Position Summary
The Wisconsin Historical Society’s Maritime 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 the State Archaeologist in the State Historic Preservation Office to preserve the maritime archaeological legacy of Wisconsin.
The archeologist will work on specific grant-related projects, conducting research and analysis and potentially 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 historic context on fireboats in the Great Lakes and study two known fireboat wrecks off Milwaukee, providing 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 and/or other archaeologists. The ideal candidate will have proven writing experience, knowledge of underwater archaeological diving operations, and experience in the use of manual underwater mapping equipment. 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 historical research, and complete other project-related tasks and duties as assigned. The archaeologist will also develop interpretive materials and prepare materials for the program’s websites, public outreach efforts, and PK12 programming. Both diving and non-diving applicants are encouraged to apply.
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Complete a Historic Context on fireboats in the Great Lakes and beyond with the assistance of staff maritime archaeologists.
- Collect archaeological reports and maritime literature on fireboats and fireboat wreck sites throughout the Great Lakes and analyze site notes, drawings, photographs, and historical information for additional interpretation.
- Write description of the development and use of fireboats throughout the Great Lakes region and place them within a larger historical and cultural context.
- Compile and sort through historical information pertinent to current grant projects, and synthesize field notes to complete detailed site descriptions.
- Assist with preparations and field work for field projects.
- Analyze and synthesize field drawings and field notes after field projects are complete.
- Respond to written, electronic, and verbal requests for information about archaeological sites from professionals, avocationals, and other members of the public regarding the maritime archaeology of Wisconsin.
- Explore various means of publicizing Wisconsin’s coastal heritage, including creating and updating materials for PK-12 educational programming, interactive kiosks, Wisconsinshipwrecks.org, Wisconsin Maritime Trails signage, History Center exhibits, etc.
- Provide lectures, presentations, and workshops on Wisconsin’s maritime archeology as requested.
Note:
This position may require significant travel for fieldwork, presentations, and meetings. These activities usually include some weekend and evening hours.
Salary Information
Pay range is $25.00 – $27.00 per hour with a weekend differential of 80 cents per hour. This classification is in schedule and class 13-04.
Please note this is a Limited Term Employment position so it does not include paid time off or benefits upon hire.
Job Details
A criminal background check will be conducted by WHS prior to an offer of employment to determine if the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job.
This is a Limited Term Employment (LTE) position and limited to 1,039 hours. This position will be part time and average 40 hours per week.
Wisconsin residency is required for Limited Term Employment positions.
Limited Term Employment (LTE) positions are not civil service classified positions, do not give any rights to permanent civil service classified positions and do not lead to permanent status.
WHS does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.
Certain positions within WHS may allow remote/work from home flexibility for a portion of their work schedule, depending on the needs of the position and the work unit. This topic and any remote work flexibility that may be available will be discussed in more detail in the interview process.
Qualifications
- Graduate degree or progress towards a graduate degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or related field with maritime archaeological field experience
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to research and report on complex issues.
- Experience conducting historical research on maritime topics.
- Experience preparing written material based on archival and archaeological investigations.
- Experience developing interpretive materials for websites and public programming.
- Experience working with the public.
- Ability to work independently, set priorities, exercise independent judgment, and meet deadlines.
- Knowledge of general maritime history, nautical terminology, and shipbuilding techniques.
- Familiarity with the National Register of Historic Places program and structure of National Register nominations.
- Knowledge of federal and state historic preservation laws relating to maritime archaeological resources.
- Effective interpersonal and organizational skills
- Ability to use computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud suite, ArcGIS Pro, etc.
- Ability to travel, including some overnights and weekends.
- Possession of a valid U.S. Driver’s License.
- Ability to operate project vehicles, such as pickup trucks and vans.
How To Apply
Apply online! To apply, click “Apply for Job” to start the application process. Then, you will access your existing account or to create a new account if you don’t have an account. Once you are logged in, click “Apply for Job.” Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.
Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. For instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications for your application and what should be included in these materials, click here.
Submitted materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process.
We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce.
Questions can be directed to dawn.garcia@wisconsinhistory.org or (608) 264-6670
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Deadline to Apply
Applications are due at 11:59PM on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
Underwater Archaeology and Maritime History jobs 