Explore the Past to Preserve the Future!

The Archaeological Research Institute’s mission is to educate current and future generations about past cultures through the investigation, identification and preservation of native and non-native sites. We accomplish our mission by offering carefully curated and learning-outcome-focused educational programming, hands-on archaeological experiences, tours of local and regional archaeological sites, day camps, lectures, and workshops.

As an ArchaeoCorps Service Member in the AmeriCorps program at the Archaeological Research Institute (ARI), your purpose is to actively contribute to the organization’s mission through responsible, ethical, and methodical archaeological research and public education. Your responsibilities will involve assisting in archaeological research both in the field and lab, educating the public about archaeology, land stewardship, and the significance of preservation, as well as managing various aspects of the organization’s operations. You will serve closely with interns, students, volunteers, and visitors in public archaeology programs, ensuring their understanding and active involvement. All service member positions will encompass a combination of public interpretation, fieldwork, and lab work, with a primary emphasis on engaging the public in archaeology and environmental stewardship. 

Position Description:

The Lab Technician’s (LT) role is to support the ArchaeoCorps Lab Project Manager (LPM) in all aspects related to the management of laboratory processes at the Archaeological Research Institute. The LT assists all aspects of work relating to the analysis, interpretation, and curation of archaeological collections, including supervising lab staff, volunteers and visitors, ensuring the lab is well stocked, and implementing public programming.

Reports to:

• Director of Public Archaeology (DPA)
• Archaeology Coordinator & VALOR Director (ACVD)

Works with:

• ArchaeoCorps Lab Project Manager
• ARI Staff
• ArcheoCorps Members
• Certified Volunteers

Responsibilities:

Supports the Lab Program Manager with the following tasks: 

• Lab Management
  • Manage logistics of the lab with the help of leadership and junior leadership, including personnel, equipment, educational handouts and materials, activities, educational outcomes/goals, and understanding of end users/target market 
  • Develops methodologies to best suit the curation needs of archaeological collections at ARI 
  • Develops standard methodologies for laboratory processing of artifacts recovered during fieldwork 
  • Maintains organization & cleanliness of the lab 
  • Maintains context of artifacts being processed in the lab 
  • Maintains inventory of ARI artifact collection  
  • Take photos of lab experiences and processes 
  • Tracks & records lab metrics 
  • Regular laboratory equipment management & maintenance 
• Public Engagement/Educational Programming
  • Manages and executes lab experiences for visitors of all ages and backgrounds 
  • Designs engaging laboratory programming for visitors 
  • Assists with other educational programs as needed 
  • Assists with Guard Archaeological Preserve event and program setup 
  • Documents public experiences for marketing and social media purposes and helps create content for those mediums 
  • Creates distributable educational materials for the public 
  • Contribute at least 2 articles to the quarterly Field Notes publication regarding research and programs at ARI 
• Volunteer Management 
  • Prepares activities and work for volunteers, visitors, and students 
  • Manages volunteers, students & visitors in the lab 
  • Trains new ARI volunteers on lab work 
  • Identify opportunities for volunteer assistance 
  • Keep the Volunteer Coordinator apprised of opportunities for volunteers
•  Research
  • Identifies opportunities for research projects and supports the appropriate personnel through the research process 
  • Assists with formal report writing, including writing, photography, and map and figure generation 
  • Manages paper and digital documentation associated with lab and field work, such as photos, notes, maps, and reference guides 
  • Works to build reference collection for artifact identification and research 
•  Operations & Outreach & Support
  • Drive the shuttle for scheduled visitors and camps when necessary. 
  • Assist with GAP event and program setup, including the setup of feather flags, water jugs, pop-up tents, and any extra logistics support. 
  • Assist with archaeology (including Artifact ID Day), outreach, fundraising, and operations when necessary 

What are the Requirements?

• At least 18 years of age 
• Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or other related field 
• Completed a certified archaeological field school   
• Be able to:
  • occasionally lift and/or move up to 30lbs
  • work in adverse weather conditions
  • walk briskly and over uneven terrain
  • stoop, kneel, reach, crouch, or crawl to perform essential job duties
  • sit or stand for a prolonged period
• Pass a federal background check
• Valid driver’s license
• Comply with uniform policies
• Ability to communicate professionally verbally and in writing
• Must be comfortable with engaging the public and explaining archaeological concepts 
• Proficiency with computer systems such as the Microsoft Office suite, OneDrive, ArcGIS (preferred) 

*Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential duties

Timeframe of Position:

January 2025-August 2025 (8 Months)

AmeriCorps Service Contract

• Serve 675 hours within your contract period
• Complete 12%-20% of training hours within your 675 hours

Compensation:

• Living Stipend $10,125.00 (monthly installment payments paid twice per month)
• Education Award: $2,817.14 (Granted upon completion of your contract)

Schedule:

• Schedule varies by season and bookings
• General Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9am to 5pm
• Mandatory Public Days: Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays 9am to 5pm
• Evenings and special event dates as scheduled

If you have any questions, please reach out to the AmeriCorps Program Manager at ashley@exploreari.org 

Please note that the selection committee for ARI is committed to providing equal opportunity for all applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, HIV status, nation origin, veteran status, disability, creed, age, gender identity or expression, or other protected by law.

PLEASE NOTE: Service Positions are always contingent on AmeriCorps grant funding.