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Archaeology Lab Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Staffingine LLC

Senior Archaeologist

Richmond, VA · On-site

Job Title: Senior Archaeologist Job Location: Richmond, VA Job Type: Full-Time * Conducts ... Works with technical field, lab and office staff, managers and administrative staff to ensure that ...

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Archaeology Lab information

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$9

$25

$44

How much do archaeology lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for archaeology lab in Virginia is $25.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an archaeology lab?

An Archaeology Lab job involves processing, analyzing, and preserving artifacts recovered from archaeological sites. Lab technicians clean, catalog, and study materials such as pottery, bones, and tools to help researchers understand past cultures. They may use microscopes, databases, and conservation techniques to ensure artifacts are properly documented and stored. These roles support field excavations and contribute to archaeological research and museum collections.

What does an archaeology lab do?

In an Archaeology Lab position, your daily tasks may include cleaning and cataloging artifacts, conducting preservation processes, and recording detailed data about each specimen. You will often contribute to ongoing research projects, assist with laboratory inventory, and help prepare materials for analysis or exhibition. Collaboration with archaeologists, researchers, and sometimes the public is common, especially when preparing reports or participating in outreach activities. This role provides a hands-on environment where attention to accuracy and teamwork are critical to the success of archaeological research and preservation efforts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an archaeology lab?

To excel in an Archaeology Lab position, you typically need experience in artifact handling, cataloging, and analysis, often supported by a degree in archaeology, anthropology, or a related field. Familiarity with lab-specific software, GIS mapping tools, and procedures for proper specimen documentation and conservation are valuable assets. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective teamwork set candidates apart in this environment. These abilities ensure that archaeological materials are preserved accurately, research is conducted efficiently, and findings are reliably communicated within a multidisciplinary team.

What are the most commonly searched types of Archaeology Lab jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Archaeology Lab jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Archaeology Lab jobs in Virginia?

For Archaeology Lab jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Archaeology Lab jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Archaeology Lab jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Archaeology Lab job openings:

Archaeology Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Archaeology Lab job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,066 per year, or $25 per hour.

Archaeology Summer Intern 2026

James Madison's Montpelier

Orange, VA

$12.66/hr

Full-time, Temporary, Internship

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Work as part of a mission and value driven team in carrying out all elements of the archaeological process in order to improve our understanding of the cultural resources of James Madisons Montpelier the home and the plantation. Work with the archaeology staff to conduct archaeological excavations and surveys, interpret this information to the visiting public on a day-to-day basis, be an active part of the Summer LEARN public archaeology program(s) at Montpelier, and in teaching the Summer Archaeology Field School. This position pays $12.66 an hour with an average of 35 hours per week (full time)

This position provides on property housing. The Archaeology team is dedicated to professional development and providing opportunities to expand your skills and advance your career. This position also provides an opportunity to apply for the 2026-27 internships with the Montpelier Archaeology Department.

DUTIES Learn from the archaeological department in order to build on and hone skills learned during the previous Field School Assist Archaeology staff in supervising and educating students during Montpeliers archaeological field school and at Arlington House. Excavation of archaeological strata and features individually and as part of a team using appropriate tools. Rigorous and conscientious recording of archaeological deposits (photography, stratum sheets, drawing) of excavated strata/features.

Assist in the survey of cultural resources and archaeological materials through the use of shovel test pits, transit/total station, geophysical survey, or walk over surveys as required. Post-excavation processing of archaeological materials in the archaeology lab (water-screening, floating, finds washing, gradient sorting, picking, cataloging). Check-in and process archaeological samples, and maintain archaeological collections database.

Instruct archaeological techniques during the LEARN Archaeology Public programs offered by the Montpelier Archaeology Department. Engage with the public in a polite and professional manner as one informs them of archaeological processes and historical concepts. This includes visitors at the archaeological site, archaeology lab, and using social media.

Work a varying weekly schedule that may include weekends (not to exceed 70 hours per pay period). Maintain and care for Arlington House throughout the field school. Work as part of a value driven team to further the goals of the Archaeology Department and mission of The Montpelier Foundation, setting an example for students.

Other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS: Must have attended the Montpelier Archaeology Departments archaeological field school within the past five years. Must be able to effectively communicate archaeological techniques to untrained volunteers and students; Willingness to adhere to The Values of The Montpelier Archaeology Department.

Acceptable background check

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