Site Supervisor

Location: Jamestown Rediscovery
Division/Department: Archaeology
Reports to: Senior Staff Archaeologist, Director of Archaeology
Salary: $56,000 per year

Site Supervisors manage archaeological excavations as part of the Jamestown Rediscovery team. This work includes excavation and identification of soil layers and features, conducting geophysical surveys, preliminary identification of historic and prehistoric artifacts, thorough recording of stratigraphy and finds during excavation, and reviewing field records. Site Supervisors are also responsible for directly supervising and assessing the work of Archaeological Interns, Archaeological Field Technicians, and Staff Archaeologists.

As Historic Jamestowne is a public archaeology site, Site Supervisors also need to disseminate information to visitors via on-site interpretation, giving tours, and participating in the creation of videos and social media. Site Supervisors provide personal tours to Preservation Virginia/Jamestown Rediscovery staff and donors, as well as to outside researchers and other important visitors. During special events, Site Supervisors may interface with donors and guests, and provide logistical support.

Site Supervisors also support the Jamestown Rediscovery Collections Department when necessary. These tasks may include artifact sorting, analysis, and incorporation of field data into the Jamestown Rediscovery artifact database.

Site Supervisors are responsible for operating the total station, as well as for processing digital information from the field and adding it to a geographic information system. Site Supervisors write reports on archaeological findings. Independent historical and archaeological research is a necessary component of this work, which includes creating and giving presentations for various conferences and special events. Site Supervisors are responsible for using specialized equipment such as heavy machinery (e.g. backhoe, frontend loader) and drones.

They should also either have experience in or be willing to learn about photography and post-processing.

• Manage archaeological excavations.
• Digital mapping and recording of archaeological finds.
• Dissemination of information on archaeological finds from Jamestown.
• Manage geophysical surveys.
• Operate light machinery/vehicles.
• Occasional use of heavy machinery, including a backhoe and frontend loader to move soil in support of archaeological excavations and back filling. Machinery will only be used with proper on-site training.
• Assisting with site photography via drone and DSLR
• Assist in training Staff Archaeologists, Archaeological Field Technicians, Archaeological Interns, field school students, and volunteers.
• Support visitor, volunteer, and staff safety on site.
• Write archaeological reports.
• Participate in academic conferences and special events.

Education: Undergraduate degree (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science) in Archaeology, Anthropology, History, Geology, or a related field.
Training Requirements: Successful completion of an archaeological field school.
Knowledge Requirements: Archaeological excavation techniques. Ability to identify historic and prehistoric artifacts to a moderate level. Proven ability to manage lower-ranking staff. Understanding of basic artifact and archaeological analytical methods.
Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs on a consistent basis. Ability to work in high heat and low cold temperatures with appropriate precautions. Ability to stand or kneel for up to 7 hours.
Experience: At least 2 years of experience conducting archaeological excavations.
Work Location: Site Supervisors are typically required to be on-site at Historic Jamestowne on a daily basis. Off-site work in support of community outreach efforts may be required. Remote work is only offered in support of historical or archaeological research and report writing, and will be limited in this position.

The Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation is a subsidiary of Preservation Virginia. Preservation Virginia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.