Researcher I

School/College/Division: Humanity’s story is written in bones, landscapes, languages, and living traditions. Our programs explore what it means to be human across time and place, from the deep past to the complexities of today’s world. Students learn to ask big questions, work with diverse kinds of evidence, and engage thoughtfully with cultures, communities, and environments. Through hands-on research, close faculty mentorship, and a commitment to ethical, inclusive inquiry, our programs prepare students to understand human diversity and change in all its forms.

About the role

The Researcher I is a 100% on-campus (and in the field) position responsible for oversight of specific research and service-based cultural resource projects performed in the field and laboratory. The position will conduct cultural resource field operations and ensure that work is carried out in a safe and timely manner. The Researcher I will maintain field equipment and supplies as needed. Fieldwork may be conducted in remote locations under stressful conditions and requires moderate physical fitness.

The position includes both field and laboratory responsibilities and can expect to be in the field (including overnights) up to roughly 50% of the time. The Researcher I will be based in the UWM-CRM offices on UWM’s campus but requires travel throughout Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest to direct and/or monitor ongoing projects.

Responsibilities

• Conduct cultural resource field operations, including:
  • Phase I reconnaissance surveys
  • Evaluating archaeological sites for listing on the NRHP
  • Leading site investigations/data recovery
  • Monitoring heavy-machinery excavations
  • Total station mapping
  • Supervising crew excavations
  • Training new crew members
  • Proofing project documentation, excavation plans, profile drawings, and maps
  • Taking photographs
  • Supervising and participating in activities related to Wis. Stat. 157.70
• Provide weekly reports and comprehensive project summaries to UWM-CRM Principal Investigators and senior staff
• Perform laboratory work, including:
  • Conducting background, archival, and literature research
  • Material culture analyses
  • Recordkeeping
  • Report writing and proofing
  • Creating report illustrations and maps
• Fieldwork (35%):
  • Monitoring
  • Phase I Survey
  • Phase II Site Evaluation
  • Data Recovery
  • Cultural Resource Evaluation
• Laboratory work (25%):
  • Literature and background research
  • Determination of Eligibility Document Preparation
  • Determination of No Adverse Effect Documentation
  • Property deed research
  • Documentation for Consultation of Adverse Effects
• Report Preparation and Writing (20%): Complete letter reports, technical memos, and reports of investigations for completed projects
• Project Coordination and Sponsor Consultation (10%): Work with sponsors and project managers to determine staffing levels and program coordination efforts
• Program Organization Management (10%): Assist senior staff with managing the CRM program resources and personnel

Requirements

• 1-2 years supervisory experience leading cultural resource management field projects
• Completed Master of Arts or Science degree in Anthropology/Archaeology or similar field
• Meets Secretary of Interior’s Professional Standards for Archaeology or History and Architecture History
• Expertise in archaeological material culture analysis
• Meets qualifications for listing on the Wisconsin Historical Society’s list of Qualified to Excavate Human Remains
• Experience and proficiency in technical writing and report preparation
• Knowledge of Midwestern/Great Lakes prehistoric or historic archaeology or historic architecture
• Experience with GIS and total station mapping
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to travel and spend multiple days in the field with overnights
• Ability to work in varying temperatures and weather conditions
• Ability to perform strenuous work involving lifting, stooping, and bending over with moderate exertion

Preferred Qualifications

• Three years of supervisory experience in leading cultural resource management field projects
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and ESRI GIS software
• Knowledge of federal and state regulatory laws and processes (Wisconsin preferred)
• Qualified to excavate human remains in Wisconsin

Pay

$47,000 - $52,000 (Final salary offer will be determined based on qualifications and experience)