What are the responsibilities and job description for the Archaeologist - 00017 position at Gunston Hall?
Title: Archaeologist - 00017
State Role Title: Archaeologist
Hiring Range: $60,000 - $70,000
Pay Band: 4
Agency: Gunston Hall
Location: Gunston Hall
Agency Website: www.guntonhall.org
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
What is Gunston Hall?
Owned by the Commonwealth of Virginia and operated by the Gunston Hall Board of Regents, Gunston Hall’s mission is to stimulate the exploration and understanding of the principles expressed by George Mason in the 1776 Virginia Declaration of Rights. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and a National Historic Landmark, Gunston Hall was built from 1755-1759. The almost 6000-acre plantation was the home of George and Ann Mason, their children, and hundreds of enslaved people, indentured servants, wageworkers, and tenant farmers. Today, the site strives to tell the stories of these diverse people and demonstrate how their stories contribute to our greater American narrative.
The physical plant includes the house called Gunston Hall; five reconstructed outbuildings; a visitor center, museum, event facility, and museum shop; a restored 18th-century garden, and 550 acres of diverse landscape situated along the Potomac River in Fairfax County, Virginia. For more information, please visit www.gunstonhall.org. Gunston Hall is an equal opportunity employer.
Position Overview:
The Archaeologist is a full-time, temporary, term position, working within the Historic Preservation and Collections Department under the direct supervision of the Senior Vice-President of Operations and Mission Impact. In addition to supporting the overall mission of Gunston Hall and the Department to study and preserve the site’s archaeological resources, the Archaeologist is charged with conducting archaeological excavations and contributing to collaborative archaeological and historical research, post-excavation analyses, and report production. The Archaeologist works with the Staff Archaeologist to maintain consistency and quality control of Gunston Hall’s buried resources.
The primary focus of this position will be the excavation of the East Yard, one of the enslaved communities that lived at Gunston Hall.
Gunston Hall has embarked on an institution-wide initiative to invest resources to the preservation and interpretation of African American history and culture at its 554-acre site. From first-hand reports and archaeological surveys, we know those enslaved by George Mason lived in at least two communities on site: one to the southwest of the mansion in what was called “Log Town” and another smaller location directly east of the mansion, which today is called the East Yard.
Although the exact location of Log Town remains unknown, between 2013 and 2014, staff archaeologists located evidence of the East Yard community, including the remains of a structure, likely a living quarter. In 2021, Gunston Hall received funds from the Commonwealth of Virginia to conduct additional archaeological investigations and to design, reconstruct, and interpret the East Yard community – a project expected to conclude in 2026.
Responsibilities:
- Contribute to archaeological research designs, excavation strategies and field methodologies, project timelines, and budgets for all phases of archaeological research, and stewardship of cultural resources.
- Collaborate with the Staff Archaeologist to coordinate daily archaeological fieldwork, lead and manage archaeology volunteers in advancing archaeological research and mitigation goals.
- Collaborate with the Staff Archaeologist to develop broader archaeological research priorities, to develop, monitor, and report on work plans and budgets.
- Prepare and assist in preparation of interim field reports, as needed, and, in collaboration with the Staff Archaeologist, final archaeological reports, with outputs prepared for inclusion in the Gunston Hall archive.
- Collaborate with the Staff Archaeologist in accessioning archaeological objects into the Archaeology Collection, developing written and photographic documentation.
- Monitor all ground-disturbing activities on Gunston Hall property. Work closely with.
- Deliver archaeological tours and presentations, and support public outreach efforts. Willingness and ability to interact with Gunston Hall’s diverse public audiences, stakeholders, and descendant communities.
- Assist with interpreter training and dissemination of archaeological discoveries to ensure that all Gunston Hall employees are familiar with the archaeological program.
- Manage administrative tasks as assigned.
- Undertake other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Ability to meet the minimum of the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for an Archaeologist.
- M.A. in Historical Archaeology, Anthropology, History or closely related field.
- A minimum of three years of field experience excavating historic sites.
- Knowledge of archaeological methods and theory, including history and material culture of the British Atlantic world, field methodologies and associated technologies, artifact analyses, database functionality, and public interpretation.
- Experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), advanced training/certification preferred.
- Excellent communication skills, reflected in strong and effective writing and speaking, as well as excellent diplomacy skills.
- Flexibility, reliability, and the ability to occasionally work beyond a normal work day.
- Ability to successfully complete a security background check.
Additional Considerations
Minimum 3 years’ experience excavating historic sites
Minimum 1 years’ experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), advanced training/certification preferred.
Ability to meet the minimum of the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for an Archaeologist.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
This is a restricted position, expected to run 28 months, with the possibility of an additional six-month extension. This is a Commonwealth of Virginia position. This position is full-time, salaried, and classified as exempt. Compensation will be based on qualifications. Performance will be evaluated based on the achievement of collaboratively determined team and personal goals specific to the requirements of the position.
To be personally fulfilled and successful in this position, the Archaeologist must value authenticity, inclusiveness, stewardship, and civic engagement. The Archaeologist should bring a positive attitude to their work and promote good will and wellness within the organization. Finally, the Archaeologist should be an enthusiastic and willing learner, one that is committed to their own continual development and growth, and one who is passionate about facilitating the success of their colleagues.
Additional benefits of employment at Gunston Hall include:
- Opportunities to enjoy 554 acres of recreational and environmental amenities along the Potomac River.
- An organizational commitment to wellness and personal fulfillment.
- Access to comprehensive professional development programs.
- The ability to create flexible work experiences.
- The opportunity to collaborate with a creative team of individuals committed to the organization, our mission, and to each other’s success.
Gunston Hall is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusion. Qualified individuals who bring diverse perspectives and a wide range of experiences to the workplace are encouraged to apply.
Contact Information
Name: Debbie Wyatt-Smith
Phone: 804-338-8986
Email: Debbie.wyattsmith@dhrm.virginia.gov
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer
Salary : $60,000 - $70,000