Archaeological Field Technician A at Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Who We Are

Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18^th-century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.  

Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 89 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, The Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library.

Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today’s evolved tastes. Each year over 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.

About the Position

The Archaeological Field Technician conducts Phase I, II and III field investigations, and assists with documenting results, recovering artifacts according to provenience, maintaining field notes and mapping. They also interpret archaeology and history of the site to the visiting public.

Main Duties:

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Assists the Project Archaeologist and Staff Archaeologists with all facets of archaeological investigations.
• Interprets soil horizons, prepares field maps, excavates archaeological features, recovers artifacts, and completes site excavation records in detail.
• Interprets archaeology and history of the site to the visiting public.
• Performs other related duties as required.

This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, American Studies, History, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and or experience.
• Completion of archaeological field school or equivalent work experience with archaeological fieldwork.

Key Skills / Competencies:

• Working knowledge of standard archaeological survey and excavation methods.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Must have a willingness to interact with the public, and an understanding that this quality is an essential component of the position.

Physical and Environmental Demands:
- Must have an ability to transport 50lbs.
- Must be willing to work in extreme weather conditions.

Typical Work Schedule:
Standard work hours are 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. This position may require occasional weekend hours, with prior supervisor approval.