Archaeological Field Technician – Historic Jamestowne, VA

Archaeological Field Technician – Historic Jamestowne, VA

Jamestown Rediscovery is hiring Archaeological Field Technicians for ongoing archaeological excavations at Historic Jamestowne. Historic Jamestown is located on Jamestown Island, near Williamsburg, Virginia, and is the location of the first permanent English colony in North America. Since 1994, the Jamestown Rediscovery team has conducted public archaeological excavations focused on uncovering and interpreting the landscape of 17^th-century Virginia. Archaeological Field Technicians will assist in these ongoing excavations and public interpretation at Historic Jamestowne.

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 17^th- through 21^st-century material culture. At least one year experience performing archaeological excavations. Public speaking experience.

DETAILS

Position is full-time, hourly, with the possibility of advancement into a full-time, salaried position with benefits.

Work hours are 8-4:30 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:

David Givens, Director of Archaeology (archaeology@preservationvirginia.org).

APPLICATION DEADLINE: APRIL 30, 2022

No phone calls please.