Title: Archaeology Technician
Organization Name: The Montpelier Foundation Archaeology Department
Supervisor: Field Director and/or Assistant Director of Archaeology
Start Date: 1 May 2023
Rate: $18.00 / hour (70 hours, biweekly)
Application due by April 7th, 2023 (EOB).
WORK OBJECTIVES
Work as part of a mission and value driven team in carrying out all elements of the archaeological process in order to improve our understanding of the cultural resources of James Madison’s Montpelier – the home and the plantation. Conduct archaeological excavations and surveys, interpret this information to the visiting public on a day-to-day basis, and be an active part of the LEARN public archaeology program at Montpelier. The LEARN program is Montpelier’s experiential week long programs where participants work side-by-side with staff on a range of programs, metal detector surveys (Locate), unit excavation at sites (Excavate), archaeology lab analysis programs (Analyze), and restoration of landscape features (Reconstruct). Through these programs, a (Network) of public participants, stakeholders, and staff is developed: staff are a critical element of this program.
This position pays $18.00 an hour with an average of 35 hours per week (full time). This position provides options for health, vision, dental, and life insurance, as well as retirement (403b). The Archaeology team is dedicated to professional development and providing opportunities to expand your skills and advance your career.
DUTIES
-Excavate archaeological strata and features individually and as part of a team using appropriate tools.
-Rigorous and conscientious recording of archaeological deposits of excavated strata and features (photography, digital paperwork using ESRI Field Maps, mapping, etc.)
-Survey of cultural resources and archaeological materials using a transit/total station, shovel testing, geophysical survey, metal detector survey, and walk-over surveys as required.
-Post-excavation processing of archaeological field data and paperwork (data entry, technical write-ups, mapping, and digitizing).
-Post-excavation processing of archaeological materials (water screening, floating, artifact washing, gradient sorting, picking, cataloging, iron conservation and data entry) as needed.
-Instruct in archaeological techniques and supervise in the many excavation programs offered by the Montpelier Archaeology Department, including archaeological Field Schools, Internship Program, and public archaeology programs.
-Engage with the public through the following: the LEARN Archaeology Expedition Programs, interacting with visitors at the site and lab, delivering archaeology tours, working with volunteers at the site and lab, engaging with Montpelier Descendants and other stakeholders.
-Regularly utilize social media to educate and engage with the public on archaeological processes and discoveries.
-Working as part of a larger, mission and value driven team to carry out all elements of the archaeological process.
Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
-Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree (BA, BS) in Anthropology or a related field.
Successful candidates should also have participated in a recognized archaeological Field School.
-1-3 years of excavation experience in historical archaeology contexts.
Participation in or enthusiasm for public archaeology required.
-Strong communication skills for communicating archaeological techniques to untrained volunteers and students effectively.
-Strong writing skills.
-Willingness to learn and utilize new technologies for recording archaeological deposits
-Perform physically demanding tasks including (stooping, kneeling, lifting up to 50 lbs, standing, and walking over varied terrain)
-Valid Driver’s license. Acceptable current Motor Vehicle Driving Record required.
-Be up to date on all recommended Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters, or have an approved medical or religious exemption. (Please email dig@montpelier.org with any questions.)
PREFERED QUALIFICATIONS
-3-5 years of excavation experience in historical archaeology contexts.
-Experience in African Diaspora and/or Plantation Archaeology
-Experience with GIS (ArcPro, ArcGIS Online, ESRI’s Collector/Field Maps)
If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us: cpasch@montpelier.org or dig@montpelier.org.
