Archaeology Technician - job 2 of 6

As an Archaeology Technician at AECOM, your primary responsibilities will include performing archaeological fieldwork such as pedestrian walkovers, excavation of shovel test pits, and test units. You'll also be involved in laboratory tasks like processing, cataloging, and marking artifacts, along with filling out necessary documentation. Supporting your supervisors with various tasks, including data entry and project organization, will also be part of your role as you engage with both field and lab staff.

To apply for the Archaeology Technician position at AECOM, you need a Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related field, or equivalent experience. A valid U.S. driver's license is also required, and due to the nature of the work, U.S. citizenship is necessary. Preferred qualifications include familiarity with GIS, GPS, and other relevant software that enhances your archaeological research capabilities.

Working as an Archaeology Technician at AECOM means balancing field and lab environments. Expect to work outdoors in various terrains and weather conditions, which includes digging and moving materials. The role can be physically demanding, so you should be prepared for manual tasks and able to work on your feet for extended periods. In the lab, you’ll operate in a more controlled environment focusing on artifact analysis and documentation.

At AECOM, we believe in nurturing your career ambitions! As an Archaeology Technician, you'll have access to award-winning training and development programs that aim to enhance your technical skills and leadership capabilities. You'll work alongside experienced professionals who are eager to share their expertise, giving you an enriching growth experience that prepares you for future advancement.

Yes, the Archaeology Technician position at AECOM does require travel. You'll have the opportunity to participate in fieldwork at various sites, which can involve commuting to project locations. This aspect of the role allows you to experience different environments and contribute to diverse archaeological projects across regions.

In your response, highlight specific instances where you participated in fieldwork, detailing the techniques you utilized for excavation and documentation. Be sure to mention any notable projects, your role in them, and how you collaborated with team members on-site. This showcases your hands-on experience and teamwork skills.

An effective way to answer this is by discussing your familiarity with best practices for cataloging and managing artifacts. Explain the systems you use, how you maintain records during fieldwork, and the importance of accuracy in preserving historical data. Include any specific training you've received in artifact analysis.

Mention specific tools such as GIS, GPS, or any equipment relevant to archaeology that you’re proficient in. Elaborate on how you've utilized these technologies in previous roles or projects, emphasizing their importance in enhancing archaeological research and site documentation.

Reflect on a real-life scenario where you encountered a challenge during fieldwork, such as adverse weather conditions or unexpected findings. Explain the steps you took to address the situation, showing your ability to adapt and problem-solve effectively in demanding settings.

Safety should always be a priority in fieldwork. Discuss your understanding of safety protocols and best practices, including personal protective equipment (PPE) use, securing your work area, and how you communicate safety procedures to your team. This will demonstrate your awareness of the importance of maintaining a safe working environment.

Describe your experience with mapping techniques, including the software or tools you’ve used. Discuss how you apply these methods to document site boundaries, feature locations, and artifact distributions, and illustrate the impact of accurate mapping on the success of archaeological projects.

Use this question to connect your passion for archaeology with AECOM's mission. Discuss how you admire their commitment to infrastructure and cultural preservation, and how the opportunity to work on significant projects aligns with your career goals. This showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company.

Discuss your adaptability to different environmental factors while maintaining productivity and safety. Share strategies you use to stay comfortable and focused, such as dressing in layers for warmth, using proper gear, or staying hydrated, which reassures the interviewer of your resilience.

Explain the workflow you follow post-recovery, such as cleaning, cataloging, and analyzing artifacts. Emphasize the meticulousness of your processes to ensure that artifacts are accurately documented and preserved for further study, demonstrating your professionalism as an Archaeology Technician.

Share a specific example of a project where you collaborated with others. Talk about your role, how you communicated with your team, and what steps you took to ensure everyone was on the same page. This emphasizes your collaborative spirit and ability to work effectively in a team setting.