Job description
Join our premier archaeological program in the historic city of Charleston, SC. We are seeking a detail-oriented Field Archaeologist to lead supervised excavations, record stratigraphy, and contribute to culturally significant research projects. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, implement best-practice surveying, maintain meticulous field notes, and ensure safety and compliance with preservation standards. This is a hands-on role ideal for field technicians, graduates, or professionals with proven field experience eager to advance heritage science.
As part of our team, you will engage in community heritage initiatives, support lab processing, and contribute to reports and publications that advance understanding of past societies in the Southeast.
Responsibility
- Plan and conduct archaeological field surveys and excavations at assigned sites, following project-specific methodologies.
- Record and manage stratigraphic data, artifact inventories, provenience, and environmental context using standardized forms and digital tools.
- Operate and maintain field equipment (trowels, brushes, GPS/GIS devices, total station) and ensure calibration and safety.
- Collaborate with project directors, lab staff, and researchers to develop post-field analysis plans and sampling strategies.
- Assist in artifact conservation prep, labeling, cataloging, and shipping to accredited laboratories.
- Prepare clear, accurate field notes, daily logs, and preliminary site reports suitable for client updates and publications.
- Assist in community engagement, public archaeology outreach, and site interpretation materials as needed.
Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a closely related field; field school experience accepted.
- Minimum 2 years of field archaeology experience or equivalent, with regional exposure preferred (Southeast US).
- Strong proficiency with stratigraphic recording, artifact handling, provenience data collection, and lab coordination.
- Experience with GIS, GPS/GIS devices, total stations, and digital data entry.
- Knowledge of health and safety standards and ethical guidelines in archaeological fieldwork; ability to work outdoors in variable conditions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to produce clear field notes and site reports.
- Willingness to travel to field sites and work long hours, including weekends, as project demands.