Job Description

Introduction

The Wisconsin Historical Society, considered one of the nation\'s finest historical institutions, is a State of Wisconsin government agency as well as a mission-driven entrepreneurial organization. The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. At its core, the Society believes that increasing the public\'s knowledge of history has profound societal, cultural, and economic benefit. The Society\xe2\x80\x99s values are to Embrace a Spirit of Service, Engage our Expertise, Spark Enthusiasm, Cultivate Inclusion, Exceed Expectations, and Think Big and Grow with Purpose. Its collections, historic sites and museums, historic preservation office and extensive educational programs are focused on enriching and transforming lives through unparalleled access to history. Click HERE for more information about working at the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Position Summary

The Archaeology Technician carries out archaeological site identification survey, site evaluation, and site excavation under close to general supervision of an archaeology project leader or assistant project leader in coordination with the Museum Archaeology Program (MAP) Field Coordinator. Specifically, these duties may include: archaeological pedestrian survey, manual excavation using standard archaeological techniques; recording data on prepared forms; making field maps of sites and excavation units, and conducting research using historical literature and public records. The Archaeology Technician may also be asked to assist in packaging artifacts for transport; preliminary field lab artifact processing; identification of artifacts and samples, and field equipment maintenance. Additional duties may include: historic research on archaeological and historical properties as well as assisting in the preparation of documents/technical reports regarding the research results This position is responsible for the correct and timely completion of personal time sheets, expense reporting forms and daily/monthly fleet vehicle report forms as assigned by the lead worker. Due to the nature of archaeological field work, this position has certain basic physical requirements. Incumbents performing field work must be able to lift and carry a minimum of 40 pounds, walk up to 15 miles per day over uneven terrain and perform vigorous physical labor under a variety of environmental conditions. Duties:

• Conduct archaeological monitoring, survey, and excavation under the direction of a project leader, following standard archaeological techniques and methods, and in accordance with the Wisconsin Archeological Survey guidelines.
• Complete plan view and profile maps, and standardized forms for features and levels for assigned excavation units.
• Assist in the photo-documentation of properties consistent with Program standards and policy.
• Assist project or assistant project leader in technical mapping and establishing field grid systems.
• Recognize potentially significant artifacts and features requiring special attention, and inform supervisors of their presence.
• Conduct research using historical documents and public records pertaining to historical cultural resources as needed.
• Perform initial processing of artifacts and samples collected during field research under the direction of the lead worker.
• Package and transport artifacts from field worksite to Wisconsin Historical Society archaeology laboratory.

Analyze and interpret archaeological materials and data, and preparation of technical reports required for compliance with state and federal legislation.

• Conduct professional research and analysis of archaeological materials, historical documentation, and data generated during field investigations. Assist in incorporating resulting data in project documentation.
• Package and label archaeological artifacts and samples and digital images according to assigned procedures to preserve provenience information.
• Maintain research and analysis notes, and all other appropriate documentation as required by professional standards and Program policies.
• Assist in the preparation of project documentation and technical reports according to professional standards and Program policies, and under the direction of the lead worker for review by the Field Coordinator.

Participation in the administration and planning for the Museum Archaeology Program

• Attend Society, Division and Program staff meetings, as the field schedule permits.
• Attend relevant State, Agency and Professional training.
• Responsible for timely and accurate submittals of personal timesheets, expense reporting forms, and daily/monthly fleet vehicle report forms.
• Provide support with off-site archaeology laboratory facility operations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Salary Information

Pay range is $15.00 - $19.00 per hour. This classification is in schedule and class 13-04. Please note this is a Limited Term Employment position so it does not include paid time off or benefits upon hire.

Job Details

A criminal background check will be conducted by WHS prior to an offer of employment to determine if the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job. This is a Seasonal Limited Term Employment (LTE) position and limited to 1,039 hours. This position will be part time and average 40 hours per week. Wisconsin residency is required for Limited Term Employment positions. Limited Term Employment (LTE) positions are not civil service classified positions, do not give any rights to permanent civil service classified positions and do not lead to permanent status. WHS does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States. All state employees are required to report their COVID vaccination status, whether vaccinated or not, and must provide supporting documentation if vaccinated. Newly hired employees will be required to submit this information within their first two weeks of employment.

Qualifications

• Required prior successful completion of an archaeological field school or an equivalent supervised training.
• Preferred supervised archaeological field research experience involving survey and excavation phases of investigation.
• Working knowledge of archaeology and the ability to recognize most common archaeological artifacts.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, project leaders and co workers.
• Ability to walk up to 15 miles per day over uneven terrain, and to repeatedly lift and carry 40 pounds.
• Ability to routinely be away from home for up to two weeks and to independently travel throughout the state on short notice.
• It is preferred but not required that the Archaeology Technician is able to legally operate a motor vehicle from the Wisconsin Department of Administration State Fleet in the State of Wisconsin.
• All Museum Archaeology Program projects are supported with public funds in accordance with federal preservation legislation (under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act) and/or state preservation legislation (s.44.40 Wis. Stats.; s.157.70 Wis. Stats.). The Archaeology Technician conducts research under the direction of the Program Director and/or Field Coordinator Leader, and as such the incumbent is not required to meet the minimum qualifications established in Archaeology and Historic Preservation; Secretary of the Interior\'s Standards and Guidelines (36 C.F.R. Part 61).

How To Apply

Apply online! To apply, click \xe2\x80\x9cApply for Job\xe2\x80\x9d to start the application process. Then, you will access your existing account or to create a new account if you don\xe2\x80\x99t have an account. Once you are logged in, click \xe2\x80\x9cApply for Job.\xe2\x80\x9d Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application. Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. For instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications for your application and what should be included in these materials, click here. Submitted materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process. We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. Questions can be directed to HR@wisconsinhistory.org.

Deadline to Apply

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.