2012 Field School in Subarctic Archaeology: Mead Site

Dates:
May 21 to June 23, 2012.

Description: Mead site is a multicomponent site consisting of at least 4 components dating from 14,000 to 1,400 years ago in deeply buried stratified contexts in the mid Tanana Basin, near Delta Junction, Alaska. This site has received little investigation given its importance in the early prehistory of northwest North America, but initial excavations have yielded lithic tools, organic tools, and faunal remains from multiple components. Along with Broken Mammoth and Swan Point, this is one of the oldest sites in northwest North America, and indeed in the Western Hemisphere. The presence of faunal remains and lithic artifacts within stratified contexts provides an opportunity to document patterning in site use and test hypotheses about technology, subsistence, and settlement of ancient populations in Interior Alaska.

The 2012 excavation and field school at Mead is designed to better characterize site function and delineate site formation and site disturbance processes. Specifically, we will focus on areas of the site where we recovered numerous faunal remains and lithic artifacts in 2009 and 2011. We encountered cultural pit (likely a cache pit) last year (2011), and we will continue the excavation of this unique feature in 2012. We expect to recover numerous lithic and faunal remains, possibly in association with hearth features. This will give the students of the field school an unparalleled opportunity to participate in a cutting edge excavation of an important site, using modern archaeological equipment and techniques that will be valuable to them in their future work and classes.

We will use the grid established in previous years, and a Leica Total Station will be used for mapping. Students will be trained in both computer and traditional methods of provenience control. Various excavation strategies, stratigraphic profile drawing, and field recording will be emphasized. Archaeological features and articulated faunal remains may be encountered, thus enabling students to get specialized training in excavating and preserving these rare entities.

Stratigraphy at the site consists of a series of aeolian sediments up to four m thick with several buried paleosol complexes. Given the complexity and time depth of the site, students will get a chance to develop excavation skills useful for many different archaeological problems (i.e., zooarchaeology, stratigraphy, spatial analysis, etc.). This is one of few sites in Interior Alaska with excellent faunal preservation, micro-stratigraphic and radiocarbon controls. We will also conduct optically stimulated luminescence dating (OSL), and students will be able to take part in this cutting edge research.

Lectures will be conducted on a regular basis on various aspects of archaeological theory, excavation practice, and analyses. I feel that archaeological field schools should give students both hands-on practical training in excavation and laboratory techniques as well as understanding the interface between theory and practice.

At the end of this field course, the students should:
1. understand archaeological research designs and their impacts on field investigations
2. have competence in field excavation and documentation methods (including basic mapping, use of total station, line-level, stratigraphic profiling, and excavation techniques).
3. understand basic problems in subarctic stratigraphy, taphonomy, and site formation and site disturbance factors
4. gain experience in field survey in Alaska remote settings
5. gain experience in working in remote field settings
6. evaluate the context of archaeological finds

Logistics: Course begins at UAF, Fairbanks, Alaska, in Room 303, Eielson Building on May 21, 9:00 AM. The Mead site is accessible by road via the Alaska Highway, though the site is 20 miles from the nearest town. Transportation from UAF to the site, trips to regional archaeological sites like Broken Mammoth and Gerstle River, and to and from Delta Junction is provided by UAF.

Life in the Field:A field camp will be established on-site, utilizing an existing house (the land is on private property, owned by Barbara Crass, a researcher at University of Wisconsin). All excavation equipment, supplies, food and transportation to and from the site and Fairbanks will be provided by UAF or the instructor. Students will be expected to provide their own sleeping bags, outdoor clothing, good work boots, rain gear, and tents. Weather is generally warm throughout the summer, with relatively little rain, and the wind minimizes mosquitos.

In addition to excavation duties, students will participate in camp chores. If you have special diet needs, please inform the instructor. We'll be working six days a week - days off can be spent hiking, fishing, sight-seeing, canoeing, or lounging. Students will have opportunities to visit Delta Junction every few days; services include telephones, stores, laundromats, showers, and restaurants. There is cell phone coverage near the site.

