Rock Image Conservationist

Rock Image Conservationist / Archaeologist - Cultural Resources

Location: Pacific Northwest - Washington, Oregon, Idaho & Montana
Department: Cultural Resources / Environmental Services
Employment Type: Contract
Work Arrangement: Field / On-site / Travel Required

Job Summary

Guru Consulting Services LLC is seeking experienced Rock Image Conservationists and Archaeologists to support U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) projects involving the protection, preservation, documentation, assessment, and conservation of historic rock imagery sites within the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS) in the Pacific Northwest.

The ideal candidate will have specialized experience in rock imagery documentation, conservation, archaeology, historic preservation, condition assessment, photography, technical reporting, and culturally sensitive resources.

The selected professional will support field assessments and conservation projects involving petroglyphs, pictographs, and other historic rock imagery. Work may include site documentation, advanced photography and imaging, condition assessments, conservation treatment, graffiti and vandalism stabilization, relocation planning, interpretive materials, and technical writing.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct professional documentation and photography of rock imagery sites and historic properties.
• Perform on-site condition assessments to evaluate the existing condition of rock imagery and identify causes of deterioration or damage.
• Develop conservation recommendations and management plans based on field observations and assessment data.
• Develop and implement Government-approved rock imagery conservation and treatment plans.
• Perform conservation treatments using professionally accepted methods and techniques.
• Support removal of modern graffiti using minimally abrasive and professionally accepted conservation methods.
• Assess and stabilize rock imagery affected by natural processes such as weathering, water damage, sun exposure, and lichen.
• Assess and stabilize damage resulting from modern vandalism, including etching, chipping, fire/smoke damage, rock climbing bolts, and other impacts.
• Support relocation planning and monitoring for rock imagery features when required.
• Use advanced documentation and imaging techniques such as D-Stretch, geo-registered multi-band photography, digital infrared imaging, stereo photogrammetry, 3-D scanning, drone photography, and related technologies, as applicable.
• Prepare conservation plans, treatment plans, assessment reports, and technical documentation.
• Develop interpretive materials and supporting graphics/documentation for historic rock imagery sites.
• Prepare or technically review management plans and National Register of Historic Places documentation.
• Coordinate with USACE representatives, archaeologists, conservation professionals, Tribal Nations/Tribal representatives, landowners, and other stakeholders when required.
• Maintain accurate photographic, field, technical, and project records.
• Ensure work and deliverables comply with applicable professional standards and Federal historic preservation requirements.

Required Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of rock imagery conservation and historic preservation.
• Experience with rock imagery such as petroglyphs and pictographs.
• Hands-on experience with:
  • Rock Imagery Documentation
  • Rock Conservation
  • Condition Assessment
  • Conservation Treatment
  • Graffiti Removal
  • Vandalism Stabilization
  • Historic Preservation
  • Archaeological Documentation
  • Technical Writing
  • Conservation Photography
• Knowledge of professional conservation standards and accepted treatment methods.
• Ability to conduct field assessments and document site conditions.
• Strong technical writing and report preparation skills.
• Strong photography and visual documentation skills.
• Ability to develop conservation recommendations and treatment plans.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work with culturally sensitive historic resources.

Educational Qualifications

Rock Conservationist

• Education and specialized training in rock conservation methods preferred.
• Demonstrated professional training and experience in rock imagery documentation and conservation.

Archaeologist

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related field.
• Must meet the applicable Secretary of the Interior Professional Qualification Standards for Archaeology.

Experience

Rock Conservationist

• 5+ years of directly applicable experience in rock imagery documentation and conservation.
• Demonstrated experience conducting rock imagery conservation projects.
• Experience with graffiti removal and conservation treatment.
• Experience working with culturally sensitive resources.

Senior Archaeologist

• 10+ years of directly applicable professional experience.
• Experience meeting the Secretary of the Interior Professional Qualification Standards for Archaeology.
• Experience supporting historic preservation, archaeological documentation, cultural resources management, or related Federal projects.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with experience in the following are preferred:

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) projects
• Federal cultural resources programs
• National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)
• Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA)
• Antiquities Act
• National Register of Historic Places
• Secretary of the Interior Standards
• Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS)
• Cultural Resources Management
• Tribal consultation / coordination
• Rock art / rock imagery conservation
• Petroglyph and pictograph conservation
• D-Stretch image enhancement
• Infrared photography
• Multi-band photography
• Stereo photogrammetry
• 3-D scanning
• Drone/UAS photography
• Scientific illustration
• Conservation documentation
• Historic property condition assessments

Soft Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent field documentation and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently in field environments.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration.
• Professional judgment and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work respectfully with culturally sensitive resources.
• Strong stakeholder communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Professionalism and accountability.
• Willingness and ability to travel to project locations.

Work Environment & Travel

This position involves field work and travel throughout the Pacific Northwest.

The primary area of responsibility includes Washington, northern Idaho, and western Montana, with additional work potentially occurring in Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and other USACE Northwestern Division locations.

Candidates should be comfortable performing field assessments and conservation work at historic properties and remote project locations.

Key Performance

• Deliver accurate and professionally documented rock imagery assessments.
• Maintain high standards of conservation quality and historic-resource protection.
• Complete field assessments, conservation activities, and reports within required timelines.
• Produce accurate photographs, technical documentation, and treatment records.
• Apply professionally accepted conservation methods.
• Identify and appropriately document damage, deterioration, and conservation needs.
• Maintain compliance with applicable Federal historic preservation requirements.
• Protect culturally sensitive information and resources.
• Communicate effectively with USACE personnel and project stakeholders.
• Maintain consistent professionalism, safety, quality, and responsiveness throughout project assignments.