Historic Germanna is accepting applications for Excavation Interns (4 positions). We are looking for individuals seeking to build experience working as archaeological technicians.
The ongoing project serves to educate both the wider public and starting archaeologists (through Internships, hosting the Virginia Commonwealth University’s Field School, and engaging with volunteers). This summer season will concentrate on excavations of the Fort Germanna/Enchanted Castle and town of Germanna sites. We have two 12-week and two 24-week positions. Please indicate if you wish to be considered for the 24-week position.
Successful candidates will help excavate and interpret the historic site of Fort Germanna (ca, 1714), Lt. Governor Alexander Spotswood’s Germanna home (ca. 1720s-40s), and the historic town of Germanna (1720s). Most of the time will be spent on field excavation, though Interns will also help with lab, survey, and monitoring tasks (common CRM skills). Completion of Field School or equivalent experience required.
These positions are designed for upper-level students or recent college graduates who want to develop and improve their skills and understanding of archaeological fieldwork. They offer the opportunity to gain excavation and recording experience on a complex, multi-component site and to work with the public, volunteers, field school students, and highly experienced professionals. Interns will use shovels and trowels to excavate natural layers, hand excavate features, screen soils, and record and draw features/layers, as well as many other tasks. Germanna offers generous opportunities for interns to pursue professional and educational interests and will provide training in any and all fieldwork-related skills within our abilities.
While the project goals focus on the first half of the 18th century, there are pre-colonial resources, and 19th-century farmstead components to the site as well. Larger goals of the project seek to study the peoples of Germanna – the Manahoac and other Indigenous peoples, the British colonizers, German immigrants who settled at Germanna in the 1710s, and of enslaved Africans who lived and worked in the community.
Public outreach has been a key component to the Germanna Archaeology program. Although access to the site is limited, we treat the site as a public archaeology site where field staff is expected to interact with visitors. “Open House” events are regularly scheduled. The pandemic brought some operational changes, but we wish interns to participate in-person events (when appropriate) as well as through digital formats such as videos, blog postings, or webinar updates.
The upcoming 12-week summer season runs from May 28 to August 16, 2024 (the longer-term positions will carry into the fall). We excavate 40 hours a week, typically Monday – Friday. Fieldwork takes place outdoors and in full sun. The position pays $16 an hour. Per diem, housing, and meals are NOT included.
Applications will be accepted until positions are filled; however, decision process will begin March 15, 2024. Interested candidates should e-mail a resume and cover letter to Dr. Eric Larsen, Director of Archaeology, at [email protected].
Travel to Germany with the Germanna Foundation