Maritime Archaeology Fellow

MARITIME ARCHEOLOGY FELLOW

Location: Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS) 816 State Street Madison, Wisconsin

Type of Employment: Full-time (40 hours per week), for a length of 14 weeks. Work hours are flexible between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday; evening and weekend work required.

Wage: $14.00 per hour

The Wisconsin Historical Society Maritime Preservation and Archaeology Program and the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute are seeking a graduate-level Maritime Archaeologist to fill a fellowship position. This position works under staff maritime archaeologists and State Archaeologist in the State Historic Preservation Office to preserve the maritime archaeological legacy of Wisconsin. This is a Limited Term Employee.

The archeologist will work on specific grant related projects, conducting research and analysis, as well as underwater archaeological fieldwork. The fellowship is part of a two-year grant funded by the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute to research and complete a Regional Context on scow schooners in the Great Lakes, providing a comparative analysis of their construction, use, and ties to Wisconsin’s broader maritime cultural past. They will be assigned tasks by the current archaeological staff and will carry them out with the assistance of volunteers or other archaeologists. The applicant must have knowledge and experience in conducting underwater archaeological diving operations and use of manual underwater mapping equipment. Knowledge of the operation of research vessels and project vehicles is not required but preferred. The applicant is responsible for daily completion of field tasks, project notes and maps, and for basic maintenance of project equipment.

The archaeologist will conduct historical research, write reports based upon archaeological and archival research, and complete other project-related tasks and other duties as assigned.

The archaeologist will also develop interpretive materials, prepare materials for the program’s websites, public programing, and historic shipwreck moorings.

This position requires extensive travel for fieldwork, presentations, and meetings. These activities usually include some weekend and evening hours. The position also requires the ability to conduct underwater archaeological surveys in cold water environments at depths ranging from 0 to 130 ft.

Goals and Worker Activities

25% A. Conduct Archeological Field Research

A1. Assist with preparations and field work for the field projects

A2. Work on post processing after the field project is complete, analyze field drawings and field notes

A3. Assist in the reexamination of previously surveyed scow-schooner wreck sites in Wisconsin

A4. Assist with ROV operations, diving, and analysis of scow schooner sites in Wisconsin

55% B. Conduct Archival Research, Develop Historic Context, Update Websites

B1. Compile and sort through historical information pertinent to current grant projects, and synthesize field notes to complete a detailed site description

B2. Write summary paragraphs for project related wrecks for websites and update images, locations, and other information

B3. Update Wisconsin Historic Preservation Database (WHPD) with detailed information about the project wrecks

B4. Analyze how the development of scow-schooners in other regions, such as San Francisco and New Zealand, compared to the use and design of scows in the Great Lakes

B5. Complete a Historic Context on scow schooners in full with the assistance of staff archaeologists

B6. Collect archaeological reports and maritime literature on scow-schooner wreck sites throughout the Great Lakes and analyze site notes, drawings, photographs, and historical information for additional interpretation

B7. Develop an addition to the Multiple Property Documentation Great Lakes Shipwrecks of Wisconsin for scow-schooners

B8. Write description of the design, development, and use of scow schooners throughout the Great Lakes region, and place them within a larger historical and cultural context

10% C. Public Outreach.

C1. Respond to written, electronic, and verbal requests for information about archaeological sites from professional, avocationalists, and other members of the public regarding the archaeology of Wisconsin.

C2. Provide lectures, presentations, and workshops on Wisconsin’s maritime archeology as requested.

10% D. Complete other tasks as assigned by the State Archaeologist and staff maritime archaeologists

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

The candidate must be a current graduate student and must also demonstrate experience in conducting historical research, report writing based upon the archaeological and archival research.

The applicant must have, at a minimum, a Nitrox Diver certification and a valid driver’s license. Preference will be given to applicants with a Drysuit Diver certification.

The position requires the ability to conduct underwater archaeological surveys in cold water environments at depths ranging from 0 to 130 ft.

Other:

Excellent written and oral communication skills
Effective interpersonal skills
Excellent organizational skills
Ability to lift and carry 30 pounds and have the physical dexterity and flexibility necessary to work in an office and maritime environment.
Ability to work independently, setting priorities and exercising independent judgment and meet deadlines.
Ability to use computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite, PowerPoint, Internet, etc.
Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures and equipment.
Ability to travel independently around the state, including evenings and weekends.
HOW TO APPLY

Send a resume/cover letter to daina.penkiunas@wisconsinhistory.org. Post will remain active until position is filled.
2 days ago
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