Visiting Senior Scientific Specialist, Archaeology
Illinois State Archaeological Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Location is in Elgin, Illinois
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 and lead field archaeological investigations, analysis, and reporting for Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Forest Preserve of Cook County (FPCC) archaeological projects.
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.-*/
Duties and Responsibilities:
Research – Fieldwork/Data Collection
- Conduct and lead fieldwork and excavations in compliance with state and federal laws, in coordination with the NIFS Coordinator and other necessary parties.
- Identify precontact and Historic era cultural materials, delineate the spatial extent of cultural materials, and determine landscape conditions and soil characteristics.
- Locate and document archaeological sites using topographic maps, field sketch maps, and electronic mapping devices such as total stations, GPS, and GIS technology.
- Gather archival, cartographic, geophysical, and geographic information relevant to the site investigations and/or project areas.
- Ensure the safety of staff and equipment.
Research – Data Analysis/Interpretation
- Conduct and/or supervise laboratory processing, identifying, and cataloguing of precontact and historic era artifacts.
- Author and/or coauthor compliance reports and technical scientific reports and chapters in compliance with state and federal law.
- Determine and recommend the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility of identified cultural resources.
- Assist NIFS coordinator in managing IDOT and FPDCC project workflow and administration.
- Coordinate and communicate with teams of researchers and analysts, synthesize field notes, and contribute to larger research projects.
- Prepare digital data and materials for curation and database entry.
Outreach and 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:
Master’s degree in anthropology, archaeology, history, American Indian or Native American Studies, or closely related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Archaeological fieldwork experience in the Midwest or southeastern US. Demonstrated experience leading Section 106 compliance projects for Phase I reconnaissance and Phase II testing. Demonstrated experience in processing, identifying, and cataloging artifacts. Demonstrated experience leading subordinate staff. Demonstrated ability to produce well-organized final reports in a timely manner.
Preferred:
A minimum of 1 to 3 years of archaeological fieldwork experience in the Midwest or southeastern US. A minimum of 1 year of fieldwork experience in Illinois. Experience in the analysis of cultural material and archival research. Experience with Phase III data recovery and monitoring projects in the Midwest or southeastern United States. Experience with outreach to the public and stakeholder communities.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Required: Familiarity with Illinois/Midwestern archaeology. Effective communication and strong writing skills, personal relations, collaboration, and teamwork skills. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases.
Preferred: Familiarity with federal and state of Illinois historic preservation policies, burial laws, and regulations. Familiarity with Section 106 and 707 compliance review procedures and NRHP eligibility criteria.
Working Conditions:
Work is conducted in both office and field settings. Fieldwork will require working in adverse conditions (inclement weather, biting insects, remoteness) and occasional travel (including driving to and from research sites) throughout the state of Illinois in both rural and urban settings. Will require overnight travel for up to one work week at a time. Will require operating, lifting, and manipulating field equipment and other items over uneven terrain weighing up to 50 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) Tuesday, September 16, 2025. To apply: please visit https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/14554?c=illinois&sq=1031313 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.