The Illinois State Archaeological Survey (ISAS) is seeking Archaeological Field Technicians (Academic Hourly Assistants) to serve as excavators and surveyors capable of performing basic archaeological identification, interpretation, and recordation tasks under the direct supervision of a Research Archaeologist. Duties include, but are not limited to, participation in Phase I field surveys, Phase II site testing, Phase III archaeological mitigation projects, and associated analysis activities based at the ISAS Northern Illinois Field Station in Elgin, Illinois. These are full-time (40 hours per week), non-benefits eligible, field/laboratory positions with an hourly rate of $16 to $18 depending on qualifications.
Duties and responsibilities will include:
- Participate in pedestrian field survey and shovel or hand auger testing to determine landscape conditions and soil characteristics, to identify archaeological materials, and to delineate the spatial extent of archaeological materials.
- Describe, interpret, and document soil profiles.
- Locate and document archaeological sites using topographic maps and electronic mapping devices.
- Provide basic cultural identification, description, and interpretation of archaeological materials.
- Appropriately excavate and interpret testing units, soil profiles, and/or cultural features including the production of plan and profile view maps.
- Complete paperwork and forms.
- Clean, prepare, and catalog archaeological materials.
- Process flotation samples, including sorting of various materials.
- Assist with site and inventory descriptions of archeological materials.
- Gather archival, cartographic, geophysical, and geographic information relevant to site investigations and/or project areas.
- Assist with the proper handling, identification, and recordation of archaeological artifacts, and faunal, botanical, soil, and specialized samples.
- Assist supervisory personnel with inventory descriptions, and the completion of forms and production of reports.
- Complete other related duties as assigned.
At the discretion of the Field Station Coordinator, individuals may be given opportunities for involvement in public outreach and continued professional training/development.
Required Qualifications
- B.A./B.S. in Anthropology/Archaeology or closely related field.
- At least six months of full-time supervised archaeological experience, preferably in the archaeology of the Midwest or Eastern United States.
- Position requires individuals to make appropriate decisions involving proper handling, recognition, identification, and interpretation of archaeological materials in the field and lab.
- Must be available for routine out-of-town projects/overnight travel.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and insurance.
To Apply
Qualified candidates must submit via email a 1) cover letter, 2) résumé/CV, 3) and the names and contact information (including email addresses) of three professional references to Clare Tolmie, Senior Research Archaeologist, at ctolmie@illinois.edu. Positions will be filled as soon as qualified candidates are identified.
University of Illinois faculty, staff and students are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are not able to receive the vaccine for medical or religious reasons, you may seek approval for an exemption in accordance with applicable University processes.
The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment. As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.
