Well it is the question isn’t it?
The Department of Historic Resources (DHR) has a great working culture, allows for telework/flex schedules and is a learning environment that allows individuals to thrive in their careers. DHR is seeking an experienced Archaeologist to develop and implement a long-range underwater archaeology program in Virginia. The selected individual will work independently creating a framework for and administering an extensive inventory program underwater resources, both coastal and inland. They will work in consultation with DHR professional staff on projects that may disturb underwater historic properties, including advising projects under 106 review. The Program objectives include conducting archival research of potential submerged cultural resources lying on state-owned bottomlands; to identify sites of potential State and National Register significance; to identify geographical areas of high cultural resource density; to identify areas of high research potential, in conjunction with state guidelines; to identify areas of most probable negative impact, due to construction, erosion, salvage, etc.; and to develop and implement a preservation action plan for the investigation of those submerged cultural resources, based upon the above research data. Duties: Plan and conduct survey level field research and wreck inventory and partner with state and federal agencies on historic shipwreck investigations; archaeological research and wreck inventory; work with state and federal agencies to ensure appropriate historic resource protection after major disasters; analyze archaeological and historical data; utilize VCRIS and GIS; write reports, public materials, and scholarly articles, and present professional and public talks and lectures on Marine Archeology; manage the Virginia shipwreck tagging (STAMP) efforts and serve as the liaison to the broader STAMP program; works closely with Maritime Heritage Chapter of the ASV on training and volunteer programs; and follow all safety guidelines/procedures and ethics requirements. The incumbent will have Basic Open Water certification with a major certifying agency (Advanced Open Water certification preferred). Position requires periodic travel within the state for fieldwork, presentations, and meetings. Additional duties maybe assigned. Comprehensive knowledge of archaeological principles; local, state and federal laws related to the cultural resource protection and marine archeology; remote-sensing survey electronics and interfacing; and field research logistics. Knowledge of software related to site mapping, image processing, computer-aided drafting, and photogrammetry preferred. Essential abilities include public speaking and public relations, to analyze and synthesize archeological field results to produce archeological reports and peer-reviewed articles; to interact with the public, avocational archeologists and owners of archeological sites; to work in a setting requiring self-motivation/cooperative decision-making and to work effectively with diverse groups of people; and to recruit and supervise volunteers. Demonstrated knowledge of the general maritime history of Virginia; software related to remote-sensing survey data collection and analysis, navigation, and GIS programs. Work experience in marine archeology field demonstrating project leadership and boat handling skills are essential. Human relations and organizational skills necessary. The selected candidate will be required to complete a criminal background check as a condition of employment. Must be a certified Diver and a valid driver license is required.
