Area: Thompson-Pell Research Center
Pay Rate: $50,000
Job Type: Full-time, permanent
Schedule: 40 hours per week, Occasional scheduled weekends and evenings
Welcoming visitors since 1909, Fort Ticonderoga is a non-profit educational organization, museum, historic site, center of education, and major cultural destination. We are committed to an authentic and engaging visitor experience in all facets of our public engagement and programs and uses of our landscape, structures, exhibits, and collections to educate over 75,000 annual visitors about our site’s history and nation’s military heritage. Click here to learn more about our Mission.
Fort Ticonderoga is committed to an authentic and engaging visitor experience in all facets of its public programs and uses its landscape, structures, exhibits, and collections to educate its visitors about the site’s remarkable history. In support of this commitment to preservation and education, the Archaeologist will manage all facets of the archaeology program including the research, stewardship, and accessibility of the archaeological collections. The Archaeologist will oversee the hiring, training, and managing of staff and volunteers who help with the cataloging of Fort Ticonderoga’s archaeological collections and field work related documentation; these tasks include artifact cataloging, photography, and rehousing, and the digitization of excavation records. The Archaeologist will play a vital role in Fort Ticonderoga’s two-year NEH-funded project to catalog and make accessible over 29,000 Revolutionary-era objects across three core collections. Central to this work is the Mars Education Center Archaeological Collection, the single largest professionally excavated body of material culture from the historic site. The Archaeologist will be responsible for completing the cataloging and photography of approximately 20,000 artifacts housed in 36 boxes, creating an estimated 3,500 catalog records.
The Mars Education Center Archaeological collection is extraordinary in scope and significance. Excavated between 1999 and 2006 by Hartgen Archaeological Associates, it encompasses personal items, military equipment, and architectural fragments that illuminate life at the fort from the French and Indian War through the American Revolution. These materials include the very tools used to construct Fort Ticonderoga, as well as munitions, fragments of firearms and edged weapons, building materials, ceramics, glass, animal bone, textiles, and leather. The breadth of this assemblage provides an unparalleled view of military life in the 18th century, capturing both the daily experiences of soldiers and the broader realities of transatlantic warfare.
Reporting to the VP of Museum Affairs, the Archaeologist will collaborate closely with the Collections Manager, Curator, and other project staff to maintain consistency across cataloging standards. The role includes mentoring Edward W. Pell Graduate Fellows who will assist with archaeological cataloging each summer, thereby extending the project’s impact by training emerging professionals. The Archaeologist will also participate in weekly project meetings, contributing expertise to problem-solving, and ensuring the project adheres to its timeline and goals. As a leader in the organization and in the field, the Archaeologist is expected to strengthen existing and develop new partnerships that support the museum’s strategic plan and mission.
Knowledge, Skills and Ability:
Applicant must be enthusiastic, energetic, and have a passion to grow Fort Ticonderoga’s archaeology program and steward the archaeologically rich collections and historic landscape. Candidate must possess a strong ability to multi-task, establish priorities, and maintain organization in a fast-paced environment. A demonstrated background in historic archaeology, collections management of archaeological collections, field work, and project and team management is required. Candidate should possess a knowledge of American military and social history and have experience working with 18th century material culture. Experience with ArcGIS preferred.
Initiative is required, and the candidate must be able to both work independently and be an effective team member. Applicant must have a proven track record of developing and managing projects in an efficient and economical manner. A commitment to excellence is expected, and an outstanding professional demeanor, energy level and work ethic is required. They must be able to strategically support Fort Ticonderoga’s mission and vision and help lead a positive, high-quality organization.
A master’s degree in archaeology, anthropology, material culture, or another related field of study along with 5 years of professional archaeological experience preferred.
Salary Range and Benefit Information:
This is a full-time, benefit eligible, position with a salary of $50,000 annually, funded in the first two years through the National Endowment for the Humanities. Fort Ticonderoga is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers a generous benefits package including:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.
- Employees may enroll in the museum’s 401(K) plan
- Combined time off up to 160 hours per year (120 vacation time and 40 sick time).
To apply
Please upload your cover letter and CV as ONE COMBINED FILE. The file name should be formatted as Last Name_Archaeologist_CV. PDFs or word documents are accepted. Applications are due September 13th.