The Tanana River Basin is located in the central interior portion of Alaska and the local vegetation consists of interior upland spruce-hardwood forest floral communities (white and black spruce, poplar, willow, and mosses), with south facing slopes maintaining xeric floral communities typified by sagebrush. The Alaska Range is visible from 10 to 15 miles south of the site. Summer weather is generally moderate to warm (70°-80° F), though some cold nights (40°s F) may occur. A variety of wildlife is present in the site area, including brown and black bear, moose, caribou and fox.

Excavation tools and field gear will be provided by UAF (trowels, screens, wall tent, etc.). You will need to bring personal camping gear (sleeping bags, tent, rain gear, coat, gloves, etc.). A more detailed list of what to bring will be provided by the instructor.

How to Apply and Costs:

The UAF Field School is particularly suited to graduate and undergraduate students in archaeology, anthropology, history, ecology and related disciplines. But, applications are encouraged from people of all backgrounds. The only pre-requisite course is an introductory archaeology course. Prospective students will be 16 or older and physically able to live and work in a remote wilderness area.
You will need permission from the Instructor (Dr. Potter) to enroll. Please send to him (fax or email) the following documents:
1. Unofficial transcript (this can be a faxed printout or electronic document)
2. One academic reference (please ask the reference to email me a brief letter of support for your participation)

Note: Due to the interest in this project, we have instituted the following application schedule:

* Registration is open between Feb 23, 2012 and May 1, 2012. We encourage you to contact Dr. Potter early.
* Applications will be reviewed and acceptance decisions will be sent out after March 30, 2012 (though we will still accept applications until the closing date of May 4, 2012). This will give you enough time to make flight arrangements.

UAF Summer Sessions has reduced tuition to in-state rates for all students, in-state or out of state. Contact Summer Sessions (below) for the tuition rate. Each student must have accident insurance coverage. This coverage can also be purchased from UAF for less than $5.00/day. The field course fees are $1450, and will cover food, supplies, equipment, and transportation from Fairbanks (UAF) to the Mead site, and adjacent field trips (Broken Mammoth, Tangle Lakes, etc.).

The University of Alaska is committed to equal opportunities for students experiencing disabilities. Due to the rigors of the fieldwork, students with disabilities are expected to notify the instructor of any potential difficulties prior to enrollment so that arrangements may be made to ensure a positive educational experience. Again, Instructor permission is required, so please contact Dr. Potter (bapotter@alaska.edu) to apply.

To receive a registration form, contact:

Summer Sessions
University of Alaska Fairbanks
214 Eielson Building
PO Box 752627
Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-7540
Phone: (907) 474-7021
Fax: (907) 474-5297
Email: summer@uaf.edu
Visit their webpage for more info: www.uaf.edu/summer

United States Coast Guard

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist (Trainee)

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is looking for a current student who is dedicated and a self-starter to take on an exciting employment opportunity! You will gain training and experience in the field of Civil Rights, as you provide assistance to senior Equal Employment Opportunity Specialists, and guidance to USCG units and personnel on issues such as: Equal Opportunity, Equal Employment Opportunity, Civil Rights, and community outreach.

Official Title: Student Trainee (Equal Employment Opportunity)
Open Date: February 24, 2012 Closing Date: March 23, 2012
Series & Grade: GS-0299-05/07 Duty Location: Kodiak or Juneau, Alaska
Starting Salary Range: $34,204 – 51,825 per year
(Plus a cost of living allowance – Kodiak: 7.18%, Juneau: 5.57%)

Promotion Potential: GS-12 (if converted to a term, career-conditional, or career position)

*Note: The Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) provides work experience which is directly related to the student's academic program and career goals. Students in the SCEP may be noncompetitively converted to term, career or career-conditional appointments following completion of their academic and work experience requirements.

