Archaeology Field Technician

at  Musqueam Indian Band

About Musqueam
We are traditional hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking people. Today, we are a strong, growing community of over 1,300 members. We live on a small portion of our traditional territory, known as the Musqueam Indian Reserve, located south of Marine Drive near the mouth of the Fraser River. The name Musqueam relates back to the River Plant, the name of the plant is məθkʷəy̓. There is a story that has been passed on from generation to generation that explains how we became known as the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) - People of the River Plant. We have always moved throughout our territory using the resources it provides for fishing, hunting, trapping and gathering. We remain distinct and our cultural practices are strong, despite the devastating impacts of residential schools, colonial laws banning our ceremonies, and other attempts to assimilate our people. Our lands and waters continue to support our cultural and economic practices while serving as a source of knowledge and memory, encoded with our teachings and laws. To learn more about Musqueam, please visit www.musqueam.bc.ca

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Senior Archaeologist Team Lead, the Archaeological Field Technician position is primarily responsible for representing the Musqueam Indian Band on archaeological projects, assisting in data collection, and other duties as required. No previous experience is required though the position is best suited for someone who has an interest in Archaeology, Musqueam history and heritage, and is comfortable working long hours outside. The work is sometimes physically demanding. The successful applicant will work closely with the Senior Archaeologist and Field Director to develop their technical skills and knowledge base. The successful applicant may be privy to confidential and sensitive information and will not divulge said confidential information to other parties or use said information to their profit.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Learning about archaeological process
• On-call fieldwork with outside firms as needed
• Uphold Musqueam’s heritage and archaeological policies
• Processing and cataloguing belongings, samples, etc. as needed
• Assist Senior Archaeologist and Field Director with data collection (taking notes, photos, waypoints) on Musqueam archaeological projects
• Other related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Qualifications

• Driver’s license not required but an asset
• First aid training or other safety certification an asset
• Cultural competency and knowledge of MIB’s cultural traditions an asset.
• GIS and photography experience an asset.
• Successful criminal record check.

Skills and Abilities

• Strategic thinker with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently competing demands
• Be adaptive, flexible, and be able to prioritize multiple comparing demands with frequent interruptions.
• Be knowledgeable about and support the mandate and mission of the Musqueam Indian Band.
• Ability to exercise good judgement in a variety of situations, with strong written and verbal communication, administrative, and organizational skills
• Understanding project management methods and skills.
• Exceptional communicator with excellent writing skills.
• Ability to be discrete, use tact, and good judgment.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and complete tasks/project in accordance with stated deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily in the field with some office and lab work.

Why work for Musqueam?

Our success as a leader as a First Nations Government is built on the traditional teachings of our people, initiative and dedication of the Musqueam Indian Band. Providing a highly engaged traditional government that is member focused.

• Competitive salary
• Training and career development
• Business casual environment
• Community fitness and gym access
• Comprehensive group benefits plan and pension plan
• Centrally located with free parking; free onsite gym and class access; close to nature trails at UBC and along the Fraser River, shops, restaurants and services.

• Learning about archaeological process
• On-call fieldwork with outside firms as needed
• Uphold Musqueam’s heritage and archaeological policies
• Processing and cataloguing belongings, samples, etc. as needed
• Assist Senior Archaeologist and Field Director with data collection (taking notes, photos, waypoints) on Musqueam archaeological projects
• Other related duties as required