Project Archaeologist

The Project Archaeologist supervises the daily operations of an excavation and its presentation to the public. The Project Archaeologist works in conjunction with the Senior Staff Archaeologist to develop excavation strategies prior to and during the course of excavation. The Project Archaeologist will oversee and direct the work of archaeological field technicians. They will be responsible for writing sections of technical reports for projects on which they have worked. They will also provide support for public programs when needed. This position has funding for a minimum of five years ans will work on a large-scale research project to understand one of Colonial Williamsburg\'s most important early 18th-century designed landscapes. Additionally, research will focus on the enslaved laborers who built, maintained, and lived on the property to be studied.

To apply online, please visit: http://www.history.org/foundation/careers/

WORK TO BE PERFORMED: 

• Oversees the daily work performed at the site.  Instructs and provides guidance to field technicians, interns, and volunteers. Ensures quality work is obtainable and department procedures are followed.
• Prepares plans and schedule for work at the site, ensuring that all work will be performed by the scheduled completion date.
• Assumes responsibility for assessing and preserving the site’s surviving architectural and archaeological remains.
• Takes the lead role in site recording, including excavation notes and site photography, using departmental procedures.
• Interprets archaeology and the history of the site to visitors in coordination with the Public Archaeologist.
• Participates in additional public programming as needed.
• Takes the lead role in assessing safety concerns for employees and visitors to the site.
• In consultation with the Senior Staff Archaeologist and archaeological collections staff, coordinates laboratory analysis.
• Writes technical reports.
• Performs other related duties as required.

SUPERVISION TO BE EXERCISED: The Project Archaeologist will supervise 5 Archaeological Field Technicians

DIRECTION RECEIVED: The Project Archaeologist will work collaboratively with an assigned Staff Archaeologist from whom direction is received.     

JOB REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS: 
Minimum: BA in Anthropology, American Studies, History, or related field. Completion of archaeological field school with at least three years of archaeological fieldwork experience and one year of supervisory experience. Must possess a working knowledge of standard archaeological survey and excavation methods, including proficiency with total stations and GPS equipment. Experience with the excavation of complex stratigraphy, identification of landscape features, and the recovery of environmental samples is required. Must be familiar with the principles of historical archaeology and possess a broad familiarity with material culture of the Mid-Atlantic Region. Must be comfortable interacting with the public and conveying archaeological information in an accessible way. Additional requirements include a demonstrated attention to detail; demonstrated ability to work independently or as part of a team; must have excellent communication skills that can be adjusted for a wide variety of audiences. Additionally, candidates must be able to lift and transport 50 lbs, and be willing to work in extreme weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications: Completion of MA-level course work is preferred.