Field Archaeologists Wanted for Phase III Data Recovery Excavations in Des Moines, Iowa

(Precontact through Historic Components)

April 17 – August 4, 2023

Type of Employment: Full-Time Hourly, Seasonal

Hourly Rates: $20.00-$22.00/hour

Meals Per Diem for Non-Local Staff: $288.00 per week

We will cover lodging expenses; extended stay included if needed

Work Hours: Monday – Friday, 10-Hour Days 

Non-salaried staff will receive overtime pay (time and a half) for all hours worked over 40 hours per week

Background Information

Wapsi Valley Archaeology, Inc. of Anamosa, Iowa, is accepting applications for Field Archaeologists to join our team to complete extensive data recovery excavations in Des Moines, Iowa. This is a site of major importance that contains late precontact (Oneota) and pre-settlement and early settlement historic components.

The project will run this spring and summer for approximately 16 weeks beginning April 17, 2023. Some staff members may be retained to assist with laboratory work or other field projects beyond the duration of the excavations.


Candidate Requirements

  • B.A. or B.S. in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a closely related field, or equivalent experience.  
  • Completion of archaeological field school or equivalent archaeological excavation experience required at minimum. Additional field experience desirable.
  • Experience with both precontact and historic archaeological excavations and artifact assemblages a plus
  • We are looking for motivated staff who love archaeology, want to learn, and have a strong work ethic and a willingness to work in varying field conditions. 


About Wapsi Valley Archaeology, Inc.

Wapsi Valley Archaeology, Inc. is a full-service cultural resource services firm based in historic downtown Anamosa, Iowa. We offer the full range of services and professional assistance for all phases of archaeological and historical investigations. Our study range covers portions of the Upper Midwest including Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. Our goal is to provide excellence in services to our clients. For more information about us, visit our website at http://wapsivalleyarch.com.

Wapsi Valley Archaeology, Inc. does not discriminate on the grounds of race, religion, age, creed, physical or mental disability, color, sex, actual or perceived gender orientation/identity, ethnicity, national origin, familial status, or protected veteran status in its employment practices, in the selection and retention of subconsultants, and in its procurement of materials and leases. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, actual or perceived gender orientation, age, creed, physical or mental disability, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, familial status, or protected veteran status, or otherwise as required by law.

How to Apply

Please send your resume/CV, a list of three references, and the dates you are available to: Employment@wapsivalleyarch.com. Call Michael Finn at (319) 462-4760 if you have questions or would like more information about the project.


Copyright Wapsi Valley Archaeology, Inc., Anamosa, Iowa 2023