Maritime Archaeologist Fellow - LTE

State of Wisconsin; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 37,000; Part time

Job summary

The Wisconsin Historical Society’s Maritime Archaeology Program and the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute invite applications for a bachelor-level Maritime Archaeologist fellowship. The role involves research, potential underwater fieldwork, and producing historical analyses on fireboats in the Great Lakes, supported by a two-year grant.

You’ll work with staff archaeologists and volunteers, contributing to interpretive materials and public programming.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or related field with maritime archaeological field experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to research and report on complex issues.
• Experience conducting historical research on maritime topics.
• Experience preparing written material based on archival and archaeological investigations.
• Experience developing interpretive materials for websites and public programming.
• Experience working with the public.
• Ability to work independently, set priorities, exercise independent judgment, and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of general maritime history, nautical terminology, and shipbuilding techniques.
• Familiarity with the National Register of Historic Places program and structure of National Register nominations.
• Knowledge of federal and state historic preservation laws relating to maritime archaeological resources.
• Effective interpersonal and organizational skills
• Ability to travel, including some overnights and weekends.
• Possession of a valid U.S. Driver’s License.
• Ability to operate project vehicles, such as pickup trucks and vans.

Responsibilities

• Conduct historical research and write reports based on archaeological and historical research.
• Develop interpretive materials and prepare materials for public outreach and PK12 programming.
• Publish materials for the program’s websites and exhibits; deliver lectures, presentations, and workshops.
• Carry out field tasks, notes, and maps; assist with field projects and equipment maintenance.
• Respond to information requests about maritime archaeology from professionals and the public.
• Publicize Wisconsin’s coastal heritage through materials and signage.
• Travel for fieldwork, presentations, and meetings, including weekends and some evenings.
• Collaborate with staff and volunteers to complete grant-related projects.

Skills

Excellent written and oral comm.

Research & reporting

Historical maritime research

Archival investigations writings

Interpretive materials for websites &

Public engagement

Independent work & deadlines

Maritime history knowledge

NRHP/NHPA knowledge

Interpersonal & organizational skills

Travel, overnights & weekends

Valid U.S. Driver’s License

Operate project vehicles

Education

Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or related field with maritime archaeological field experience

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

Adobe Creative Cloud

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Wisconsin Historical Society , considered one of the nation's finest historical institutions, is a State of Wisconsin government agency as well as a mission-driven entrepreneurial organization. The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS), founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving, and sharing stories. At its core, WHS believes that increasing the public's knowledge of history has profound societal, cultural, and economic benefit. Its library, archives and collections, historic sites and museums, historic preservation office, and extensive educational programs and community outreach are focused on our vision to enrich and transform lives through unparalleled access to history. Click here for more information about WHS’ mission, vision, and core values.

Position Summary

The Wisconsin Historical Society’s Maritime Archaeology Program and the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute are seeking a bachelors-level Maritime Archaeologist to fill a fellowship position. This position works under staff maritime archaeologists and the State Archaeologist in the State Historic Preservation Office to preserve the maritime archaeological legacy of Wisconsin.

The archeologist will work on specific grant-related projects, conducting research and analysis and potentially underwater archaeological fieldwork. The fellowship is part of a two-year grant funded by the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute to research and complete a historic context on fireboats in the Great Lakes and study two known fireboat wrecks off Milwaukee, providing analysis of their construction, use, and ties to Wisconsin’s broader maritime cultural past. They will be assigned tasks by the current archaeological staff and will carry them out with the assistance of volunteers and/or other archaeologists. The ideal candidate will have proven writing experience, knowledge of underwater archaeological diving operations, and experience in the use of manual underwater mapping equipment. The applicant is responsible for daily completion of field tasks, project notes and maps, and for basic maintenance of project equipment.

The archaeologist will conduct historical research, write reports based upon archaeological and historical research, and complete other project-related tasks and duties as assigned. The archaeologist will also develop interpretive materials and prepare materials for the program’s websites, public outreach efforts, and PK12 programming. Both diving and non-diving applicants are encouraged to apply.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Complete a Historic Context on fireboats in the Great Lakes and beyond with the assistance of staff maritime archaeologists.
• Collect archaeological reports and maritime literature on fireboats and fireboat wreck sites throughout the Great Lakes and analyze site notes, drawings, photographs, and historical information for additional interpretation.
• Write description of the development and use of fireboats throughout the Great Lakes region and place them within a larger historical and cultural context.
• Compile and sort through historical information pertinent to current grant projects, and synthesize field notes to complete detailed site descriptions.
• Assist with preparations and field work for field projects.
• Analyze and synthesize field drawings and field notes after field projects are complete.
• Respond to written, electronic, and verbal requests for information about archaeological sites from professionals, avocationals, and other members of the public regarding the maritime archaeology of Wisconsin.
• Explore various means of publicizing Wisconsin’s coastal heritage, including creating and updating materials for PK12 educational programming, interactive kiosks, Wisconsinshipwrecks.org, Wisconsin Maritime Trails signage, History Center exhibits, etc.
• Provide lectures, presentations, and workshops on Wisconsin’s maritime archeology as requested.

Note:

This position may require significant travel for fieldwork, presentations, and meetings. These activities usually include some weekend and evening hours.

Salary Information

Pay range is $25.00 - $27.00 per hour with a weekend differential of 80 cents per hour. This classification is in schedule and class 13-04.

Please note this is a Limited Term Employment position so it does not include paid time off or benefits upon hire.

A criminal background check will be conducted by WHS prior to an offer of employment to determine if the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job.

This is a Limited Term Employment (LTE) position and limited to 1,039 hours. This position will be part time and average 40 hours per week.

Wisconsin residency is required for Limited Term Employment positions.

Limited Term Employment (LTE) positions are not civil service classified positions, do not give any rights to permanent civil service classified positions and do not lead to permanent status.

WHS does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.

Certain positions within WHS may allow remote/work from home flexibility for a portion of their work schedule, depending on the needs of the position and the work unit. This topic and any remote work flexibility that may be available will be discussed in more detail in the interview process.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or related field with maritime archaeological field experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to research and report on complex issues.
• Experience conducting historical research on maritime topics.
• Experience preparing written material based on archival and archaeological investigations.
• Experience developing interpretive materials for websites and public programming.
• Experience working with the public.
• Ability to work independently, set priorities, exercise independent judgment, and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of general maritime history, nautical terminology, and shipbuilding techniques.
• Familiarity with the National Register of Historic Places program and structure of National Register nominations.
• Knowledge of federal and state historic preservation laws relating to maritime archaeological resources.
• Effective interpersonal and organizational skills
• Ability to use computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud suite, ArcGIS Pro, etc.
• Ability to travel, including some overnights and weekends.
• Possession of a valid U.S. Driver’s License.
• Ability to operate project vehicles, such as pickup trucks and vans.

We are an Equal Opportunity and Affi.

Applications are due at 11:59PM on Sunday, September 27, 2026.