Archaeologist Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Graduate degree in anthropology, archaeology, or a related field.
• At least 10–12 years of professional experience in archaeology.
• Track record of professional publication and research.
• Experience with a developed and specialized research focus.
• Outstanding public-speaking and written-communication skills.
• Ability to foster teamwork, manage multiple projects and deadlines, and interact with and steward donors.
• Valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and an acceptable driving record under the Foundation’s criteria.
• Provide a five-year motor vehicle record before employment.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• No more than one moving violation or at-fault accident within 12 months.
• No more than two moving violations or at-fault accidents within 36 months.
• No serious motor vehicle violations, including excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, or a suspended or revoked license.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a museum setting.
• Experience developing public programming.
• Experience supervising professional employees.
• Experience with specialized archaeological techniques such as GPR, photogrammetry, or environmental analyses.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee original archaeological research supporting Colonial Williamsburg’s interpretive and educational goals.
• Safeguard archaeological resources on Foundation property and coordinate with Property Management and Architecture & Engineering to mitigate construction impacts on cultural resources.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal historic preservation legislation.
• Develop project scopes and ensure timely completion of archaeological surveys, assessments, excavations, and mitigation studies.
• Establish project timetables, consult with field technicians and other archaeologists on procedures and techniques, and prepare preliminary plans.
• Develop analytical, technical, and interpretive frameworks that advance archaeology at Colonial Williamsburg and in the broader field.
• Oversee documentation of archaeological work.
• Hire, develop, train, supervise, and counsel archaeological project-team staff.
• Serve as the Foundation’s spokesperson on archaeology matters when assigned.
• Collaborate with outside institutions, especially the College of William & Mary, including supporting the CWF/W&M field school in Historical Archaeology.
• Develop and administer project budgets, track project-based budgets, grants, and restricted funds, and help ensure projects meet timelines and budgets; advise the Director of Architectural Preservation & Research of potential discrepancies.
• Communicate with regulators, consulting parties, and community stakeholders about proposed and ongoing archaeological investigations.
• Direct analysis of site and artifact data for archaeological reports in collaboration with curators, conservators, staff, and outside experts.
• Consult with Foundation historians to ensure archaeological reports use appropriate historiographic methods.
• Maintain awareness of best practices for conservation and data recovery of archaeological resources.
• Present fieldwork and analysis to professional colleagues through publications, conference papers, and online formats.
• Engage public audiences through popular publications, public programs, social media, and donor events; develop and deliver public presentations.
• Respond to questions about Colonial Williamsburg archaeology from employees and the general public.
• Perform other related duties as required.
• Work typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some weekend and special-event work.