Topic ID #43031 – posted 2/16/2021 9:20 AM
Assistant Site Director – Germanna Archaeology _ Locust Grove, VA
Germanna Arch
The Germanna Foundation is now accepting applications for an Assistant Site Director. This is for the renewed excavations at the Fort Germanna/Enchanted Castle site in Orange County, Virginia.
Since 2016, Germanna Archaeology has developed a program of seasonal fieldwork based around paid Internships and hosting a Virginia Commonwealth University Field School. Last year, the field school session was canceled resulting in scaled back season. Germanna Archaeology incorporated new procedures to ensure spatial distancing and use of masks. These measures will be continued for the upcoming field season.
The successful candidate will help in supervising field excavations working with our current Field Director. The Assistant will help participating in regular administrative duties, supervision of interns, checking records and field forms, logistics, and educational activities for our public archaeology component. A Master’s degree and experience with Historic Sites of the Middle Atlantic Region are preferred.
Listed on the National Register, the “Enchanted Castle” is the early 18th century home for Alexander Spotswood in the years after he served as Lt. Governor for the Colony of Virginia. The mansion was built on a portion of the earlier 5-sided fort that served as home for a group of German settlers who came to Virginia in 1714. This summer’s excavations hope to find new and additional evidence of the fort’s occupation. While the project goals focus on the 18th century, there are prehistoric, Civil War, and late 19th-century farmstead components to the site as well.
Public outreach has been a key component to the Germanna Archaeology program. Although access to the site is limited, in typical years we treat the site as a public archaeology site where field staff is expected to interact with visitors. In past years, “Open House” events were scheduled as part of the season. The pandemic has brought operational changes, but we wish interns to participate in online postings such as photo, video, blog, or a webinar updates.
The anticipated start date is May 17th and will continue through September 3rd. The formal field season runs from May 24 to August 20th, 2021. We work 40 hours a week, typically Monday through Friday. Fieldwork can take place in the full sun. The position pays $18 an hour. Per diem, housing and meals are NOT included.
Applications will be accepted until position is filled (consideration will begin March 15, 2021). Interested candidates should e-mail a resume to Dr. Eric Larsen, Director of Archaeology, at elarsen@germanna.org.
