Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

Senior Historic Preservation Specialist - Archaeologist

Providence, RIFull-timeSep 25, 2026

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The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission (RIHPHC), which is the State Historic Preservation Office, seeks a Senior Archaeologist to review projects conducted in the state that require state or federal permits, or which are in state lands or waters; to assess and reevaluate the condition of known significant archaeological sites and National Register of Historic Places properties; to issue permits for archaeological surveys, and review the results of all projects conducted under these permits; among other responsibilities.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

Within the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission (RIHPHC), to perform difficult and complex professional historic preservation planning work within the area of specialization indicated in the title of the class of position; to be responsible for the preparation of studies, plans, and reports, as well as phases of major projects; and/or to be responsible for the review of projects undertaken by other state or federal agencies, including the assessment of impacts on historic resources; and/or to be responsible for agency public information, events, programs; and to do related work as required.

To coordinate the work of one of the agency’s main program areas: survey and National Register of Historic Places; archeology; environmental review; or public information.

To perform studies encompassing a complete phase of a major project, a survey or site report, a National Register of Historic Places nomination; a special project or an implementation program in the areas of archeology, architectural history, history, historical architecture and other topics which involve the physical development, management, or protection of historical resources.

To obtain and analyze data from fieldwork and primary and secondary sources, detail action programs, and identify legislative and other implementation requirements.

To work closely with cooperating agencies, committees, and interest groups in carrying out various activities associated with historic preservation programs, projects, and services.

To obtain input from such sources and to include this input in various studies.

To present completed studies to governmental bodies and the public.

To review materials such as permit and grant applications, technical reports, and environmental impact statements for technical adequacy, subject matter coverage, and conformance to policies and recommendations, and to make recommendations for acceptance, modification or disapproval.

To do related work as required

ARCHAEOLOGIST:

To review projects conducted in the state that require state or federal permits, or which are in state lands or waters.

To assess and reevaluate the condition of known significant archaeological sites and National Register of Historic Places properties.

To issue permits for archaeological surveys, both on land and underwater, to ensure that professional standards are maintained, and review the results of all projects conducted under these permits.

To maintain the state’s collection of archaeological site reports, maintain the database of all known archaeological sites within the state, and assist researchers using these resources.

To manage and curate the state’s repository of archaeological collections.

To assist in planning and publicizing Rhode Island Archaeology Month.

To serve as RIHPHC’s mandated representative to the state’s Advisory Council on Historic Cemeteries.

To respond to reports of disturbed historic burials: consult and advise Medical Examiner’s office, State Police, Municipal Governments, and Tribal representatives.

To respond to public inquiries regarding archaeological sites, artifact finds, and historic cemetery concerns.

Creator

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ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

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Within the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission (RIHPHC), to perform difficult and complex professional historic preservation planning work within the area of specialization indicated in the title of the class of position; to be responsible for the preparation of studies, plans, and reports, as well as phases of major projects; and/or to be responsible for the review of projects undertaken by other state or federal agencies, including the assessment of impacts on historic resources; and/or to be responsible for agency public information, events, programs; and to do related work as required.

To coordinate the work of one of the agency’s main program areas: survey and National Register of Historic Places; archeology; environmental review; or public information.

To perform studies encompassing a complete phase of a major project, a survey or site report, a National Register of Historic Places nomination; a special project or an implementation program in the areas of archeology, architectural history, history, historical architecture and other topics which involve the physical development, management, or protection of historical resources.

To obtain and analyze data from fieldwork and primary and secondary sources, detail action programs, and identify legislative and other implementation requirements.

To work closely with cooperating agencies, committees, and interest groups in carrying out various activities associated with historic preservation programs, projects, and services.

To obtain input from such sources and to include this input in various studies.

To present completed studies to governmental bodies and the public.

To review materials such as permit and grant applications, technical reports, and environmental impact statements for technical adequacy, subject matter coverage, and conformance to policies and recommendations, and to make recommendations for acceptance, modification or disapproval.