Archaeological Field Technician; Temporary

Position: Archaeological Field Technician (Temporary, Full-Time)
About the Thomas Jefferson Foundation

The Thomas Jefferson Foundation has a twofold mission of preservation and education, and was incorporated in 1923 to preserve Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, in Charlottesville, Virginia. Today, the Foundation seeks to bring history forward into national and global dialogues by engaging audiences with Jefferson's world and ideas, and sharing the history of everyone, enslaved and free, who lived and labored ticello is recognized as a National Historic Landmark, a United Nations World Heritage Site and a Site of Conscience.

Archaeological Field Technician (Temporary, Full-Time)

Purpose: To perform all aspects of excavation, measurement, and recording for archaeological field research, according to Departmental protocols.


* The Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc. is offering a unique five-month assignment. The assignment will begin on August 31, 2026 and is expected to end on January 29, 2027.

We will look to you to:

• For archaeological excavation and artifact and sediment sample recovery.
• Identify and describe soils, sediments, and stratification.
• Create field records, including strati graphic unit descriptions, measured section drawings, and site plans.
• Supervise and teach archaeological field techniques and protocols to field school students, interns, and volunteers.
• Complete lab-related work, including but not limited to data entry, washing, labeling, and equipment maintenance.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree in anthropology or related discipline, preferably with a concentration in archaeology.
• Knowledge of archaeological survey and excavation methods.
• Basic principles and techniques of mapping and surveying.
• Principles of archaeological stratigraphy.
• Knowledge of Chesapeake history and material culture to 1860.
• Ability to recognize and interpret archaeological strati graphic units.
• Ability to describe, sample, and excavate strati graphic units according to Department protocols.
• Ability to make accurate measured drawings of strati graphic sections and plans of archaeological features.
• Ability to carry at least 35lbs of field equipment (i.e., screens, plywood boards, and wheelbarrows) to and from distant excavation sites, and to engage in physically demanding excavation work in summer heat and winter cold.
• Ability to communicate with visitors about the current project's excavations and answer their questions.

Physical Demands and Work Considerations:

• Project Archaeologists and Technicians work mostly full days of outdoor work in all seasons, including winter and summer. Activity is strenuous.
  • Archaeological field excavation is carried out year-round, including during in winter in near/sub-freezing temperatures and during summer during extreme heat and humidity. It requires sustained strenuous activity during the height of the summer and winter seasons.
  • Fieldwork requires physical stamina and carrying excavation equipment across varied terrain.
  • Additionally, this position may occasionally monitor construction projects when necessary and will occasionally be on construction sites, at which loud equipment and dust may be present. Conditions may not be ideal for excavations, in that very tight deadlines might need to be met.

* The Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc. is offering a unique five-month assignment. The assignment will begin on August 31, 2026 and is expected to end on January 29, 2027.

We provide the following benefits for our full-time employees:

• Excellent benefits package (including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) retirement savings plan plus 6% match, life insurance, and more!).
• Fitness club membership discount.
• Discount in the Monticello Café, gift shop, and Monticello online catalog.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - free for employee and dependents.
• $500 employee referral bonus.

If you believe this opportunity is the right fit for you, we encourage you to apply!