On Call Archaeology Lab Technician

About the role

WSP is currently initiating a search for an On Call Archaeology Lab Technician in our Richmond, VA office. Be involved in projects with our Earth & Environment Cultural Resource Team and contribute to a growing organization that solves our client’s cultural resource challenges and helps preserve our cultural heritage. WSP is looking for a talented individual to fill an hourly, project-based position conducting laboratory processing of artifacts. This position will work with senior archaeologists, field supervisors, and other staff to intake collections from the field, wash artifacts, catalog materials under supervision, take artifact photographs, and prepare collections for long-term curation. The successful candidate will bring enthusiasm, laboratory skills, and attention to detail to contribute to WSP’s capacity and reputation in the environmental and engineering marketplace. Collections will be from sites in the Mid Atlantic region and will span the breadth of human history. The successful candidate will have experience with archaeological laboratory processes, including washing and cataloging artifacts. Experience with collections from the Eastern US is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with laboratory processing of artifacts supervised by a Lab Director.
• Assist with cleaning artifacts and ecofacts.
• Assist with artifact cataloguing and identification.
• Assist with artifact photography.
• Assist with artifact labeling.
• Work as part of a team.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision‑making regarding company resources and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
• Intake collections from the field, wash artifacts, catalog materials under supervision, take artifact photographs, and prepare collections for long‑term curation.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 0‑1 year experience working or volunteering in a laboratory or museum setting.
• Self‑motivated, with good interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment.
• Attention to detail, ability to follow instructions, and good communication skills.
• Physical ability to lift up to 20 lbs.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, History, or a related field.
• Willingness to assist in archaeological field studies.
• Willingness to contribute to archaeological reports.
• Expertise identifying precontact or historic period artifacts from the Mid Atlantic region of the U.S.

Skills

• Laboratory artifact processing (washing, cataloging, photography, labeling).
• Attention to detail and ability to follow instructions.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Access.
• Ability to identify precontact and historic period artifacts from the Mid Atlantic region.

Benefits

• Flexible and agile workplace model.
• Comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings.
• Focus on health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.

Pay

Expected Salary: $21.00‑29.00 per hour

Schedule

This is an on‑call position, with work scheduled project‑to‑project and may be intermittent.