Job Opportunities
Germanna Archaeology – Summer Field Positions
Germanna Archaeology is now accepting applications for its 2026 summer field season! We are seeking enthusiastic individuals ready to be a part of an amazing team. We have positions open for a Field Director and four paid Archaeology Interns.
Germanna Archaeology stewards and investigates archaeological resources on Historic Germanna’s properties in central Virginia. Since 2015, investigations have focused on an area containing the remains of the early 18th-century sites of Fort Germanna (1714), the Enchanted Castle (ca. 1720), and the town of Germanna (ca. 1724). This area also encompasses part of the Gordon farm and plantation, which was occupied for most of the 19th century.
This year, excavations will continue at the possible site of the first Spotsylvania County courthouse, in and around the east dependencies of the Enchanted Castle, and within the Gordon yard area. This research is a continuation of efforts initially funded by a state grant to study BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) resources on the property.
These positions will work closely with both volunteers and students from VCU’s archaeological field school. Although the site is not regularly open to the public, Germanna Archaeology hosts occasional open houses, during which staff will have the opportunity to engage with visitors.
We excavate 40 hours a week, typically Monday – Friday. Fieldwork takes place outdoors and in full sun. Limited housing may be available based on need.
Applications will be accepted until positions are filled; however, the decision process will begin on March 15, 2026. Interested candidates should email a resume and cover letter to Kelly Arford-Horne, Director of Archaeology and Cultural Resources, at kelly.arford-horne@germanna.org.
Historic Germanna is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Internships (12 weeks) are designed for upper-level college students or recent graduates seeking to develop and enhance their skills and understanding of archaeological field methods. Qualified applicants must have completed an archaeological field school and either hold a degree in archaeology or be actively working toward a degree. The 12-week summer internships run from May 26 to August 14, 2025. This position pays $18/hour.
Field Director
Minimum Qualifications:
- Undergraduate Degree in Anthropology, Anthropology, History or related field.
- Completion of an archaeological field school.
- At least one year (full-time) experience doing fieldwork in North America.
- Demonstrated ability to carry research to completion.
- Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks in an outdoor setting in various weather conditions.
- Ability to maintain positive relationships with co-workers, the public, diverse communities, and other organizations.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Graduate work/degree in Anthropology/Archaeology from an accredited institution of higher education.
- Archaeological field experience in the Mid-Atlantic.
- Experience with African American and/or Indigenous archaeology(s).
- Experience teaching/working with field schools.
- Supervisory experience within an archaeological setting.
- Skills with GIS and total station.
Duties:
- Work closely with the Director of Archaeology to manage excavations at archaeological sites located on the Germanna’s properties.
- Supervise, mentor, and instruct interns, volunteers, and students.
- Assist with administrative duties such as completing site forms, checking and maintaining site records, and maintaining a safe work environment.
- Excavate test units and STPs alongside interns, volunteers, and students when necessary.
- Operate equipment such as a total station and GPS.
- Participate in public events and public outreach.
- Supervise volunteers and field school students.
- Ensure that all archaeological work is ethical, responsible, and meets the highest standards of quality.
Preferred applicants for the Field Director position (16 weeks) will hold an advanced degree in archaeology and have experience supervising Phase III-level excavations. Experience in Virginia or the greater mid-Atlantic region is preferred. The 16-week Field Director position will begin May 18 and run through September 4. This position pays $20/hour.
Volunteer with Germanna!
Our several historic and natural properties, our genealogical research library, along with our interpretative and educational activities provide many opportunities for a variety of volunteer opportunities.
Archaeology: Historic Germanna staff archaeologist, Dr. Eric Larsen, accepts volunteers to help in archaeology work for the Foundation. Volunteers to assist in other archaeology work following the field season are also welcome. If you’re located near Locust Grove, VA, and want to help, please email Dr. Eric Larsen, Director of Archaeology and Cultural Resources, and let him know you’re willing to help.
Historic Germanna Visitor Center – Museum and Library Docent: Located in Locust Grove, VA, the Germanna Visitor Center, museum, and library are open to the public Tuesday through Friday, from 10am to 4 pm, and Saturday, 1pm to 4pm. Docents greet visitors, provide a short introduction to the exhibits in the museum, assist in the library, and handle light clerical, clean-up, and maintenance duties. Interest in area history, library science, or genealogy may be helpful but is not necessary, as Historic Germanna provides a short self-paced training guide and other materials to assist volunteer docents. A friendly and helpful demeanor is required, and docents need to be able to stand for periods of about a half-hour at a time, converse with visitors and answer questions, and be comfortable walking in and around the center and the grounds (in decent weather), including the Memorial Garden. Opportunities to serve at special events outside regularly scheduled open hours are occasionally available too.
Trails, Buildings, and Grounds Maintenance:
Salubria Docent: Salubria, located in Stevensburg, VA, in Culpeper County, just a few miles west of the Visitor Center on Route 3, does not currently have a regular schedule of public tours, but tours are made available by appointment April through October. While the Foundation does plan to establish public tour hours for Salubria in the future, we are seeking volunteers now to serve as docents to give tours (by appointment) at Salubria. Tours typically last about one hour if the visitors are able and desire to see the entire mansion and grounds. Docents must be able to learn to give the tour (materials and information is provided), walk (including some walking backward) for at least an hour without needing to stop and rest, and have a good, clear speaking voice.
Please note: All volunteers are required to review and sign the Historic Germanna Volunteer Form and Waiver Agreement. Additional docent guidelines and specific volunteer work instructions, including easy-to-follow dress code requirements and more detailed policies and procedures for certain volunteer activities, may be published and revised from time to time by the Foundation.
Interested volunteers should fill out this online application, and Germanna staff will be in touch shortly. A paper copy is available upon request. For more information, please contact Shannon Doherty, Education Manager, at sdoherty@germanna.org or 540-423-1700. Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us!
