Researcher I
Academic Staff
Terminal (Fixed Term)
Researcher I
Humanity’s story is written in bones, landscapes, languages, and living traditions. Our programs explore what it means to be human across time and place, from the deep past to the complexities of today’s world. Students learn to ask big questions, work with diverse kinds of evidence, and engage thoughtfully with cultures, communities, and environments.
Through hands-on research, close faculty mentorship, and a commitment to ethical, inclusive inquiry, our programs prepare students to understand human diversity and change in all its forms. Graduates leave with critical thinking skills, global perspective, and real-world experience that translate to careers in research, education, public service, cultural resource management, health, and beyond.
The Researcher I is 100% on campus (and in the field) position and responsible for oversight of specific research and service based cultural resource projects performed in the field and laboratory. The position will conduct cultural resource field operations and ensure that work is carried out in a safe and timely manner. The Researcher I will maintain field equipment and supplies as needed. Day-to-day tasks may include conducting phase I reconnaissance surveys, evaluating archaeological sites for listing on the NRHP, leading site investigations/data recovery, monitoring heavy-machinery excavations, total station mapping, supervising crew excavations, training new crew, proofing project documentation, excavation plan and profile drawings, and maps, taking photographs, supervising and participating in activities related to Wis. Stat. §157.70, and providing weekly reports and comprehensive and concise project summaries to the UWM-CRM Principal Investigators and other senior staff. The Researcher I position includes both field and laboratory responsibilities and can expect to be in the field (including overnights) up to roughly 50% of the time. Other laboratory work may include conducting background, archival and literature research, material culture analyses, recordkeeping, report writing and proofing, and creating report illustrations and maps.
The Researcher I will be based in the UWM-CRM offices on UWM’s campus. However, the work requires travel throughout Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest to direct and/or monitor on-going UWM-CRM projects and produce progress reports for UWM-CRM staff and clients. Fieldwork may be conducted in remote locations under stressful conditions and requires moderate physical fitness.
Fieldwork (35%) – Conduct field investigations that include but not limited to: Monitoring, Phase I Survey, Phase II Site Evaluation, Data Recovery and Cultural Resource Evaluation.
Laboratory work (25%) - Literature and Background Research, Determination of Eligibility Document Preparation, Determination of No Adverse Effect Documentation, Property Deed Research, and Documentation for Consultation of Adverse Effects.
Report Preparation and Writing (20%) – Complete letter reports, technical memos and reports of investigations for completed projects.
Project Coordination and Sponsor Consultation (10%) – Work with sponsors and project managers to determine staffing levels and program coordination efforts.
Program Organization Management (10%) – Assist senior staff with managing the CRM program resources and personnel.
$47,000- $52,000 (Final salary offer will be determined based on qualifications and experience)
1-2 years supervisory experience leading cultural resource management field projects/
Completed Master of Arts or Science degree in Anthropology/Archaeology or similar.
Meets Secretary of Interior’s Professional Standards for Archaeology or History and Architecture History.
Possess expertise in archaeological material culture analysis.
Meets qualifications for listing on the Wisconsin Historical Society’s list of Qualified to Excavate Human Remains.
Experience and proficiency in technical writing and report preparation.
Knowledge of Midwestern/Great Lakes prehistoric or historic archaeology or historic architecture.
Experience with GIS and total station mapping.
Three years of supervisory experience in leading cultural resource management field projects.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and ESRI GIS software.
Knowledge of federal and state regulatory laws and process (Wisconsin preferred).
Qualified to excavate human remains in Wisconsin.
Must have a valid driver’s license
Must be able to work in varying temperatures and weather conditions
Ability to perform strenuous work lifting, stooping, bending over with moderate exertion.
Interested applicants are required to apply online and provide a cover letter and detailed resume/CV that addresses your professional level work experience as it relates to all required and preferred qualifications.
Note: Applications missing any of the required documents listed prior to the application deadline will be marked as incomplete and will not be considered.
In instances where the Search and Screen Committee is unable to ascertain from a candidate’s application materials whether they meet any of the qualifications, they will be evaluated as not meeting such qualifications.
Finalist candidate(s) being considered for hire will be required to provide three professional/supervisor references through an external reference checking tool. References will not be contacted prior to candidates being notified.
Apply electronically by the application deadline date of Sunday, August 30 , 2026. Questions about this position should be directed to Joshua Xiong at [email protected]
Reasonable Accommodations
Pursuant to university policy , UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact [email protected] or 414-229-4463. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.
Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWM is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWM will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.
CBC and Reference Check Policy
Employment will require a criminal background check. UWM takes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the UWM Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/ , or call UWM’s Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at (414) 229-4632 for a paper copy.
Employment Authorization
In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
