Archaeology Field Technician

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, 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.   

Duties: 

• 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 duties as required

Job Knowledge:  

The work requires the following knowledge, skill and/or abilities:

• 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.

Relationships:

• Work requires group facilitation, interpersonal communications and work collaboratively with outside firms and other First Nations.

 Working Conditions:

• Work is performed primarily in the field with some office and lab work.
• Successful Criminal Record Check.