Ethnographer

Our Environmental Sciences division, EVS, is seeking an Ethnographer to assist in supporting Argonne in conducting ethnographic research for federal agency sponsors. The ethnographer will work with agency sponsors and Tribal representatives to identify traditional cultural properties (TCPs), sacred sites, important archaeological sites, cultural landscapes, and other resources of importance to Tribal partners, within a defined area.

Work will include completing literature reviews, engaging in meeting attendance and participation, designing research strategies and conducting interviews, participating in in-field studies, collecting and analyzing data and compiling results into a written product. Work will culminate in a written document(s) accompanied by a spatial analysis of important places with recommendations for protection and management of these sensitive resources.

Responsibilities include:

Collaborate and coordinate with other Argonne staff, federal agency sponsors, and federally recognized American Indian Tribes (Tribes) both in-person and virtually.

Communicate effectively both in speaking and writing.

Develop research designs in close consultation with federal sponsors, Argonne, and Tribal Representatives from each Tribe, that includes proposed ethnographic methodology for identifying and researching TCPs and/or sacred sites, consultation methodology, interview protocols, a list of topics for discussion, and a proposed schedule of activities.

Prepare study applications for submission to the Institutional Review Board and seeing applications through to approval.

Assist in the development of data sharing agreements with federal agencies and Tribal partners.

Adhere to all requests for confidentiality regarding study information.

Conduct in-person and phone interviews with representatives of Tribes.

Write accurate and concise summaries or descriptions of events or discussions.

Participate in the collection, review, and analysis of written data to characterize cultural landscapes, tribal resources of concern, treaty rights, etc.

Maintain written, graphic and electronic records on all aspects of the work, including but not limited to interview notes, photographs documenting site visits, any audio or video recordings, and electronic digital versions of the foregoing.

Conduct a thorough literature review and background research, including existing ethnographic studies; history/ethnohistory; tribal sources (written or oral); treaties; records available through the National Register, and related cultural files from state and local repositories.

Assist with all aspect of meeting planning and logistics including preparing meeting materials; scheduling, coordinating, and funding travel arrangements; procuring gifts; and providing teleconference and communication support.

Facilitate meetings of individuals from different organizations and/or diverse backgrounds; may act as a facilitator during coordination meetings between federal agencies and Tribes.

Interact, as necessary, with project staff, federal employees, and Tribal representatives to develop a methodology.

Lead collaborative data-sharing sessions by conveying complex thoughts and concepts in simple terms, encouraging stakeholders to engage in discourse with each other.

Prepare a professional, organized, draft and final ethnographic report that includes the finding of the ethnographic study and assist with coordination and tribal consultation on the final report.

Assist in the preparation of GIS documentation, as applicable.

Adhere to the National Association for the Practice of Anthropology Professional Ethics and the American Anthropological Association Principles of Ethics.

Position Requirements

Required skills and qualifications:

Completed Ph.D. or M.A. anthropology, archaeology, indigenous studies, or similar

Knowledge and understanding of historic, cultural, natural and tribal resource issues and concerns on government-owned lands

Knowledge of Native American History, particularly in the American west

Knowledge of principles and practices of archaeology or anthropology

Demonstrated experience facilitating data-sharing sessions and meetings of individuals with different backgrounds and with high-ranking individuals

Skill in written and oral communications, including facilitating and leading in person meetings

Skill in accurate transfer, entry, and comparison of data and synthesize complex information

Skill in defining new problem areas and implementing solutions

Ability to coordinate meetings and travel arrangements for large groups

Proficiency with Excel, MS Word and PowerPoint

Working knowledge of ArcGIS

Ability to obtain a government badge (HSPD-12) once employed. Other badging may be required as needed

Ability to travel domestically (West) 30-50%

Ability to model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork

Preferred skills:

Experience working with Tribes in the American west

This position can be hired at one of two levels; the selected candidate will be placed at the appropriate level (RD1 or RD2) dependent upon the depth and breadth of relevant knowledge and skills. The minimum requirements of the two levels are as follows:

RD1: Bachelors or Masters degree and 0 years of experience

RD2: Bachelors and 5 years of experience, or a Masters degree and 3 years, or PhD, or equivalent

Job Family

Research Development (RD)

Job Profile

Social Science/Law 1

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full time

As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. In support of this commitment, Argonne encourages minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment. Argonne considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonnes Legal Department.

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.