Archaeology Summer Intern

EOE Statement The Montpelier Foundation at James Madison’s Montpelier is an equal opportunity workplace through the development of programs and positions specifically targeted toward attracting a diverse pool of applicants.

Category Archaeology

Work as part of a mission and value driven team in carrying out all elements of the archaeological process in order to improve our understanding of the cultural resources of James Madison's Montpelier - the home and the plantation. Work with the archaeology staff to conduct archaeological excavations and surveys, interpret this information to the visiting public on a day-to-day basis, be an active part of the Summer LEARN public archaeology program(s) at Montpelier, and in teaching the Summer Archaeology Field School.

This position pays $12.66 an hour with an average of 35 hours per week (full time). This position provides on property housing. The Archaeology team is dedicated to professional development and providing opportunities to expand your skills and advance your career. This position also provides an opportunity to apply for the 2026-27 internships with the Montpelier Archaeology Department.

• Learn from the archaeological department in order to build on and hone skills learned during the previous Field School
• Assist Archaeology staff in supervising and educating students during Montpelier's archaeological field school and at Arlington House.
• Excavation of archaeological strata and features individually and as part of a team using appropriate tools.
• Rigorous and conscientious recording of archaeological deposits (photography, stratum sheets, drawing) of excavated strata/features.
• Assist in the survey of cultural resources and archaeological materials through the use of shovel test pits, transit/total station, geophysical survey, or walk over surveys as required.
• Post-excavation processing of archaeological materials in the archaeology lab (water-screening, floating, finds washing, gradient sorting, picking, cataloging).
• Check-in and process archaeological samples, and maintain archaeological collections database.
• Instruct archaeological techniques during the LEARN Archaeology Public programs offered by the Montpelier Archaeology Department.
• Engage with the public in a polite and professional manner as one informs them of archaeological processes and historical concepts. This includes visitors at the archaeological site, archaeology lab, and using social media.
• Work a varying weekly schedule that may include weekends (not to exceed 70 hours per pay period).

• Maintain and care for Arlington House throughout the field school.
• Work as part of a value driven team to further the goals of the Archaeology Department and mission of The Montpelier Foundation, setting an example for students.

• Other duties as assigned.

• Must have attended the Montpelier Archaeology Department's archaeological field school within the past five years.
• Must be able to effectively communicate archaeological techniques to untrained volunteers and students;
• Willingness to adhere to The Values of The Montpelier Archaeology Department.
• Acceptable background check

Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time

Application Documents Required Cover letter, Resume and Three references

Pay Rate 12.77

Exempt/Non-Exempt Non-Exempt

This position is currently accepting applications.