Archaeological Technician

New Job Posted

Posted on
August 12, 2025
Company: George Washington\'s Mount Vernon
Type: Full Time
Description:
Archaeological Technician
Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Project-Funded

Position Overview:
The Archaeological Technician is a full-time, non-exempt, project-funded position with benefits, working within the Historic Preservation and Collections Department under the direct supervision of the Staff Archaeologist and Principal Archaeologist. In addition to supporting the overall mission of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association and the department to preserve the Association’s archaeological resources, the Archaeological Technician will work with the Project Archaeologist to perform the full range of archaeological field and lab research according to departmental procedures and protocols. Furthermore, this position will facilitate excavations and monitoring for any construction/utility-driven mitigation projects that occur at Mount Vernon.

Compensation:
starting at $20.00/hour

Expected Hours:
40 hours/week

Responsibilities:
  • Archaeological excavation and artifact/sediment sample recovery
  • Identification and description of soils, sediments, and stratification
  • Creation of field records, including stratigraphic descriptions, measured profile and plan view drawings, site plans, and photographs
  • Use of technologies such as a Total Station and Ground Penetrating Radar to assist in field documentation and mapping
  • Interpretation of archaeological excavations to the public and assisting with disseminating results about archaeology to Mount Vernon staff and visitors
  • Conduct artifact analyses and historical research to support the archaeological research program
  • Assist the Curator of Preservation Collections with collections management projects, artifact processing, and cataloging
  • Conduct and supervise specialized processing, including water screening and floatation
  • Work with Mount Vernon staff to mitigate any impacts to on-site cultural resources; assist with supervising interns, students, and volunteers in the field and lab
  • Undertake other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
  • Completion of an archaeological field school; additional work in historical archaeology preferred
  • Minimum of a B.A. or B.S. in Historical Archaeology, Anthropology, Historic Preservation, History or closely related field required
  • Must be able to perform physically demanding tasks in adverse environmental conditions (e.g., rugged terrain, remote locations, hot and cold temperatures)
  • Knowledge of historical material culture, archaeological methods, and theory
  • Knowledge of artifact analyses, database functionality, field methodologies, collections management issues, and public interpretation (experience with the Digital Archaeological Archive of Comparative Slavery (DAACS) preferred)
  • Excellent communication skills, reflected in strong and effective writing and speaking, as well as excellent diplomatic skills
  • Flexibility, reliability, and the ability to occasionally work beyond a normal workday
  • Ability to successfully complete a security background check
Work Environment:
This position involves work in a variety of settings, including climate-controlled laboratory or office environments, as well as outdoor field locations in varying weather conditions. Fieldwork may take place in uneven terrain, remote sites, and environments with exposure to dust, dirt, insects, and natural hazards. Work schedules may occasionally require early mornings, evenings, weekends, depending on project needs.

Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to:
  • Stand, walk, and work outdoors for extended periods of time in varying weather conditions.
  • Lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to 40 pounds.
  • Bend, stoop, kneel, and crouch to collect samples or examine artifacts.
  • Operate standard field and excavation tools, as well as laboratory equipment.
  • Maintain the stamina to perform repetitive tasks such as digging, sifting soil, and documenting findings.
  • Tolerate potential exposure to environmental elements such as sun, wind, rain, and temperature extremes.
Benefits:
  • 403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching
  • Employee recognition at 5 years of service
  • Monthly employee events
  • Employee referral program
  • On-site Library
  • Discount on Public Event Tickets
  • Discount in the Mount Vernon Shops
  • Discount at the Mount Vernon Inn and Food Court Pavilion
  • Free Parking
  • Health, Vision, and Dental insurance
  • Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance
  • Paid leave for Sick Time, Vacation and Holidays
  • Flexible spending account for medical care
The Mount Vernon Ladies\' Association is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences, and perspectives.  All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. The Mount Vernon Ladies\' Association will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
 
Apply At:
https://www.mountvernon.org/about/employment/open-positions-at-mount-vernon

Submit Resume To:

George Washington\'s Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121