Forest Archaeology Individual Placements

Description

Title : Forest Archaeology Individual Placements

Positions : 10

Location : Based out of Roanoke, VA

Dates of Service : Feb. 23rd, 2026 for a 50-week term

Pay : $760 / week paid biweekly ($480 / week living stipend + $280 additional member benefit)

Status : This is a full-time, temporary 1700-hour AmeriCorps National Service position.

Questions? Contact ACCrecruiting@conservationlegacy.org

Appalachian Conservation Corps :

Our Individual Placement program works to connect young people to conservation service work across Appalachia and neighboring communities in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, DC, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. ACC is a program of Conservation Legacy, a nationwide network of conservation organizations.

Individual Placements gain hands-on experience at their placement site, and ACC supports them through their term, as well as provides a variety of benefits to help them succeed in achieving their career goals. ACC welcomes national applicants, but also emphasizes the engagement of local individuals who represent the communities in which they serve.

Position Summary :

The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests include eight Ranger Districts covering 34 counties in the mountains of Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky. The area covers nearly 1.8 million acres of public land, representing one of the largest blocks of public land in the eastern United States.

Appalachian Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Forest Service in Virginia are recruiting 3 teams of Forest Archaeology Individual Placements to work on projects in 2026.

During their terms, members will conduct archaeological monitoring, survey, excavation of archaeological resources, GIS recordation, as well as the recordation and reporting of archaeological sites and survey for the USFS to the Virginia State Historic Preservation Office and various Tribal Historic Preservation Offices. Fieldwork includes locating prehistoric and historic sites, recording archaeological and environmental data, maintaining essential field documentation, and reporting the information collected. Project work may vary but will include shovel testing, pedestrian survey, open excavations, back filling, artifact processing, GPS recordation of site locations, and ground delineation of sites for physical avoidance. Laboratory work includes production of field catalogs and inventories of archaeological data, washing and sorting artifacts, analyzing artifacts, and field data, producing maps and drawings, database entry, cataloging and entering site data into both NRM and VCRIS recordation systems .

In addition to archaeological work, projects may include some interdisciplinary work pertaining to natural resource management depending on the needs of the partnering agency. During their terms, Interns will receive training and certifications to be able to participate in various archaeological projects. This position is heavily field based and involves frequent travel to districts throughout the forest and daily physical activity.

Essential roles and responsibilities include :

Cultural Resource Survey with Archaeologist

• Complete background research for the project area, develop field maps, schedule, and prepare equipment
• Conduct pedestrian survey or other approved survey methods for the project area
• Record cultural resources in the field : write forms, take photos, record location
• Flag cultural resources for avoidance
• Download data at the office

Write Cultural Resource Documentation with Archaeologist

Housing is NOT provided for this position. We are seeking candidates who reside within the surrounding area.

Benefits :

General Qualifications :

To qualify, you must be between the ages of 18 and 30, and a US citizen that has received a high school diploma or GED. All offers of employment are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and federal criminal background check. Must be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award. In addition, applicants must :

Desired Skills / Qualifications :

How to Apply :

Please submit a resume that highlights any education, work or volunteer experience, skills and trainings that may apply to this position. In addition to your resume, you may submit a one-page cover letter highlighting why you are interested in this position and how your background and experience will help you succeed in this position. Applications are only accepted through our website, www.appalachiancc.org / individualplacements.

Our Promise :

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and / or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.