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 Archaeological Technician’s (AT) role is to support the ArchaeoCorps Lab Project Manager (LPM) and Field Project Manager (FPM) in all aspects related to the management of laboratory and field processes at the Archaeological Research Institute. The AT 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. The AT assists with managing ARI field crews (including field students, volunteers & visitors) in locating, collecting, recording, and interpreting data for survey and excavation projects. The AT helps ensure the quality of archaeological data, fieldwork, and paperwork. They help with performing archaeological surveys, testing, data recovery and monitoring. They are expected to complete tasks in a timely fashion, coordinate with the Director of Public Archaeology, Archaeology Coordinator, and Field and Lab Project Managers regarding project requirements and expectations.

Reports to:

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

Works with:

• ARI AmeriCorps Lab Project Manager (LPM)
• ARI AmeriCorps Field Project Manager (FPM)
• ARI Staff
• ARI Volunteers
• ArchaeoCorps Members
• Certified Volunteers

Responsibilities May Include the Following, on an as-needed basis:

Lab Management

• Assists Lab Project Manager with logistics of the lab including personnel, equipment, educational handouts and materials, activities, educational outcomes/goals, and understanding of end users/target market
• 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
• Assists with artifact processing, research, and documentation

Field Management

• Assists Field Project Manager with logistics of field experiences and field schools including personnel, equipment, educational handouts and materials, activities, educational outcomes/goals, and understanding of end users/target market
• Prepares equipment, staff, students and volunteers for the field each day including gathering needed equipment for the day
• Prepares for fieldwork each day by organizing field participants into groups and delegating tasks and coordinating travel to the site
• Delegate tasks to field students, volunteers & staff, such as water jugs, site set up/tear down, and opening and closing of research areas
• Ends each day by making sure excavations are closed, equipment put away, and paperwork and artifacts are handled appropriately
• Manages field equipment, including inventory, maintenance, and repair as needed
• Takes photos of field experiences and processes
• Manages field paperwork, including tracking, organization, and management
• Coordinates with Lab Project Manager to ensure artifacts make their way back to the lab for processing
• Tracks & records field metrics
• Assists DPA and ACVD with field school

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 Volunteer Coordinator apprised of opportunities for volunteers

Research

• Identifies opportunities for research projects and supports the appropriate personnel through the research process
• 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
• Comply with uniform policies 
• Ability to communicate professionally verbally and in writing 
• Must be comfortable with engaging the public  

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

AmeriCorps Service Contract

• Serve 450 hours within your contract period
• Complete 12%-20% of training hours within your contracted hours

Compensation:

• Living Stipend $6,750 (monthly installment payments paid twice per month)
• Education Award: $1,956.35 (Granted upon completion of your contract)

Timeframe of Position:

January 2025-August 2025 (8 Months)

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.