Introduction

The Wisconsin Historical Society, considered one of the nation’s finest historical institutions, is a State of Wisconsin government agency as well as a mission-driven entrepreneurial organization.  The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. At its core, the Society believes that increasing the public’s knowledge of history has profound societal, cultural, and economic benefit. The Society’s values are to Embrace a Spirit of Service, Engage our Expertise, Spark Enthusiasm, Cultivate Inclusion, Exceed Expectations, and Think Big and Grow with Purpose. Its collections, historic sites and museums, historic preservation office and extensive educational programs are focused on enriching and transforming lives through unparalleled access to history.

Click HERE for more information about working at the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Position Summary

This position performs professional archaeological duties. The incumbent is responsible for planning, designing, and executing archaeological field survey and excavation under general direction of the Museum Archaeology Program (MAP) Field Coordinator in coordination with the Program Director. In some cases, this position may share responsibilities with other staff archeologists. The Archeologist makes recommendations regarding the impacts on archeological properties from proposed construction projects in the state of Wisconsin. The Archeologist develops survey methodologies and mitigation documentation including Determinations of Eligibility, Data Recovery Plans, and Documentation for Consultation under 36 CFR 800. 8, Regulations of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Governing the Section 106 Review Process.

This position also provides assistance to the Field Coordinator and the Laboratory Coordinator. The Archeologist directs archaeological field projects involving survey, evaluation, and excavation during the field season. The incumbent conducts appropriate laboratory analysis and provides interpretations of the cultural materials recovered. This includes conducting all phases of research, developing appropriate recommendations, and producing technical reports, in accordance with professional guidelines and standards, and subject to review by the Field Coordinator and Program Director. This position also gives public presentations, assists in the development of interpretive media and responds to requests for information from the public.

Salary Information

The salary will be between $23.00 – $28.00 per hour ($47,840 – $58,240 annually) in accordance with the provisions of the current Compensation Plan. This position is in pay schedule 13, range 04.  The civil service classification is Archeologist.  A 12-month probationary period will be required.

Job Details

A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment to determine if the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job.

Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer, voluntary demotion, or former employees as a reinstatement) should complete the application process to apply.

WHS does not sponsor work visas.  Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.

Able to legally operate a motor vehicle from the Wisconsin Department of Administration State Fleet in the State of Wisconsin.

This position works primarily in the office or doing field work.

Qualifications

Please make sure to describe the following qualifications within your resume and/or letter of qualifications in order to be considered for this position.

Minimally qualified candidates must meet the standards of a ‘qualified archeologist’ according to the U.S. Secretary of Interior’s Standards and Guidelines (36 CFR 61) http://www.cr.nps.gov/local-law/arch_stnds_9.htm

  • At least one year of fulltime professional experience or equivalent specialized training in archaeological research, administration or management.
  • At least four months of supervised field and analytic experience in general North American archaeology.
  • Demonstrated ability to carry research to completion.
  • Graduate degree in archeology, anthropology or a closely-related field.

In addition to minimum qualifications, a well-qualified candidate will additionally have experience in one or more of the following areas:

  • Currently listed on or ability to be listed on the Archaeologists Qualified to Work within the Boundaries of a Human Burial Site Wis. Stats. § 157.70(1) (i) and HS 2.04(6).
  • Knowledge of archaeology of the Midwest and/or Upper Great Lakes
  • Familiarity with related fields such as geomorphology, paleo-ethnobotany, zooarchaeology, history, and ethnography.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead field survey and excavation crews, and to manage project budgets and schedules.

 How To Apply

Apply online via WiscJobs HERE. To apply, click “Apply for Job” to start the application process. Then, you will access your existing account or to create a new account if you don’t have an account. Once you are logged in, click “Apply for Job.” Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.

Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. For instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications for your application and what should be included in these materials, click here for resume and letter of qualifications instructions..

Submitted materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process.

We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce.

Questions can be directed to jan.zadra@wisconsinhistory.org or (608) 264-6409.

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.

Deadline to Apply

Applications are due at 11:59PM on February 19, 2024.