Position Location:

This position will be located in either the Kodiak or Juneau field office of the Office of Civil Rights Operations within the Civil Rights Directorate for the USCG. To learn more about the USCG’s Office of Civil Rights Operations, please visit: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg00/cg00h/default.asp

Duties of the Position:
(Duties and responsibilities at lower grade levels will be performed with higher levels of supervision and an emphasis on growth and career development. The more experience you gain, the more independent the work assignments will be.)

As an EEO Specialist Trainee, you will work closely with senior EEO Specialists in your office and across the USCG in areas such as:
- EEO/Civil Rights Program Management and Training: You will learn how to administer training in key program areas, and gain skill in implementing and analyzing programs which affect minorities, women, and people with disabilities.
- Complaint processing: You will learn how to determine if complaints are within the purview of applicable EEO/Civil Rights law and monitor the processing of pre-Complaint counseling to ensure timely and effective completion.
- Research and Analysis, and Database Administration: You will learn how to utilize electronic complaint systems and applications, analyze policies, and make recommendations.
- Providing Guidance and Assistance: You will learn how to advise managers, supervisors, employees, and applicants on civil rights program policies, regulatory requirements, and procedures.
- Drafting written documentation: You will learn how to draft complaint related documents, such as letters of acceptance, as well as instructions for implementing specific portions of the EEO program.

General Information about this SCEP position:

1) In order to qualify, you must: be at least sixteen years old, be a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted to the U.S. and eligible to work; enrolled at an accredited institution, seeking at bachelor’s degree or higher; and maintain good academic performance in a field of study related to this position.

2) Your grade and salary will be determined based on your academic credits and work experience at the time of selection. You may be eligible for promotions during your appointment and/or conversion to a permanent position upon graduation.

3) Relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.

How to Apply for this Position:

Please follow all instructions closely. Failure to do so may disqualify you from further consideration. If you have any questions, please contact Brandy Jones, brandy.n.jones@uscg.mil, prior to the closing date of the announcement.

Your complete application for this position must be submitted via email by the closing date of the announcement. The closing date is 11:59pm (EST) on Friday, March 23, 2012. The email address for submission is: brandy.n.jones@uscg.mil. Please put ALASKA INTERN in the subject line of the email.

Your application must include the following:

1) Resume (must include your current contact information, and your work history with dates in MM/YY format, salary and/or grade information, and descriptions of duties performed)
2) Unofficial Transcript (NOTE: If your resume doesn’t show current enrollment in Spring 2012 courses, you must also include proof of current enrollment)
3) Veteran’s Preference information, if applicable.
4) At least one professional reference (Name, Title, Company, Contact Information)

Privacy Act Requirements:

The documents referenced in this announcement are used to determine applicants’ qualifications for the position and are authorized under 5 U.S.C 3302 and 3361.

USCG is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of political affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or other non-merit factors. USCG provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact (202) 475-5304. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.



High School Youth Job Opportunity!!! Apply NOW!

Student Job Opportunity


Are you a high school student looking for a summer job? Do you like working with computers? Do you enjoy talking to people?

Bering Land Bridge National Preserve is looking to hire an Office Support Clerk.

When does this job start? This job starts on May 29, 2012.

How many hours per week will I work? During the summer you will work 40 hours per week, from 8 AM until 5 PM on Monday through Friday.

How much money will I earn? This job will earn you about $12 per hour.

How long will this job last? This job will last throughout your summer break and has the possibility to be extended for up to 1 year. That means if you like the job you may be able to continue to work here after school next year.

What will I be doing at work? This position is designed to support Bering Land Bridge’s administration technician and superintendent. You will be working on the computer to develop documents, maintain files, and record information. You will answer and direct telephone calls. You will assist staff in working at the Visitor Center desk. You may assist staff with Junior Ranger programs and other events. There is a possibility of going to Serpentine Hot Springs on a work trip.

What are the qualifications for this job? Applicants must be at least 16 years old. Applicants must be enrolled in a school next fall. Applicants must have knowledge of common clerical practices and procedures (like grammar, spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and required formats) used in the preparation of documents. Applicants must have knowledge of office equipment such as computers, telephones, printers, and copiers.

