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Project Archaeologist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Historian A

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$51K - $76K/yr

... archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly ... Ensures that projects are completed on time and within budget. * Serves as a staff liaison to and ...

Director, HRIS

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$119K - $178K/yr

... archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly ... Establish implementation governance, project plans, milestones, risk management strategies, testing ...

Director, HRIS

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

... archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly ... Establish implementation governance, project plans, milestones, risk management strategies, testing ...

... archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly ... projects and garden-related activities. Work with little direction or supervision and solve ...

Showing results 41-60

Project Archaeologist information

See Virginia salary details

$31.2K

$60.2K

$96.2K

How much do project archaeologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for project archaeologist in Virginia is $60,189.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,600.00 and $68,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a project archaeologist?

Project Archaeologists are professionals who manage and oversee archaeological projects, often within the context of cultural resource management (CRM). They are responsible for planning fieldwork, supervising excavation teams, ensuring compliance with regulations, analyzing findings, and preparing reports. Project Archaeologists typically coordinate with clients, government agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure that archaeological sites are investigated and preserved according to legal and ethical standards. Their work helps protect historical and cultural resources during development or construction projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a project archaeologist?

To thrive as a Project Archaeologist, you need a solid background in archaeology, fieldwork experience, and at least a bachelor's (often a master's) degree in archaeology or anthropology. Familiarity with GIS software, GPS mapping tools, and compliance with federal and state cultural resource management regulations is typically required. Strong leadership, attention to detail, and clear communication are important soft skills for managing teams, reporting findings, and working with stakeholders. These competencies ensure that projects meet scientific standards, legal requirements, and are completed efficiently and ethically.

How does a project archaeologist typically collaborate with other professionals on excavation projects?

Project Archaeologists often work closely with a multidisciplinary team that may include field technicians, laboratory specialists, historians, and environmental scientists. They are responsible for coordinating fieldwork, ensuring compliance with regulations, and synthesizing findings for reports. Effective communication and leadership are key, as they must oversee excavation activities, delegate tasks, and integrate input from various experts to ensure that the project meets both scientific and legal requirements. This collaborative environment provides exposure to diverse perspectives and fosters professional growth.

What is the difference between Project Archaeologist vs Field Archaeologist?

AspectProject ArchaeologistField Archaeologist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Archaeology or related field; often requires fieldwork experienceBachelor's degree in Archaeology or related field; focus on hands-on excavation skills
Work EnvironmentCoordinates projects, manages teams, analyzes data, reports findingsConducts excavations, surveys, and site documentation in the field
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, cultural resource management firms, government agenciesArchaeological sites, excavation projects, field research teams

While both roles involve archaeological work, a Project Archaeologist typically oversees entire projects, manages teams, and analyzes data, whereas a Field Archaeologist focuses on conducting excavations and collecting field data. The Project Archaeologist has broader responsibilities including planning and reporting, making it a supervisory role, while the Field Archaeologist is more hands-on with fieldwork.

What does a project archaeologist do?

A project archaeologist is responsible for planning, managing, and conducting archaeological excavations and research projects. They document findings, analyze artifacts, and ensure compliance with preservation laws, often working in the field and using tools like GIS and surveying equipment. Strong organizational skills and knowledge of archaeological methods are essential for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Project Archaeologist jobs in Virginia?

For Project Archaeologist jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Project Archaeologist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,189 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

Architectural Preservation and Research Assistant

Colonial Williamsburg

Williamsburg, VA • On-site

$16.78 - $25.14/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Colonial Williamsburg rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 29 rated museums


Job description

Who We Are
Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is "that the future may learn from the past" through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia's colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.
Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 89 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, The Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library.
Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today's evolved tastes. Each year over 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.
About the Position
The Architectural Preservation and Research Associate will support the Architectural Preservation and Research team by managing and assisting with: project documentation and reporting; management of work on properties throughout the Historic Area; building inspections; documentation of and research on accessioned objects in the architectural collections; architectural research and documentation.
Main Duties:
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Manage and assist with the on- and off-site management of the Department of Architectural Preservation and Research projects and initiatives across the Foundation.
• Coordinate, document, and manage projects as assigned. Includes providing project updates and information for activity reports.
• Maintain ongoing, upcoming, and completed project lists as assigned.
• Manage the preservation paint program and update Historic Area paint records.
• Assist with condition assessments of original and reconstructed buildings and some modern facilities throughout the Foundation; gather information on buildings and their maintenance systems in support of the condition assessments.
• Assist with building closings, including documentation and coordination between the Department of Architectural Preservation and Research and other internal groups.
• Assist with the documentation and organization of the architectural fragment collection, including but not limited to database input, cataloging, photography, research, and written reports.
• Assist with architectural research and documentation projects as assigned.
• Perform other duties as required.
This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.
This job description reflects the general responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties and responsibilities may evolve over time based on operational needs.
Required Education and Experience:
• Must have a four-year undergraduate degree in historic preservation, architectural history, or closely related field.
Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver's license and have an acceptable driving record based on The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation's criteria.
  • Must be able to provide a 5-year Motor Vehicle Record prior to employment
  • Must be at least 21 years of age
  • May not have more than 1 moving violation or at fault accident within 12 months
  • May not have more than 2 moving violations or at fault accidents within 36 months
  • May not have any serious motor vehicle violations including but not limited to excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:
• 2+ years of professional experience.
• Knowledge of 18th-, 19th-, and 20th-century architectural styles and construction techniques; proficiency with design and imaging software; experience documenting historic structures; knowledge of investigative techniques; experience with the care and management of museum collections.
Key Skills / Competencies:
Knowledge of:
• 18th-, 19th-, and 20th-century architectural styles and construction techniques.
• Experience documenting historic structures.
• Investigative techniques.
• Archival materials, cataloguing, and conducting primary research. Skills and Abilities:
• Proficiency with design and imaging software.
• Proficiency with hand- and computer-aided documentation.
• Experience with the care and management of museum collections.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Strong organization and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
Physical and Environmental Demands:
Work is performed in a combination of office and external environments. The position may require walking, standing, and occasional bending or light lifting. The role may involve exposure to materials, tools, and environmental conditions typical of historic structures and their restoration.
Compensation Disclaimer: The compensation listed below for this position represents the anticipated hiring range and is provided in accordance with Virginia pay transparency requirements. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as the selected candidate's skills, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, internal equity, and the specific requirements of the role.
Range: $16.78 to $25.14
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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