Public Archaeology Internship

The Public Archaeology Internship offers an entry-level opportunity to gain valuable practical experience in the field of archaeology. This includes engaging in public interaction and education at the ARI lab and field sites in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Interns will closely collaborate with ARI staff, providing an interactive learning experience and on-the-job training. Interns will be expected to participate in, and contribute to, the current research happening at ARI.  

Work Hours 

The internship entails a commitment of at least 8-20 hours per week, with a flexible schedule within the organization’s operational hours (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday). Occasional evening and weekend work may be necessary for events. Alternatively, parameters of the internship may be set by the applicant’s university or institution.  We will gladly work with students to ensure they meet minimum requirements to earn institutional credit for their internship. 

Public Archaeology Internships will be offered on the following schedule: 

*Primitive camping accommodations are available to summer interns.  Please indicate on your application if you are interested in this opportunity. 

Location: Lawrenceburg, Indiana, with occasional travel to locations within the tri-state area. 

Supervisor: Director of Public Archaeology, Archaeology Coordinator, and relevant ArchaeoCorps Project Area Manager. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Interns will receive training and hands-on experience in the following areas and will be expected to perform the following tasks: 

1. Public interaction/education:
   • Conduct learning center tours. 
   • Assist with guided site tours. 
   • Explain basic archaeological concepts. 
   • Discuss site history. 
   • Discuss local prehistory. 
2. Laboratory work:
   • Clean, identify, and sort artifacts. 
   • Interpret artifacts. 
   • Inventory and catalog artifacts. 
   • Data entry and records management 
3. Excavation:
   • Understand survey, unit, and feature contexts. 
   • Complete excavation forms.
   • Map and record excavations. 

Education, knowledge, and abilities of a strong applicant: The ARI Internship welcomes applicants with various levels of experience and education, but a strong candidate should possess some of the following skills: 

• Undergraduate or graduate coursework in archaeology, anthropology, or related fields. 

• For those not enrolled in a college anthropology/archaeology course, prior experience with archaeological materials or plans to enroll in an archaeology/anthropology program. 

• Strong communication and teamwork skills. 

• Attention to detail, ability to perform technical work, and accurately record data. 

• Enthusiasm and a keen interest in local history and archaeology. 

Compensation: 

The Public Archaeology Internship is an unpaid internship designed to provide applicants with the opportunity to gain experience and skills in archaeology.  If you are interested in a more intensive, paid, opportunity please see the application for Research Intern.  

Physical Demands: Archaeological fieldwork involves physical labor, requiring a certain level of fitness, including (but not limited to) working in all weather conditions, stooping, kneeling, crouching, working at a computer station, and walking on uneven terrain. 

*Reasonable accommodation can be arranged to enable individuals with disabilities to fulfill their essential duties. Please contact us to discuss any specific circumstances that need consideration. 

Age Requirements: Minimum age requirement is 16 years old.