How do I apply? Send or bring in:


1. A resume with applicable work experience and/or education. Make sure you account for all work experience. When listing dates worked be specific with start and end dates.


2. An official copy of your transcripts.


3. A signed letter of enrollment on school letterhead indicating your enrollment for the years before and after the summer season.


Bering Land Bridge National Preserve

P.O. Box 220

Nome, AK 99762

Our office is located on the first floor of the Sitnasuak Building on Front St.

Any questions please contact Amanda Evans or Alison Carlyle at (907) 443-2522 or 1-800-471-2352.

APPLY BY FEBRUARY 29, 2012!

Alaska State Fair to Award $6,500 in Scholarships!

GET CASH FOR COLLEGE!!!

Attention, Alaska junior and senior high school students!

The Alaska State Fair wants to help.

WHO: All Alaska junior and senior high school students who plan to attend college or vocational school are eligible to apply.

WHAT: A total of $6,500 in scholarships will be awarded, including $2,000 for first place, $1,500 for second place and $1,000 for third place. The fair will also award up to four $500 honorable mention scholarships or increase the award amounts for the first, second, or third place recipients, the recipients will be announced on May 1, 2012.

WHEN: Act fast - the application deadline is 4 P.M. on Friday, April 20, 2012!

WHERE: Mail or hand deliver your application to the Alaska State Fair, 2075 Glenn Hwy., Palmer, Alaska 99645

SCHOLARSHIP PACKETS MUST INCLUDE:

1. Cover Letter including your name, address, phone and email, school name and phone, counselor's name, and the name of the college or vacational school you plan to attend.
2. Extracurricular resume including interests, clubs, community service and/or employment
3. Letter of recommendation
4. A photo that may be used for publicity purposes
5. Written essay (1,000 words or less) OR a creative project (audio, video, performance arts, visual arts, business plan, social media campaign, arts and crafts, photography, etc.)

Your essay or creative project should address one of the following topics:

• How should the Fair grow to serve ALL of Alaska?
• How can the Fair showcase Alaska agriculture in future fairs?
• How would you use a 12-foot by 12-foot booth space at the Fair to educate or entertain the public, raise awareness of issues, or sell goods or services?

MORE INFO: Talk to your school counselor or contact the Alaska State Fair at 907-746-7164 or marketing@alaskastatefair.org

Don't miss out on big bucks for college! Submit your scholarship application by April 20th!

First Alaskans Institute, leadership development, Summer Internship Program

http://www.firstalaskans.org/index.cfm?section=leadership-development&page=Summer-Internship-Program

The First Alaskans Institute objective is to help develop Alaska Native leaders who contribute to the Native community by participating in boards and commissions, service projects, networking with leaders and engaging in the decision making process for issues that are crucial to the advancement of Alaska Natives as well as developing a cohort/network for career enhancement.

First Alaskans helps to develop a cadre of Alaska Native leaders by helping our people understand their own histories and traditions, bringing awareness of current and emerging issues, and to provide practical experiences for them to draw from. Internship placements can be in both urban and rural Alaska.

During the 10-week internship, interns participate in discussions on relevant topics that:

•Help interns understand the qualities, characteristics, traits, choices and actions of effective Native leaders;

•Discuss political, economic, education and social issues and their historical impacts on Native people, politics, and leaders;

•Help interns understand their own personality traits, their personal interactions and choices, and provide some practical tools for effective planning and decision-making;

•Train interns in successful management practices for organizations (finance, human resources, communications, planning, board-staff relationships, public relations, politics, etc.);

•Train interns in the processes of policy formation at various levels of government;

•Present and discuss current issues in the context of Native cultural values;

•Familiarize interns with methods and institutions of community service (e.g., volunteering, educational mentoring, child-care and development, Elder care, etc.)

If you would like more information about the summer internship contact us at info@firstalaskans.org or call

907-677-1700



APPLY for CNA TRAINING-DEALINE MARCH 23RD