Project Director/Archaeologist

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 (WHS), 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, WHS believes that increasing the public's knowledge of history has profound societal, cultural, and economic benefit. Its library, archives and collections, historic sites and museums, historic preservation office, and extensive educational programs and community outreach are focused on our vision to enrich and transform lives through unparalleled access to history. Click here for more information about WHS' mission, vision, and core values.

WHS is committed to being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization because we truly believe this is the most effective way to attract, engage, and retain the best talent and the most meaningful way to support our mission.

Click here for more information about working for WHS.

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 Wisconsin Historical Society Cultural Resource Services (WHS-CRS) 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 $25.00 - $32.00 per hour plus excellent benefits. Pay on appointment for current or former state employees may vary according to the applicable pay provisions found in the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan. This position is in pay schedule 13, range 04. The classification is Archeologist. A 12-month probationary period will be required.

Visit this link for a calculator of State of Wisconsin benefits:

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.

Interested permanent classified state employees should complete this 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.

This position works in the office or in the field.

Special Requirements

• Ability to routinely be away from home for up to two weeks and to independently travel throughout the state on short notice.
• Ability to travel independently within Wisconsin and the Midwest as assigned by the supervisor.
• Able to legally operate a motor vehicle from the Wisconsin Department of Administration State Fleet in the State of Wisconsin.

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 candidate will have the following:

• Currently meets or has the ability to meet Secretary of the Interior Qualifications:
• 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.
• Experience leading field survey and excavation crews and managing project budgets and schedules.
• Experience managing and working with a diverse group which would include administrators, agency representatives, project coordinators, construction engineers, construction crews, archaeologists, laboratory analysts, and museum professionals.

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

• Listed or/ability to be listed as Qualified to Excavate Burials in Wisconsin
• Extensive knowledge of archaeology, in general, and the archaeology of the Midwest and/or Upper Great Lakes Region in particular.
• Extensive knowledge of, and experience with, professional research methods and field techniques appropriate to archaeological survey and excavation.
• Extensive knowledge of and experience with professional, federal and state archaeological standards, guidelines and practices.
• Extensive knowledge of archaeology, in general, and the archaeology of the Midwest and/or Upper Great Lakes Region in particular.
• Familiarity with related fields such as geomorphology, paleo-ethnobotany, zooarchaeology, history, and ethnography.

How To Apply

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.

WHS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

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The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

Deadline to Apply

Applications are due at 11:59PM on June 30, 2026.