Contributed by: Jessica Puff
Company/Organization: State Historic Preservation Administrator
Salary Range: $80-100,000/year
Date Posted: August 11, 2026
Location: 601 Kamokila Blvd, #555, Kapolei, Hawaii 96707
Website: Visit External Site

Duties

This position is located within the Kauai Archaeological Section of the Archaeological Branch and reports to the Archaeology Branch Chief.   As a Historic Preservation Archaeologist IV, this position will perform the duties of a senior archaeologist handling the full range of archaeological duties and issues, including the most complex analyses, reviews, and document preparation, and, when assigned or delegated, perform supervisory responsibilities of archaeological activities and subordinate archaeological personnel, and may also oversee the daily archaeological operations of an assigned island or islands.  This position is responsible for properly documenting in writing all determinations, recommendations, and investigations; maintaining records and files in an orderly fashion to ensure public access; and performing other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:  Must be familiar with State and Federal burial and historic preservation laws, rules and regulations.  Must have knowledge of archaeological field standards and the ability to independently identify adherence to these standards.  Knowledge of Hawaiian settlement patterns and Hawaiian archaeological typologies.

Skills/Abilities to:  Must be able to interpret and apply laws and regulations.  Must possess leadership skills which include the ability to direct all review work for assigned island and establish positive working relationships with government and private entities.  Must be able to participate fully in rough terrain work which includes working in dusty, hot and confined areas. Must also have the ability to determine appropriate archaeological methods and procedures and implement them; prepare correspondence and reports; identify and evaluate Hawaiian archaeological resources; coordinate work with other professionals on staff and other government agencies; and deal effectively with government entities and the general public.

Recommended Education:  A master’s degree from an accredited college or university in archaeology or anthropology.

Recommended Experience:  Three (3) years of work experience in Pacific archaeology reviewing various archaeological reports for compliance with State and Federal law and/or conducting archaeological field work.

Supervisory Aptitude:   Supervisory aptitude is required.  Preference given to candidates with at least one (1) year of archaeological supervisory experience.

Substitutions Allowed:  Excess work experience as described below may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis provided that the knowledge, skills, and abilities are comparable to those acquired in six years of successful study while completing a college or university curriculum leading to a master’s degree.  To be acceptable, the experience must have been of such scope, level and quality as to assure the possession of comparable knowledge, skills and abilities.

License Requirement:  Applicants with a valid license, type 3 or higher, to drive in the State of Hawaii is preferred.

Quality of Experience:  Possession of the required number of years of experience will not in itself be accepted as proof of qualification for a position.  The applicant’s overall experience must have been of such scope and level of responsibility as to conclusively demonstrate that they have the ability to perform the duties of the position for which they are being considered.