Archaeology Internship

Minimum qualifications: 

We are accepting applications from current college students who will have a completed bachelor's degree at the time of hire (May 2025), in Anthropology, History, Geography or other similar field with demonstrated focus or specialization in archaeology. 

OR 

Recent college graduates who have obtained a bachelor's degree in Anthropology, History, Geography, or other similar field with a demonstrated focus or specialization in archaeology in the last two years. 

OR 

First or second year graduate students in Anthropology, History, Geography or other similar field with demonstrated focus or specialization in archaeology. 

Special qualifications: 

Driving is an essential function of this position. You must have a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record. We will conduct pre-employment driving records checks on our final candidate(s). Your license does not have to be issued in Oregon to be considered. 

Are you passionate about Oregon's history and culture? Our eastern Oregon archaeology team is offering a unique internship opportunity for current students interested in pursuing a career in government sector archaeology. This position provides a fantastic foundation for long-term success in cultural resource management, allowing you to apply your archaeological knowledge and understanding of cultural resource laws while gaining hands-on experience in project development and resource management. 

As an integral part of the team, you will have the chance to contribute to the agency's mission and values while gaining exposure to the diverse archaeological landscape of eastern Oregon. This internship offers both fieldwork and office-based tasks, helping you develop critical thinking skills to interpret and assess cultural resources. You’ll work alongside professionals, assisting with cultural resource compliance for transportation projects, all while supporting the preservation of Oregon's rich heritage. 

Whether you're aiming for a career in archaeology or cultural resource management, the skills and experience gained in this role are transferable and will help you build a strong foundation for future career growth. 

This job posting is for temporary positions and does not include the typical benefits available for permanent employees. Temporary employees may be eligible for employee health benefits offered through the Public Employees Benefit Board (PEBB) as outlined in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.  

We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for our positions. We hope you’ll join us on our path to increasing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging through our values, commitments, strategies and actions. 

What you will learn: 

Identify and assess potential impacts to archaeological sites, Traditional Cultural Places (TCPs), and other cultural resources during transportation project planning and construction complying with both federal and state cultural resource management laws, including the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and Oregon state laws such as ORS 97.740 and ORS 358.905. 

Hands-on experience in completing federal cultural resource compliance work for several transportation projects across eastern Oregon. You will gain valuable fieldwork experience through pedestrian surveys, shovel probes, and site evaluations, while working in a variety of diverse regions such as the Columbia Plateau, Wallowa River Valley, Blue Mountain Basin, and the Great Basin. With the potential to encounter a wide range of archaeological resources, from precontact hunting and gathering sites to the Oregon Trail, this position offers a comprehensive introduction to archaeological methods and cultural resource management. 

Support office work including creating maps, preparing site forms, and drafting survey reports. These reports are essential for determining the potential impacts of transportation projects on cultural resources and for collaborating with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and Tribes. Depending on your interests, this internship may also offer opportunities for additional duties, such as record management, drafting compliance letters, and preparing public outreach materials for events like the archaeology roadshow. 

Working conditions: 

Work outdoors, in all weather conditions, 40% or more of the time – field work involves hiking several miles a day in variable terrain and weather conditions. 

Lift and carry material or equipment that weighs up to 40 pounds. 

This position will be in office and in the field with an option to work remotely once a week.