archaeological field technician
position description
Archaeological Field Technicians assist in conducting archaeological excavations as part of the Jamestown Rediscovery team. This work includes excavation of test units; identification of soil layers and features; testing of features; preliminary identification of historic and prehistoric artifacts; and thorough recording of stratigraphy and finds during excavation. As Historic Jamestowne is a public archaeology site, Archaeological Field Technicians will also need to disseminate information about the site to visitors via on-site interpretation, answer questions, give tours, and participate in the creation of videos and social media. Field Technicians may also assist with geophysical surveys conducted as part of the archaeological work.
key roles and responsibilities
- Assist in conducting archaeological excavations.
- Remove soil in a test unit or feature in natural and/or arbitrary layers using a shovel,
trowel, pickaxe, or combination thereof.
- Accurately identify different soil layers.
- Record stratigraphic information for test units and features via measured drawings and
notes.
- Determine the locations, sizes, and boundaries of archaeological features.
- Recover artifacts from individual deposits via screening.
- Preliminary identification of artifacts, determining type of material, style, and dates of
manufacture, if possible.
- Report information on stratigraphy, artifacts, and features to the Site Supervisor and/or
Senior Staff Archaeologists.
- Dissemination of information on archaeological finds from Jamestown.
- Discuss current work and past finds with visitors to Historic Jamestowne.
- Answer questions about the history of the site, archaeology, and events/attractions at
Historic Jamestowne.
- Present information about history and archaeology at Jamestown as part of the Dig
Deeper YouTube series.
- Write social media and/or blog posts discussing research topics at Jamestown and new
discoveries.
- Provide scheduled tours to visitors on a regular basis.
- Participate in geophysical surveys.
- Lay out survey areas using measuring tapes.
- Utilize ground-penetrating radar (GPR) machines under direct supervision.
qualifications
Minimum: BA in Anthropology, Archaeology, History, or a related field, as well as successful completion of an archaeological field school. Maintenance of a good level of physical fitness, with the ability to lift and transport 50 lbs. Willingness to interact with the public and participate in videos and social media. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Preferred: Knowledge of 17th- through 21st-century material culture. At least one year experience performing archaeological excavations. Public speaking experience.
details
Position is a full-time salaried position with benefits after a probationary period.
Work hours 8-4:00 pm Monday-Friday. Occasional special programs or tours may require additional hours.
Occasional work on Saturdays and Sundays may be required.
Wage is $17-19 per hour, dependent on experience.
to apply
Please submit a CV/resume and cover letter to Jamestown Rediscovery Archaeology Department (archaeology@preservationvirginia.org).
application deadline: march 24, 2025
No phone calls please.
The Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation is a subsidiary of Preservation Virginia. Preservation Virginia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
