On Call Archaeology Lab Technician

WSP
Richmond, VA
On-siteCareer-pivot friendly

Who this role is best for

Candidates with laboratory experience and interest in cultural resource management will find this on-call role with WSP in Richmond, VA, suits those seeking project-based work in a collaborative environment.

Best fit for

  • Individuals with hands-on lab experience and a passion for artifact processing in cultural resource management
    — “conducting laboratory processing of artifacts”
  • Those who are adaptable and comfortable with intermittent, on-call work schedules
    — “This is an on-call position, where work will be project-to-project, and may be intermittent.”
  • People with strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures in a team-oriented setting
    — “attention to detail, ability to follow instructions, and good communication skills”

Things to consider

  • The role may require physical labor, including lifting up to 20 pounds
    — “Physical ability to lift up to 20 lbs.”
  • Candidates should be prepared for potential fieldwork opportunities in the Mid Atlantic region
    — “Work as part of a team. Assist in archaeological field studies”

How to stand out

  • Emphasize specific experience with artifact cataloging and photography in your resume and interview responses
    — “assist with artifact cataloguing and identification”
  • Highlight your ability to work in a team and follow instructions, with examples from past lab or museum settings
    — “Self-motivated, with good interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment”
  • Demonstrate familiarity with Microsoft Excel and Access, as these are explicitly required
    — “Experience with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • Assisting with laboratory processing of artifacts
  • Contributing to archaeological reports
Typical background
Experience in laboratory or museum settings

Skills & requirements

Required

Laboratory Processing Of ArtifactsArtifact CatalogingPhotographyAttention To Detail

Preferred

Archaeological Field StudiesReport Writing

Stack & domain

Laboratory ProcessingArtifact WashingCatalogingPhotographyLabelingTeamworkAttention To DetailCommunicationArchaeologyLaboratory

About the role

Original posting from WSP

This OpportunityWSP 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 currently 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.  

This is an on-call position, where work will be project-to-project, and may be intermittent. The successful candidate will have opportunities to join team members in archaeological field projects throughout the Mid Atlantic region.  

Your ImpactAssist 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.

Who You AreRequired 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 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..

Compensation:

Expected Salary:  $21.00-29.00 per hour

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. 

WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.

www.wsp.com

WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.

At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand.  Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.

Source: WSP careers

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