: The University of Illinois offers a wide variety of benefits https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/benefits, including paid leave https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave and holidays https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave/holidays
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 p.m. (CST) Thursday, August 7, 2025. To apply: please visit https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/14555?c=illinois&sq=1031606 and select the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the page. Applications not submitted through this website will not be considered. Application materials must include a 1) cover letter that clearly outlines your qualifications and experience as it relates to this position, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) names and contact information (including email addresses) for three professional (not personal) references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
For further information about this specific position, please contact Jill Billerman at jrandell@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, including technical issues, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.