Researcher I

University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 47,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee seeks a Researcher I to oversee field and laboratory cultural resource projects, including phase I surveys, site evaluations, and data recovery, on campus and in the field across Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest.

The role involves fieldwork up to 50% of the time, supervising staff, preparing reports, and coordinating with sponsors. A Master’s in Anthropology/Archaeology and GIS/total station skills are required.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Anthropology/Archaeology required.
• Meets Secretary of Interior's Professional Standards for Archaeology or History and Architecture History.
• Experience with GIS and total station mapping.
• Ability to conduct field surveys and data recovery.
• Strong report writing and technical documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Phase I reconnaissance surveys and evaluate NRHP-listed sites.
• Lead field operations, supervise crews, and manage safety.
• Maintain field equipment and prepare progress reports.
• Prepare project summaries and communicate with PIs.
• Coordinate with sponsors and manage project resources.
• Laboratory work including artifact analysis and documentation.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Technical writing

Report preparation

Fieldwork coordination

Archaeology knowledge

Education

Master of Arts or Science in Anthropology/Archaeology

Tools

ESRI GIS

Total Station Mapping

Job description

Researcher I

Milwaukee, WI

Full Time

JR10013616

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Position Title:

Researcher I

Job Category:

Academic Staff

Employment Type:

Terminal (Fixed Term)

Job Profile:

Researcher I

Job Duties:

School/College/Division Description:

Humanity's story is written in bones, landscapes, languages, and living traditions. Our programs explore what it means to be human across time and place, from the deep past to the complexities of today's world. Students learn to ask big questions, work with diverse kinds of evidence, and engage thoughtfully with cultures, communities, and environments.

Through hands-on research, close faculty mentorship, and a commitment to ethical, inclusive inquiry, our programs prepare students to understand human diversity and change in all its forms. Graduates leave with critical thinking skills, global perspective, and real-world experience that translate to careers in research, education, public service, cultural resource management, health, and beyond.

Key Job Responsibilities:

The Researcher I is 100% on campus (and in the field) position and responsible for oversight of specific research and service based cultural resource projects performed in the field and laboratory. The position will conduct cultural resource field operations and ensure that work is carried out in a safe and timely manner. The Researcher I will maintain field equipment and supplies as needed. Day-to-day tasks may include conducting phase I reconnaissance surveys, evaluating archaeological sites for listing on the NRHP, leading site investigations/data recovery, monitoring heavy‑machinery excavations, total station mapping, supervising crew excavations, training new crew, proofing project documentation, excavation plan and profile drawings, and maps, taking photographs, supervising and participating in activities related to Wis. Stat. §157.70, and providing weekly reports and comprehensive and concise project summaries to the UWM-CRM Principal Investigators and other senior staff. The Researcher I position includes both field and laboratory responsibilities and can expect to be in the field (including overnights) up to roughly 50% of the time. Other laboratory work may include conducting background, archival and literature research, material culture analyses, recordkeeping, report writing and proofing, and creating report illustrations and maps.

The Researcher I will be based in the UWM-CRM offices on UWM's campus. However, the work requires travel throughout Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest to direct and/or monitor on‑going UWM-CRM projects and produce progress reports for UWM-CRM staff and clients. Fieldwork may be conducted in remote locations under stressful conditions and requires moderate physical fitness.

Fieldwork (35%) - Conduct field investigations that include but not limited to: Monitoring, Phase I Survey, Phase II Site Evaluation, Data Recovery and Cultural Resource Evaluation.

Laboratory work (25%) - Literature and Background Research, Determination of Eligibility Document Preparation, Determination of No Adverse Effect Documentation, Property Deed Research, and Documentation for Consultation of Adverse Effects.

Report Preparation and Writing (20%) - Complete letter reports, technical memos and reports of investigations for completed projects.

Project Coordination and Sponsor Consultation (10%) - Work with sponsors and project managers to determine staffing levels and program coordination efforts.

Program Organization Management (10%) - Assist senior staff with managing the CRM program resources and personnel.

Compensation:

$47,000- $52,000 (Final salary offer will be determined based on qualifications and experience)

Required Qualifications:

• 1-2 years supervisory experience leading cultural resource management field projects/
• Completed Master of Arts or Science degree in Anthropology/Archaeology or similar.
• Meets Secretary of Interior's Professional Standards for Archaeology or History and Architecture History.
• Possess expertise in archaeological material culture analysis.
• Meets qualifications for listing on the Wisconsin Historical Society's list of Qualified to Excavate Human Remains.
• Experience and proficiency in technical writing and report preparation.
• Knowledge of Midwestern/Great Lakes prehistoric or historic archaeology or historic architecture.
• Experience with GIS and total station mapping.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three years of supervisory experience in leading cultural resource management field projects.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and ESRI GIS software.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulatory laws and process (Wisconsin preferred).
• Qualified to excavate human remains in Wisconsin.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to travel and spend multiple days in the field with overnights
• Must have a valid driver's license
• Must be able to work in varying temperatures and weather conditions
• Ability to perform strenuous work lifting, stooping, bending over with moderate exertion.