Laboratory Archaeologist (Lithic Specialist)

Title: Laboratory Archaeologist (Lithic Specialist)           
Location: New Orleans, LA           
Job Code: NOLA-LS24        
Job Link: SEARCH Job Postings - Direct Applications

Position Information

SEARCH has an immediate opening for a Full-Time Laboratory Archaeologist to join our Archaeology Lab team. This position is based out of our New Orleans laboratory office. This role will work within a cohesive lab environment committed to analyzing archaeological material from intake to curation in concert with laboratory staff supporting multiple projects, including projects for Federal and State government agencies. Laboratory Archaeologists may assist in archaeological fieldwork as needed.

SEARCH provides a flexible work environment, a professional and collaborative atmosphere, and a wide range of projects and opportunities for our staff. SEARCH offers a competitive total compensation package with strong health and wellness and retirement plans. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, group term life insurance, 401(k) plan with match, 10 paid holidays per year, and accrued paid time off (PTO). Pay is commensurate with education and experience.              

Key Responsibilities:

• Intake, organize, analyze, and prepare archaeological artifacts for analysis (including artifact stability assessment and washing).
• Maintain artifact provenience at all stages of lab analysis. 
• Perform general analysis on a full range of material culture artifacts.
• Conduct independent research of lithics and other artifacts as needed.
• Draft artifact descriptions for the inclusion in technical reports.
• Assist with photographing and editing artifacts for report graphics. 
• Write and label artifacts and bags clearly and precisely.
• Perform curation activities to project standards.
• Independently finalize and deliver curated projects. 
• Assist in delivering finalized data to Principal Investigators/Project Managers.
• Perform data entry using Microsoft Access and Excel.
• Maintain strict adherence to budgeted hours and project goals. 
• Comply and adhere to established laboratory procedures, protocols, and health and safety procedures.
• Assist in daily monitoring of laboratory duties.
• Assist in maintaining project and curation inventories. 
• Maintain lab organization.
• Track lab supplies and inform the Lab Manager when supplies are low. 
• Keep appraised of research literature regarding artifact analysis.  
• Maintain knowledge regarding industry standards in archeological curation.
• Keep a list of technical and analytical skills, updating list upon learning and adapting new skills.
• Travel, possibly for extended periods, to other SEARCH offices and lead laboratory projects and field labs.
• Maintain the highest professional image for our clients, co-workers, media, and the public. 
• Possess a positive attitude and strong work ethic, promoting SEARCH values across the company. 
• Other duties, as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications Required:

• Degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related field.
• Minimum two years laboratory experience in the identification of archaeological artifacts.
• Knowledge of methods pertaining to the recovery, treatment, identification, and qualitative, quantitative, and statistical analysis of cultural materials.
• Demonstrated knowledge of identification and analysis of prehistoric lithic debitage and tools, with emphasis on Southeastern US lithic tools.
• Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory curation standards and methodologies.
• Prior archaeology fieldwork experience.
• Ability to conduct archaeological fieldwork when needed.
• Completion of an archaeological field school.
• Technical writing ability.
• The ability to work well in a team environment, under the direction of a Laboratory Director and/or Laboratory Manager.            

Qualifications Preferred:

• Post-graduate degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a related field.
• Southeastern US and Caribbean archaeological material experience.
• Mid-western and Mid-Atlantic archaeological material experience.
• Understanding of the Cultural Resource Management (CRM) industry (firms, clients, contracts, new research, and projects) at the regionwide, nationwide, and worldwide level.

Application Requirements

• Cover letter
• Resume
• References
• Writing samples (if a collaborative report, identify sections authored) of material analysis and dissemination of findings.

Other Important Need-to-Know Information

• This position will require flexible availability outside of standard working hours.
• Applicants must be eligible to be employed in the United States.
• SEARCH is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where a variety of backgrounds, cultures, orientations, ideas, and talents can flourish.
• SEARCH is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
• SEARCH is an Affirmative Action Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace.
• Employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory verification of criminal, education, driving, and/or employment background checks as well as passing results from a pre-employment drug screen.
• We will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation to the known limitations of a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or, if requested, to participate in an interview, please let us know.

Benefits

SEARCH Compensation and Benefits include:

• Competitive Salary
• Per Diem (for overnight travel)
• SEARCH-subsidized Group Health Insurance (including Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage)
• SEARCH-provided Short-Term Disability Insurance
• SEARCH-provided Long-Term Disability Insurance
• SEARCH-provided Group Term Life Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Emergency Travel Assistance
• Generous 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Holidays (10)
• Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Merit-Based Raises, Bonuses, and Promotions

About SEARCH:

Overland and underwater, SEARCH is an archaeology firm that deploys the full spectrum of cultural heritage services worldwide. SEARCH2O, its maritime program, is at the forefront of historic shipwreck and submerged pre-contact archaeology, paleolandscape reconstruction, and deep-water archaeology. SEARCH’s staff are cultural resources industry leaders, pioneers, and subject matter experts across 45 Market, Regional, and Research Sectors. Since 1993, SEARCH has completed more than 5,000 commercial and government projects in 48 US states, 6 US territories, and 39 countries spanning 7 continents and 4 oceans. By integrating science, technology, and creativity, SEARCH harnesses the power of the past to advance the projects, places, and people it serves. 

For more information about SEARCH, please visit searchinc.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.      

Please send inquiries about the position to [email protected]. Include the Job Posting code (NOLA-LS24) in the subject line of your email.