Senior Archaeologist

Who We Are Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is that the future may learn from the past through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginias colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse people who helped shape a new nation. Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 89 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, The Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute, and a renowned research library, the John D. Rockefeller Jr Library. Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on-site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with todays evolved tastes. Each year over five million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally. Main Duties Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Develop and oversee original archaeological research in support of Colonial Williamsburgs interpretive and educational goals. Safeguard archaeological resources on Foundation property, working with Property Management and Architecture & Engineering to mitigate impact on cultural resources before and during construction projects. Ensure Foundation compliance with all local, state, and federal historic preservation legislation. Develop the scope of work for projects and ensure timely completion of archaeological surveys, assessments, and excavations, including mitigation studies. Establish project timetables, consults with field technicians and other archaeologists in determining the appropriate procedures and techniques to be used, and prepares preliminary plans.

Develop new analytical, technical, or interpretive frameworks that further the goals of archaeology at Colonial Williamsburg and the larger field of archaeology. Oversee documentation of archaeological work. Hire, develop, train, supervise, and counsel staff for archaeological project teams. Act as the Foundations spokesperson on matters related to Archaeology, as assigned. Collaborate with outside institutions, particularly the College of William & Mary, through support of the CWF/W&M field school in Historical Archaeology. Develop and administer project budgets; tracking up to a million dollars in project-based budgets, grants, and restricted funds; working to ensure project completion within established timetables and budgets. Advise the Director of Architectural Preservation & Research of any potential discrepancies. Communicate with regulators, including the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (VDHR), consulting parties, and community stakeholders with regard to proposed and ongoing archaeological investigations. Direct the analysis of the site and artifact data for archaeological reports, working collaboratively with archaeological curators, conservators, other staff, and outside experts as needed. Consult with Foundation historians to ensure that archaeological reports are prepared using appropriate historiographic methods. Maintain awareness of best practices guiding conservation or data recovery of archaeological resources. Present the progress and results of archaeological fieldwork and analysis to professional colleagues through published articles, conference papers, and online formats. Engage non-professional audiences through popular publications, public programs, social media, and donor events. Develop and deliver high-quality public presentations. Respond to questions regarding the archaeology of Colonial Williamsburg from employees and the general public. Typically, Monday through Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm, some weekend and special event work. Perform other related duties as required. This job description reflects the general responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties and responsibilities may evolve over time based on operational needs. Required Education and Experience Graduate degree in anthropology, archaeology, or a related field At least 10-12 years of professional experience in the field of archaeology Track record of professional publication and research Experience with a developed and specialized research focus Outstanding public speaking and written communication skills Ability to foster teamwork, manage multiple projects and deadlines, and interact with and steward donors Preferred Qualifications Experience working in a museum setting Experience developing public programming Experience supervising professional employees Experience with specialized archaeological techniques (i.e. GPR, photogrammetry, environmental analyses) Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia drivers license and have an acceptable driving record based on The Colonial Williamsburg Foundations criteria. Must be able to provide a 5-year Motor Vehicle Record prior to employment Must be at least 21 years of age May not have more than 1 moving violation or at fault accident within 12 months May not have more than 2 moving violations or at fault accidents within 36 months May not have any serious motor vehicle violations including but not limited to excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license, etc.

Physical and Environmental Demands

Physical Activity Frequency

Stand Frequently (2-5 hrs/shift)

Walk Frequently (2-5 hrs/shift)

Sit Frequently (2-5 hrs/shift)

Use hands/fingers Frequently (2-5 hrs/shift)

Climb or balance Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift)

Stoop/kneel/crouch/crawl Frequently (2-5 hrs/shift)

Reach with hands/arms Frequently (2-5 hrs/shift)

Talk or hear Constantly (5-8 hrs/shift)

Lifting up to 10 lbs. Frequently (2-5 hrs/shift)

Lifting up to 25 lbs. Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift)

Lifting up to 50 lbs. (with assistance) Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift)

Lifting up to 100 lbs. (with assistance) Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift)

More than 100 lbs. (with assistance) Rarely (does not exist as regular part of the job)

Wet/humid conditions Frequently (2-5 hrs/shift)

Work near moving mechanical parts Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift)

Fumes/airborne particles Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift)

Extreme cold Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift)

Extreme heat Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift)

Risk of electrical shock Rarely (does not exist as regular part of the job)

Driving requirement Yes Company vehicle?

Compensation Disclaimer: The compensation listed below for this position represents the anticipated hiring range and is provided in accordance with Virginia pay transparency requirements. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as the selected candidates skills, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, internal equity, and the specific requirements of the role.

Range: $80,700-104,800