Job: Archaeologist

Metro Vancouver
Archaeologist

POSTED TO JOB BOARD ON: 11-MAY-2022

Position Title: Archaeologist
Position Status: Full-Time Regular
Department: Project Delivery
Employee Group: Teamsters Local 31
Location: 4515 Central Boulevard, Burnaby
Salary Range/ Wage Rate: PG 31 $3,680.10 – $4,352.18 bi-weekly

Our Project Delivery Department is seeking an Archaeologist who will act as an advisor and support for Metro Vancouver’s capital projects, including recommending policies and strategies, liaising with First Nations, addressing issues and concerns arising from finds on sites, and applying for and holding archaeological permits on behalf of the organization. The position reports to the Program Manager, Major Projects – Regulatory Strategy.

You are: a seasoned archaeologist with deep knowledge of the BC archaeological environment and regulatory requirements, who can guide others, work well with teams, and find effective solutions in complex environments.

This role:

• Assists with procurement and management of Archaeological consultants including First Nations, contractors, and suppliers to carry out work necessary for meeting permit and project requirements; develops terms of reference to support relevant procurement of services, materials and/or equipment; and advises on budgets for archaeological procurement.
• Applies for permits and is the permit holder for Heritage Conservation Act permits, First Nations permits, and any other permits required for archaeological work, including applying for extensions and amendments; coordinates field work, data retrieval, analysis, and reporting for meeting permit and project requirements.
• Advises project leads and provides recommendation for policies and actions for new and emerging issues as they arise that relate to First Nations; helps guide policy and strategies with staff, First Nations and builds their capacity through implementation of culturally respectful engagement and communications, in collaboration with First Nations to assess level of interest.
• Coordinates and facilitates discussions with First Nations as necessary in conjunction with other departments on policies, programs, projects, and agreements; develops and reviews relevant reports; liaises with regulators, First Nations, interest holders, and any other involved parties associated with the work.
• Conducts background research to assess the archaeological potential of a project area; evaluates possible impacts to any identified archaeological sites caused by proposed project development; provides recommendations of appropriate actions; utilizes provincial Remote Access to Archaeological Data (RAAD); and identifies, records, and assesses archaeological sites.
• Develops and maintains a protocol for suspected heritage resources that are discovered; conducts subsurface testing, inspections, and investigations; monitors ground disturbing activities; and develops and maintains an archaeological history of the project site.
• Develops Metro Vancouver policies and provide training to Operations and MV staff on chance find procedures such as how to recognize and protect artifacts, and preparing for ground disturbances.
• Performs related work as required.

To be successful, you have:

• Completion of a Master’s Degree with a specialization in Northwest Coast Archaeology or an equivalent combination of a Bachelor’s degree in archaeology or anthropology with a specialization in archaeology, plus considerable post-graduate training and experience on the Northwest Coast of BC is preferred; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Professional Membership in the British Columbia Association of Professional Archaeologists.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, techniques, methods and procedures applicable to projects or initiatives that relate to infrastructure, archaeology, planning and land use, and/or resource management.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable Metro Vancouver objectives, policies, rules and regulations.
• Considerable knowledge in identifying, recording and evaluating the full range of archaeological site types expected in the BC Lower Mainland.
• Considerable knowledge in liaising with First Nations, provincial regulatory bodies, municipal staff and other levels of government.
• Sound knowledge of Metro Vancouver’s history and local First Nations’ history specifically in regard to its development.
• Ability to hold permits under Sections 12 and 14 of the BC Heritage Conservation Act.
• Ability to conduct field inspections in a variety of weather conditions and to interpret paper and/or digital maps.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse operations staff to facilitate fieldwork and report compilation.
• Ability to proficiently compile data and write reports, guidelines, policies and advise on budgets for archaeological procurement.
• Ability to operate software and programs required such as Microsoft Office suite, ArcView, ArcGIS Pro, AutoCAD and Adobe Acrobat.
• Ability to complete assignments in a high pressure, time-sensitive environment using sound professional techniques and independent judgment within the parameters of work assignments.
• Ability to train on chance find procedures such as how to recognize and protect artifacts, and preparing for ground disturbances.
• Driver’s Licence for the Province of British Columbia.

Our Vision: 

Metro Vancouver embraces collaboration and innovation in providing sustainable regional services that contribute to a livable and resilient region and a healthy natural environment for current and future generations.

We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and being representative of the region we serve.  We invite all qualified candidates to apply including Indigenous People, visible minorities, immigrants, LGBTQ2S+, all genders and persons with disabilities.

Metro Vancouver requires all new hires to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (subject to any exemptions and accommodations) and provide proof of vaccination upon hire.  Please follow this link http://www.metrovancouver.org/about/careers/ to our Careers page where you can submit your application by May 26, 2022.