Archaeological Laboratory Technician

PRIMARY FUNCTION
The Archaeological Laboratory Technician provides strategic support to the curatorial department through the management of artifacts as they move through the various stages of artifact processing. The successful candidate will be primarily responsible for collections management tasks including washing, sorting, mending, and labeling artifacts. The
Archaeological Laboratory Technician will also assist the curators in the development of the Jamestown Rediscovery archaeological reference collection through rehousing, inventory, and artifact retrieval.
WORK TO BE PERFORMED
- Assist curators in the organization, processing, and storage of archaeological materials.
  · Maintain organization of artifact bags prior to washing and manage inventories of samples or other types of archaeological materials housed in the collections facility.
  · Notify the Assistant Curator and Conservators of artifacts that require immediate attention.
  · Undertake specialized tasks such as mending ceramic artifacts, artifact labeling, picking water screened material, and flotation.
  · Prepare artifacts for cataloging in the database according to laboratory procedures and standards and prepare general feedback reports on cataloging.
  · Assist in boxing and storing washed artifacts.
- Assist the Curator of Archaeological Collections in developing the Jamestown Rediscovery Reference collection.
  · Locate artifacts designated for inclusion in the reference collection by the curators and rehouse in the archive artifacts removed from the reference collection.
  · Create and maintain inventory of artifacts stored in the archives.
  · Write reference collection labels for reference collection artifacts.
  · Ensure the correct measurements and typologies are included with uncatalogued artifacts for cataloging by curators.
- Work alongside and assist Assistant Curator in supervising laboratory volunteers.
  · With the curators, update the in-house laboratory manual for volunteer, intern, and staff use when necessary.
- Facilitate artifact photography by preparing artifacts for and providing metadata to the staff photographer.
- Provide interpretation and outreach to visitors, colleagues, and guests through public archaeology tours, specialized tours and events, and content creation for Jamestown Rediscovery social media platforms.
- Provide general assistance to students, field staff, and volunteers.
- Responsible for general lab maintenance and cleanliness. Notifies Assistant Curator of inventory status of incoming material as well as supplies.
- Assist curators on special assignments and performs other related duties as required.