Internship - Archaeology

The U.S. Army Environmental Command (USAEC) proudly delivers environmental services and solutions in support of the Army's Environmental Program, enabling Army readiness and sustainability. For more than 40 years, USAEC has provided the knowledge, tools, and programs that support ready and resilient Soldiers, installations, and commands by balancing military training with sound environmental practices. For more information about the USAEC, please visit Caution-https://aec.army.mil/.

Fort Huachuca is an Army installation in southeastern Arizona, adjacent to the town of Sierra Vista. The installation contains 73,000 acres with the Huachuca Mountains on the west boundary, and the majority of installation is in a high desert environment. The installation includes a National Historic Landmark District (the original 1880s fort), 2 eligible districts, and over 100 eligible buildings and 460 archaeological sites. The buildings range from the 1880s fort to Cold War Electronic Proving Ground facilities, and archaeological sites include over 10,000 years of habitation from the Paleoindian period through the Cold War. 

Participant will assist in the cultural resources program, which includes archaeological survey and site recording, artifact identification and analysis, historic building documentation, and professional report writing. Additional projects may include public outreach (ie. public/school tours and presentations, preparing exhibits, etc.), artifact curation, and database management depending on the interest of the intern. The goal of the internship is for the participant to become proficient in the basic archaeological skills required in government cultural resource management, as well as work on a project of their choice (special interest). A combination of field work, lab work, and office functions will give valuable hands-on experience in government cultural resources management. The internship provides the opportunity to learn all aspects of Army cultural resources work, including archaeological fieldwork and management of historic buildings. Fieldwork will consist of locating archaeological sites, completing site forms, mapping sites using GPS, and identifying and recording artifacts and features. There is potential for limited test excavations at select sites. The position includes analyzing and interpreting the results of field projects and writing professional compliance reports. Training opportunities are provided, at minimum, in Section 106 compliance, ATV use, GIS and GPS use, unexploded ordnance identification, as well as professional development in local cultural resources meetings. Other duties include participating in outreach and educational events with local military and civilian personnel. This is not a field school, but hands on experience in an active Army cultural resources program. The position is for summer interns, but there is potential for full-time work after graduation.

This appointment is a 3-12 month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by USAEC. Stipends are typically based on the participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:

The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOD, or any other office or agency. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

While participants will not enter into an employment relationship with DOD or any other agency, this opportunity will require a suitability investigation/background investigation. Any offer made is considered tentative pending favorable outcome of the investigation.

Must be in or have completed an undergraduate or graduate program in Anthropology with an emphasis/concentration in Archaeology. Graduates must have an archaeological field school or equivalent experience. Applicants must have the ability to use or quickly learn Microsoft Word programs, work in a desert environment with rough terrain, and work well in a team environment. Applicants must be able to pass a basic background investigation. Skills that will be considered, but are not required, are previous archaeological fieldwork, GPS use, and writing experience.