Cultural Resources Intern
About The Position
Embark on an exciting journey with SWCA as a Cultural Resources Intern for Summer 2026 in our Raleigh, NC office. Join our dynamic team and be part of innovative, meaningful work in cultural resources and archaeology. Established in 1981, SWCA is a nationally recognized leader known for sound science, creative problem-solving, and a commitment to professional growth. As a Cultural Resources Intern, you’ll gain hands-on experience across both office and field projects while collaborating with talented cultural resources professionals. The internship will run from early June to mid-August 2026, with flexibility for early starters or those interested in extending their internship. Candidates with educational or professional experience in the Southeast United States are highly encouraged to apply. In addition to impactful project involvement, interns will also participate in presentations and learning sessions led by SWCA experts. This is a paid, full-time internship at $19.00 per hour. For this internship, we will be considering candidates who are based within driving distance of Raleigh, NC to support project and office needs. Please submit a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position. Application deadline: Our team will begin reviewing applications immediately, and interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The application process will remain open until we have received a robust pool of qualified candidates. Once we have identified suitable individuals, we may close the application process without prior notice. We appreciate the time and effort invested by all applicants and will carefully consider each submission.
Requirements
- Currently enrolled in a community college, college, or university pursuing a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree related to cultural resources management or archaeology. Recent graduates (within 12 months of May 1, 2026) will also be considered.
- Applicants pursuing a Master’s degree will also be considered. Ph.D. candidates are not eligible for this program.
- Experience with cultural resources fieldwork (e.g., archaeology or anthropology) through coursework, capstone projects, professional/intern experience, or volunteer work.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively.
- Willingness to learn new survey and monitoring techniques and protocols.
- Completion of an archaeological field school is a plus.
- Ability to travel for fieldwork up to 75% of the time, including multi-day assignments.
- Ability to walk and conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather and rugged terrain, and carry equipment up to 40 pounds.
- Ability to work outside in all weather conditions, adapt to shifting priorities, and perform tasks efficiently.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to drive a four-wheel-drive vehicle on backcountry roads.
- Willingness to participate in drug and alcohol screening if required by specific projects.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with GPS devices, digital data collection, and/or mapping tools such as ArcGIS.
- Technical writing experience.
Responsibilities
- Support both office and field tasks
- Hands-on experience with archaeological survey and site recording methods.
- Exposure to local SHPO and federal agency guidelines for archaeological fieldwork.
- Experience with artifact analysis, data entry, reporting, and cartography/map review.
- Opportunities to participate in various types of cultural resources management (CRM) fieldwork, typically lasting a week or more.
- Insight into working with a nationally recognized environmental consulting firm and multidisciplinary cultural resources professionals.
- A strong understanding of SWCA’s safety culture, including identifying and communicating safety hazards and contributing to a safe work environment.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
Associate degree
